by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Also by this author: Waterfall, Bourne , Keturah
Last week, I had three very sick babies so I didn’t do my review of CASCADE. So, this week I’m going to do a two-part review on both CASCADE and TORRENT. Normally I wouldn’t do this and I’d give each book its moment, but I had planned on reviewing BOURNE this coming week. So…Without further ado…
What if you not only fell back through time…but fell in love, too?
Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century, and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, months have passed, and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence–while their enemies will go to great lengths to see them dead.
Even in the midst of the battles, Gabi is increasingly drawn to Marcello, just as Lia’s is to Luca. In medieval Italy, the sisters must discover things inside themselves that they couldn’t seem to find in the present–connection with their mom, courage within, and the understanding that a life well lived often means encountering sacrifice. But in a world long past, many things still keep Gabi from giving Marcello her heart forever…and one thing in particular calls all three of the Betarrinis home.
Would you sacrifice your future … for an uncertain past?
Gabriella and Evangelia Betarrini are just two normal American teenagers. Normal–except for the fact that they time travel to fourteenth-century Italy, where they’ve lived in castles, become swept up in historic battles, and fallen in love with handsome knights willing to do anything to keep them alive.
They’ve returned with their mother to the present to save their father before his tragic death, and now the family travels back to the place that holds the girls’ hearts: medieval Italy. But remaining there means facing great risk as the battle for territory wages on and the Black Plague looms. Will the Betarrinis truly be willing to risk it all? Or in facing death head-on, will they discover life as it was always meant to be lived?
Honestly, after reading WATERFALL, I didn’t think this series could get any better. As I said on my review for WATERFALL, I got it for free. Then, I finished it, immediately went and purchased CASCADE, finished that in about a day, and then waited for TORRENT. I was scheduled for an induction for my fourth baby when TORRENT finally got to me in the mail (no, I couldn’t wait for it to come out on Kindle). And, I thought, “Wow! I’ll have all the time in the world to read this while in the hospital!” And while I didn’t necessarily have the time that I thought I did, I still managed to finish it within a week.
CASCADE was brilliant. Simply put. I normally have some sort of issue with the main character of a story, but throughout this whole series, that never happened. I found myself rooting for Gabi and Lia. Crying with Gabi and Lia (I cried with Gabi A LOT in CASCADE).
In CASCADE, I honestly was surprised by some of the events that took place. I never expected for our heroine to be put in the situations that she found herself in. And because of that, I loved the book all the more! But, even while a “victim” Gabi still manages to show what she’s made of. Time and time again we see that this girl who was torn from a time so different than medieval Italy, seems to be MEANT to be here.
And, can I just say that I think CASCADE will forever hold a special place in my heart because we get introduced to Lord Greco? Seriously, I love him. And I love that Ms. Bergren has the ability to introduce us to someone almost halfway through the series and I can love him as much as all the others.
We get to know Gabi and Lia’s mother, too. And for a self-proclaimed Pacifist, I think Adri Bettarini is one tough lady!
As for TORRENT, I won’t give away any spoilers, but I’m just going to say that I am completely happy with the ending. I found myself wondering how in the world this story was going to play out.
We have Gabi, who so badly wanted to stay in 14th century Italy. We have Lia, who is still wavering back and forth. Then we have Gabi’s mom and dad. Yes!!! Gabi’s dad. Another gem in this series. Gabi’s parents want their children safe, and understandably so. How can they be safe here, in this time where Gabi and Lia are both wanted by all of Firenze?! How can this story POSSIBLY have a happy ending?!
I honestly fell in love with the whole Bettarini family. I think they are all strong, courageous characters with integity. They manage to hold their own, while holding on to their morals and sense of what’s right.
Gabi had an internal battle going on and I LOVE how real that makes her. How human.
Do I think you should read these books? Yes. Will I read these books again? Uh, yes. Would I recommend this book to the impressionable teens that I have the honor of working with? You bet. I already have. 🙂
Next week, check back here for my Favorite Friday review of Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck.
About Lisa Tawn Bergren
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who just got back from Europe) and Jack (who is about to start high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
I loved the River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren also. It's one of my favorite series 🙂
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