Review of "Bourne" by Lisa T. Bergren

Rating: 5 Stars

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Review: Lisa T. Bergren's novella, Bourne, is like a delicious mini dessert. It is a tantalizing continuation of Torrent, just the right size to satisfy your appetite but leaving you anxious for your next chance to indulge. Following the pattern of the first three novels, Bourne continues seamlessly where the last novel ended.  Although this is a novella, the action, romance, and details are not lacking.  As always, there is looming mortal danger for the characters and the acts committed by the enemies are more brutal. 

Bourne allows us to experience the story from the perspectives of both Gabi and Lia, which is a refreshing change. Gabi is in many ways the quintessential newlywed, focused on her husband, and Lia's perspective provides a welcome balance. Lia has been present throughout all three River of Time novels, showing bravery and strength, but the only knowledge we've had of her thoughts and emotions have been thorough Gabi.  Lia's friendship with Luca adds some light and humor to the tense situations that permeate the Betarrini sisters' medieval life.

Each addition to the River of Time series leaves me thirsty for more. Although each novel concludes, there is so much potential for more action and adventure.  I find myself wanting to hear more of Lia, Luca, and the complicated Lord Greco. 

Click the links below to read our reviews:

Waterfall

Cascade and Torrent

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Lisa T. Bergren . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Review of Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Rating: 5 Stars

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Synopsis from cbd.com:  Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one...and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know...and love itself. Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved…

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds… until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

And thus does she come to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

You can read an excerpt at www.cbd.com

Review: My sister raved about Waterfall after she read it a few weeks ago.  The question was, would I love it too? The outcome...We are both anxious to read the next two novels in the River of Time series.  Although Waterfall, is classified as a young adult novel, it can easily be enjoyed by adults. Its fantasy aspect brings to mind the Twilight series, which of course is popular among many age groups, but I found Waterfall to be more exciting and with more likable characters.


Waterfall is set during the Middle Ages in Italy, and is complete with knights, dungeons, sword fights, damsels in distress, castles, and villains.  I am usually not a fan of novels set in the Middle Ages, but this was an exception.  Bergren balanced the medieval qualities with Gabi's modern day perspective.  As a result, the reader gets the "best of both worlds."  The plot is full of adventure, breath-holding close calls, and perilous situations.  These elements are tempered by the budding romance between Gabi and Marcello, as well as Gabi's growing faith and her struggle with reconciling her medieval life with her life in the present day.  

The time travel fantasy is one not often approached in Christian fiction, but it offers a welcome escape from the real world while conveying meaningful lessons.  I have no idea how the River of Time series will end.  Will Gabi and Lia choose to live in the present or past?  Where will their time travel take them and what new dangers will they face? A journey down the River of Time is one adventure that readers will not soon forget.