Glittering Promises By Lisa T. Bergren Book Review

// Glittering Promises //

 

The Grand Tour Series // Book #3

 

By Lisa T. Bergren

 

{Review By Bethany}

 

Title: Glittering Promises
Series: The Grand Tour Series, Book #3 {Final book}

Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Source: Litfuse Publicity Group Review Copy from the Publisher
Number of Pages: 464
ISBN: 1434764281
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: October 1st, 2013
Bethany's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
 

// Book Synopsis //

"Lisa T. Bergren’s popular Grand Tour series concludes as Cora Kensington journeys farther into Italy, wrestles with a terrible ultimatum from her father, and comes to terms with the Father who will never fail her.

America’s newest heiress must decide if her potential fortune is rationale enough to give up her freedom and all that God is leading her toward. And when her newly-discovered siblings are threatened with ruin, her quandary deepens. Then as Cora nears Rome, more journalists are track the news story of the decade—“Copper Cora,” the rags-to-riches girl—and want to know more about her family and the men vying for her attention. Meanwhile, a charming Italian countess decides that if Cora isn’t going to claim Will’s heart, she might just try..."

// Bethany's Book Review //

 

What a splendid completion of The Grand Tour Series! I was absolutely swept away in the story, and found it to be an even better completion to the series than I'd first anticipated, leaving me in delighted awe once I finished the story! For sure Glittering Promises is my favorite book out of all the novels in The Grand Tour series, and I just loved the way the tour ended as well as how Cora came to "find" herself in Christ after struggling with her identity in the previous books.

 

I just loved how this book was so developed. The story line as well as characters were described in such vivid details that I felt as if I were there with the group touring Rome, Pompeii, etc. I also loved how the character development was written in the whole series, and particularly the final book, as I felt like in the first book Glamorous Illusions Cora was at a loss as to knowing who she truly was, both as a person and as a child of God. By the time I'd closed Glittering Promises I felt like Cora had came to terms with realizing who she was as an individual, and how treasured she was as a daughter of the King of kings, and it made the story all the more enjoyable for me.

 

Another delight for me was seeing the progress between the two men desiring Cora's heart - Will and Pierre. As I read, I felt just as torn between picking a side as Cora was! It was so interesting though to see how things worked out, and really taught a valuable lesson, while also adding to the delight of the end of the story, making it all the more sweet.

 

Another thing I found enjoyable in this read is how Cora came to find herself in Christ. I loved how even though Cora was going through a difficult time, she set her foundations on Christ, making everything around her less shaky. I was very interesting in seeing if her Christianity would be further developed before the series ended after reading the first two books, and think Lisa really accomplished that.

 

For sure this was my favorite book in the series, and like I said earlier, a wonderful completion to the series! While it was a rather long book at over 400 pages long, I didn't really notice as the pages just flew by. There was plenty of mystery and danger in the book, keeping things rolling at a fast pace, and along with seeing old characters once again, as well as the history bits that were also in the story, I just found it to be a delightful read! I would highly recommend this book to any history lovers, or to Lisa Bergren fans, as this is a must read for historical fiction fans and the ultimate Grand Tour of Europe with a wonderful story line to go along with it! However, I will say that if you've not read the first two books in the series, Glamorous Illusions or Grave Consequences, then it's a very much a big "must" as without previously reading those two, this book won't make any sense!

 

N O T E :: I'd like to sincerely thank Litfuse Publicity Group, David C. Cook Publishers as well as Lisa Bergren for the opportunity to receive a complementary copy of Glittering Promises to read and review. I was not paid to read this book or write this review, and was not required to give a good review if I honestly didn't like the book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own; completely honest and unbiased.
 

Enter Today | 10/10 - 10/29!

Return To Me By Lynn Austin Book Review

 // Return To Me //

 

The Restoration Chronicles Book #1

 

By Lynn Austin

 

{Review By Bethany}

Title: Return To Me
Series: The Restoration Chronicles // Book 1

Author: Lynn Austin
Source: Bethany House Book Review Program
Number of Pages: 459
ISBN: 0764208985
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: October 1st, 2013
Bethany's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
 

// Book Synopsis //

"After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo's prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God's chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain.

Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers.

Bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, "Return to Me" tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home."

// Bethany's Book Review //

 

Return to Me is an epic novel based on the Old Testament in the Holy Bible, which is the first in the well anticipated Restoration Chronicles series from author Lynn Austin!

 

This is the second book I've read by Lynn Austin, and I was very pleased with it! I was very intrigued when I first heard about this book, since there aren't a lot of biblical fiction novels out there; so I was very eager to read it. Turns out, Austin doesn't disappoint, and gives a wonderfully written epic novel that is very close to the original stories found in the Old Testament. This was very important for me, as I want it to be as close to the original as possible; and I think that Lynn Austin did a excellent job with this novel. Now I'm very eager to read the second book in the series!

 

While this book was rather long (around 450 pages), it covered about 20 years of the characters lives, and had excellent character development. I personally loved getting to view well known Bible stories in a new light, as you get to see other issues and things going on at that time to compare against the story, which really helped me see the story of the early Christians' while in captivity and after being released to re-build the Temple; in a different light. This book did a wonderful job of reminding me how even though the Old Testament can seem boring and irrelevant at times, how it really contains such important stories of those who lives long ago-stories we will do well not to forget. For history that is forgotten is sure to repeat itself.  I would highly encourage anyone who is having a "dry" time in the Old Testament, to read this book as it is definitely refreshing "water" to a quenched soul. I was actually reading from Isaiah for my daily devotions for the Bible in A Year program during the time I was reading this book; and it was very helpful to be reading Return to Me at the same time, as things such as the Israelites customs, sacrificial schedule, way of living, etc. all the sudden influences how I read from Isaiah. It helped me to understand Isaiah better since I was able to see the background and the bigger picture, as well as contributed to a overall better time reading from my Bible as it didn't seem as dry having read a fictionalized story based from that time.

 

I really enjoyed meeting the characters, Iddo, and his family and friends, in this story and following their journey from being captives in Babylon to being freed and re-building King Solomon's Temple-which is a task that is far easier said than done. Throw in some antsy pagan neighbors trying to influence you for bad and even kill you, and a difficulty getting permission from the King to rebuild, and add that to everyday life in the village and you've got yourself a very interesting novel.

 

I liked how Lynn wrote this book to give the perspective from each of the characters, and how she would usually switch out perspectives each chapter, with the chapter coming from the view of a different person each time-giving you a very well-rounded idea of the characters and their most secret thoughts that would otherwise be unknown. I loved getting to see how the characters changed over the years and grew closer to Christ though struggles, and it really encouraged me.

 

Overall, I loved this refreshing novel from Lynn Austin, and can't wait for book two and book three in the series, to continue the journey! I would highly recommend this book to Austin fans or fans of biblical fiction, as it is a epic read that is both refreshing and enriching!

 

N O T E :: I received a free copy of Return to Me from the publisher, to read and review. I was not required to give a good review, if I didn't like the book, and was not paid in any way for reading and reviewing this book. All thoughts expressed in my review are completely honest and unbiased.

Home To Heather Creek Series By Kathleen Bauer Blog Tour

/ / Home To  Heather Creek, By Kathleen Bauer / /

{Before The Dawn, Book 1}

{Reviews By Madi}

Title: Before The Dawn

Author: Kathleen Bauer

Source: Review Book From Litfuse

Number Of Pages: 280

ISBN: 978-0-8249-3424-8

Publisher: Guidepost

Publication Date: 2012

Madi's Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

/ / Book Description / /

Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down by the death of her daughter Denise. Denise ran away from home as a teenager, and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's three children are coming to live on Heather Creek Farm: Sam, fiercely protective of his younger siblings; Emily, desperately missing her friends; and young Christopher, a sweet soul who wants to fit in. Is this Charlotte's  chance to make things right?

While Charlotte helps the grandchildren she barely knows adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own greif and insecurity. What if she makes the same mistakes this time around?

But small joys remind Charlotte that God gives grace freely, even in trying times. The miracles of new life, along with God's healing touch, remind all of them that it's always darkest before the dawn.

 

/ / Madi's Book Review / /

  When Charlotte Stevenson's daughter Denise passes away unexpectedly, she brings her three grandchildren to live with her and her husband, Bob, at Heather Creek Farm. She made a few mistakes when she was raising her own three children, and she doesn't want a repeat with her grandchildren. She tries a few new parenting tactics, but Bob is old and set in his ways. He figures that if it was good enough for his kids than it's good enough for his grandkids. Charlotte struggles with getting these kids back on track, and insecurities in her abilities reach a breaking point. Are her peers right? Is she too old for this after all?

 

Sam is an impressionable sixteen-year-old boy that loves skateboards and city streets. He is extremely protective of his little siblings, and he thinks he has to be the strong one. He never gives himself time to grieve his mother's death, and when anyone brings her up he just gets mad. His only goal is to find his long lost father and get the heck off of this farm.

 

Emily is fourteen, and just like all fourteen-year-old girls, she's more worried about friends than just about everything else. She feels like life just isn't fair. Her mother died, she gets moved away from all of her friends, she has her phone taken away, she can't talk to her younger brother about missing her mom because she has to be strong for him, and she can't talk about her with her older brother because he just gets angry with her. She just wants things to go back to the way they were before the accident that so drastically changed her life.

 

Christopher is a sweet little ten-year-old boy with a love for both animals and people. He's very easy to please, and he rarely ask for anything. He's quiet, and likes to spend most of his extra time in the barn tending to the new litter of kittens.

 

This patched together family has to do their best to live in love and faith, and to make the best of their new lifestyles. There are always bumps in the road, but with God's help anything is possible.

 

~

 

This book was a little slow at first, but it picked up pretty quickly. It was by no means a suspenseful/page turner, but I still enjoyed it. The value of this book lay in the moral that it shares, and not necessarily it's entertainment value. I loved how God was incorporated into it's pages, and the fact that the story is set in small town USA gives it a few extra brownie points. ;) .

 I would recommend this book to someone looking for a shorter book to read over the weekend.

 

/ / Favorite Quotes From This Book / /

 

"Life is pain, princess. Anyone who says differently is selling you something."

 

"Brother and sister had their disagreements, but it hadn't taken long for Charlotte to realize that when outside forces intervened, they circled the wagons and protected each other."

 

{Sweet September, Book 2}

 

 

 

Title: Sweet September

Author: Kathleen Bauer

Source: Review Book From Litfuse

Number Of Pages: 246

ISBN: 978-0-8249-3425-5

Publisher: Guidepost

Publication Date: 2013

Madi's Rating: 4.5 Out Of 5 Stars

 

 

/ / Book Description / /

 

Harvest at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time; the earth burst with life, providing sustenance for the coming winter. However, the Slater children don't seem to be getting into the spirit: Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Charlotte is determined not to make the same mistakes she did with her own kids, but how can she get her grandchildren back on track?

Then the vegetable garden by the  house is uprooted one night. Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth, and as they all pull together to find answers, they learn more about one another and the love that binds them. As this cobbled-together family adjusts to their new life, they find hope for their future in the lessons of their past.

 

 

/ / Madi's Book Review / /

 

 This book was so sweet! The first book was basically just an introduction to the characters and Heather Creek Farm, where as this one had a more interesting story. Burglars in the night, school problems, new friends, faith, family and love. This one has it all. And the characters were so much more lovable this time around! They were pretty used to their new way of life, and it was a lot easier to see their personalities in a new light. I loved Christopher's adventurous spirit, Emily's easy to relate to personality, Sam and Pete's good work ethic, and Charlotte's caring and generous heart. But I would have to say that if I had to pick a favorite character, I would choose Grandpa (Bob). He reminds me so much of my own Paw-Paw. He's been a hard worker his entire life, but now that he's getting older he can't do as much. He's having a hard time letting his son take over some of the more important responsibilities that comes with running a farm. The only good thing that comes out of his lack of farming work is that he gets to spend more time with his grandkids. Though he has a tough exterior, he's just a big teddy bear. If he was real, I would definitely give him a huge hug.

 

It's harvest season, and at Heather Creek that means barrels and barrels of work. Harvesting, canning, cleaning, the chore list is never ending. Even though it is a time of hard, back breaking work, it's also a time to reflect on the past year and be grateful for such a bountiful harvest. At least it is for Charlotte, Bob and Pete. The kids aren't feeling it though. You have to realize, these kids grew up in the city. Like, BIG city, lots of cars, a mall on every corner. They aren't used to having to work for their keep, but they learn pretty quickly that farm life isn't for the weak.

 

My favorite thing about this book was the message that it sent to me as a reader. Compassion. This book is full of it. I loved the historical aspect that was provided on this family's lineage, and how it helped along the story. I loved how these people who weren't exactly rich financially but were rich in love would do anything for anyone in need. I wish more books would include things like that. I can't recommend this series enough. It may not be considered fast paste, but you will still love it. I did.

 

 

 ~Madi For The Literary Maidens 

 

 Note: I was provided a free copy of each of these books by the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my thoughts. I was not required to give this book a good rating, and all thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own and totally unbiased.