Cascade by Lisa T Bergren with North American giveaway

Synopsis:~

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. "Where did you get these clothes?"

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, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

My take:~ 

Lisa T Bergren's stunning River of Time series continues with Cascade as Gabi and Lia face further danger and betrayal as they return to medieval Italy and their fearless knights, Marcello and Luca, who just may be laying claim to their hearts.  The strength of Lisa's storytelling is in the intensity she generates in action scenes as Gabi confronts peril and pain, in the burgeoning romance as Marcello stakes his claim and in the conflict that battles in Gabi's soul as she faces a decision that may alter the future of her family forever.  The feisty Bettatini sisters, their intelligent mother, the charming Forelli men and even the villainous yet magnetic Lord Greco, are mesmerising characters who will enthrall you.  Be prepared to engage your senses, experience every emotion, feel each caress and ponder what might you might choose when faced with the man of your dreams in a century rife with civil war, the Black plague and only weekly baths!  Cascade is in equal parts, adventurous, witty, captivating, romantic and energising ~ I loved it and am praying Torrent won't be the last instalment!

EJ's take:~

Time travel.  Friendship.  Battle.  Love.  Sacrifice.  History.  Danger.  Life.  Deception.  Risk.

Each of these strong elements are cleverly woven into the literary feast that is Cascade.  The second novel in Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series is an enthralling read.  Gabriella and Lia Bettarini's story continues as they return to the beloved city of Siena, in 14th Century Italy, this time with their mother beside them.  More importantly, the sisters return to Marcello and Luca Forelli, the two knights they left behind.  As the plot thickens, their uncertain future twists in so many ways.  This is a work of sheer brilliance and the author accurately captures the mindset of the seventeen year old Gabi.  Cascade is a tale suited to the young and old that can't be missed.


Guest reviewer:~ my teen daughter, EJ
With thanks to Wynn~Wynn Media & David C. Cook for my review copy

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character interviews with Lia, Gabi and Marcello
Review of Waterfall
Character spotlight on Gabi, Marcello, Luca & Lia
View the trailer for Cascade
Visit Lisa's author website and her travel website
Buy Lisa's books at Amazon or Koorong