Character Interview ~ Luca from Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series

Introducing Luca Forelli, cousin and closest friend of Lord Marcello Forelli, loyal, courageous, funny and completely devoted to Lia Bettarini :)

Luca

Rel:~ You have been family and best friend to Marcello your whole life ~ what do you admire most about him?

Luca:~ [shrugs with one shoulder] He is Lord Forelli. Lord Forelli. [pauses, as if that explains it all] Everything he does is for the good of his people. Are you going to ask me what I like least about him? [cocks brow, casually sits back]

Okay, what do you like least?

He didn’t heed my counsel. I told him to break his betrothal to Lady Romana long before he did.

Why didn’t he?

Honor. Loyalty.

Do you ever wonder that the dispute between Siena and Firenze is futile?

‘Tis life. If it wasn’t Siena and Firenze, it’d be Siena and Pienza, or Siena and Pisa, or Siena and Venezia. Territory is a commodity; men will forever fight for more of it.

What was it about Evangelia that first caught your eye?

She is like an angel who has just parted the clouds and descended—who could look away? Only a blind man.


Tell us what a typical day looks like for you, please (when you are not safeguarding Lia & Gabi!)

[peers at me oddly, as if everyone does what he does] I rise with the sun, pray in the chapel and break my fast. I confer with Marcello to find out what he has planned and my part in it, send a group of knights out on patrol, then oversee sparring exercises with the others. We typically spend several hours on that each morning. After our noon meal, I go with the second group of knights on patrol. We return, take our dinner with the rest of the castle in the Great Hall, then listen to a reading.

You know about the time tunnel where Lia and Gabi appeared from. Are you ever tempted to visit their century?

[shudders] Nay. That is a strange and fearsome magic. I prefer to keep to things I understand. And the sooner Evangelia stays on this side of the tunnel, the better I shall like it. I fear she shall go, and never return. Even she doesn’t understand it.


What do you most value in life?

Love. Laughter. People I love and laugh with.

What makes Gabi a good match for your friend, Marcello?

She is as stubborn as he. [laughs] Passionate, as well as beautiful.

What is your favourite activity to do when you aren’t fulfilling your duties as a knight and defender of Castello Forelli?

Aside from following Lady Evangelia about? [grins]

Yes, aside from that!

Ahh, then ‘twould be dancing with Lady Evangelia. Or serving as her escort on a ride about the Tuscan hills. Or watching her sketch. Or listening to her read…

What about when Lia is gone?

Ahh, in such dark days, the only thing that lifts my spirits is beating Lord Marcello at any game I can.

Thanks for talking with me, Luca ~ hope we get to read more stories of your adventures one day!

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character interviews with Lia, Gabi and Marcello 
Reviews of Waterfall & Cascade
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

Character Interview ~ Marshall Vaughan from Ronie Kendig's Wolfsbane

Introducing Marshall Vaughan, former Ranger and funny guy, whose intelligence and perceptiveness are often underestimated.  An integral part of the team since Nightshade, there is more to him than first impressions might lead you to believe.  

Be sure to pick up every book in this magnificent series and enjoy getting to know "The Kid"!

Marshall "The Kid" Vaughan

What drew you to the Army, and particularly the Army Rangers?

When you read stories of bravery and valor, it was the men on the ground who got the job done. Facing your enemy, winning or overcoming—that’s true grit, ya know? And I think it’s also the farthest from what my father thought I should do.

Each of the team brings a particular talent to the team – what’s yours? 

 

I know I get written off a lot, and part of that is my fault, but things get tense, ya know? And I think one skill I have is helping people come down off the ledge. Don’t get me wrong—I can hold my own with the best of them, but after the fight is over...adrenaline and attitudes are high. And, as Legend says, I have a particular talent for letting my mouth get in the way of my brain. Can I help it if I’m honest to a fault?

Well, you tell Legend your honesty is one of the things we love about you!

What is the best thing about your job?

I get to kill the bad guys. No, seriously—it’s awesome. I don’t sit at home, griping about some lowlife. I get to get in there, get my hands dirty, and deliver us from some evil.

 

So, be honest, are you a glutton for punishment? Personally, I think you are hilarious but the guys don’t always think so! How far do you really think you can push Legend or Max? 

 

Legend is like running into a rubber wall. We bounce off each other. I think he’d like to pound me into the ground, and he’s tried a few times. Have I told you he put in the hospital once with a concussion? Didn’t let him live that one down for a long time. And Max—well, I’ve threatened to send him my plastic surgeon’s bill. I got a good looking mug, and if he messes that up... ::snicker:: Seriously, I don’t work on pushing them, but they get so wound up from combat and I try to let it roll off me, so it grates on them. I try not to. I really do. It just doesn’t work.

 

Favourite movie? Why? 

  

I love sci-fi movies like Star Trek, Battlestar Gallactica. There’s just something about being off, fighting for what you believe in, fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. Maybe with it being set in space, it’s palatable to those who can’t stomach war in real life.

 

You have made quite an impression on a few of my single friends! (Waving to you, Lydia & Renee!!) They’d love to know what qualities you look for in a date.

She’s gotta be pretty (hey, I’m just sayin’...), but more than that, she’s gotta have a big heart. I’ve been around some of the best looking women in the country, thanks to my dad’s career, but there’s nothing but plastic (in more ways than one) to them. Ya know? I want substance—in the heart—to my girl. I just had a first date with this one girl, and I’m not going to say too much, but she’s...well, let’s just say anyone who can put up with me deserves a second date and a whole lotta special treatment. 

I'm delighted to hear that, Marshall ~ she must be a pretty special girl :)

Who takes your teasing the best on the team? The worst?

Canyon is the easiest going of the team, I think. He just laughs me off, told me once I reminded him of when he was younger and better looking (okay, maybe he didn’t say that last part but I think that’s what he meant). Colton doesn’t really get riled up but he also doesn’t mind giving me a swirlee either. That guy’s got a playful side you wouldn’t believe. But obviously—do you seriously even have to ask?—Max doesn’t take much of anything from me. I don’t hold it against him, though. He’s really got it going on, ya know? A great wife and kids. He knows how to tackle missions. I wish I could be like that—get it figured, get the team behind it, then get it done. I’d follow him to Hell and back, ya know? 

Colton, Canyon and Max are keen to spend time with the women in their lives now ~ who do you hang out with when you are not on mission?

I try to visit my sister when I’m home; she’s had a rough time and even though she’s older than me, I’ve always felt the need to protect her. 

I hear Legend and Cowboy “persuaded” you to get a tatt – care to tell that story? And what did you end up with?

I’m sorry. Could you restate the question? 


Chicken!  I'll get it out of you one day ;-D  

Loved having you hang around here for a bit, Marshall.  Hope we can do it again sometime ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Wolfsbane, Digitalis and Nightshade
Meet the team: Max ~ Colton ~ Canyon ~ Griffin ~ Azzan ~ John
Meet the women: Sydney ~ Piper ~ Dani ~ Kazi
Character spotlights: Max & Syd ~ Colton & Piper 
Visit Ronie's website and blog
Visit Ronie's Discarded Heroes website
Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Interview ~ John Dighton from Ronie Kendig's Wolfsbane

Introducing John Dighton, Australian/American, devoted brother and loyal friend, understated and observant with a wicked sense of humour when you get to know him.

Like Azzan, John joins the Nightshade team in Digitalis and as the boys get to know him more in Wolfsbane, he becomes an integral member of the team.

John "Squirt" Dighton 

So what’s this I hear about you trying to hide your Aussie accent? What’s up with that? 

I work in a field where you do your best not to draw attention to yourself. Losing the accent is one way I blend in. Has nothing to do with loyalty or disloyalty. It’s about survival. 

What do you miss about living in Australia? 

Friends and the water. 

Think the boys could survive the Top End?
 
Yeah, they’re pretty tough. Might have to help the Kid, but that’s what a team is about, eh?

True, not sure I can see the Kid munching on a Witchetty Grub for a snack ;-D

How do you balance your love for the country you grew up in and the one you now love and serve?

I was born in the States and lived here till I was five, then moved to Oz, so I’ve actually spent more time in the States. All the same, I’m proud of my diverse heritage. I don’t get the bashing of one country over another. We’re all here to help each other, right? So what’s the point of wasting energy on saying one’s better than the other? I don’t feel my loyalties are divided in any way. I’d give my life for both countries. Perhaps it’s more about who I am than what country I’m serving. I’m a fighter, so being a soldier, whether one with the ANZAC spirit or American. 
 
 Now, you know as well as I do the Australian soldiers’ larrakin reputation, that goes back to the ANZACs of WW1. Did the SEALs beat it out of you?!! Tell us one thing you got away with during training? 

Beat it out of me? Not sure that’s possible, although getting through BUDs wasn’t exactly easy—and there’s no mucking around. They’re breathing down your neck, waiting for you to blunder. I’m not really into the competition between the two countries and forces. Having spent almost equal time between the two, I see the strengths and weaknesses of both. A SEAL is who I am and what I do. I take pride in that. 

Where is your favourite place in the US? 

Right where I am—seriously, I choose to be happy where I am. Dad lived up in Washington state before I headed to Michigan for boot camp, and I really loved it up there. Since he’s the only family I have outside of my sister, that’s my favourite place if you had to pin me down to one location.

I know you don’t have favourites but which of the team has made a impact in your life? 

I think each man has had an impact in a different way. And I’m not really one to pull the “favourites” thing—if you can tell from my earlier answers about countries-though, I’m very loyal to my team. These men are some of the best I’ve encountered, and though I’m a late add-in, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Since Max and I are both SEALs, there’s a natural blood there. He gets me. I get him. 

Have you taught the boys real footy? What about cricket? 

Shortly after I based here in Virginia, I joined a local cricket club. It’s a pretty solid team. I tried to get Midas to play—he’s too stuck in his ways with baseball. When I asked Legend about learning footy, he mumbled something about having assets to protect. 

What is the best thing about your job?

The adrenaline. There is nothing like going flat chat in a mission. I’ve felt since my dad brought me back to the States that I had a purpose to protect. It started with my kid sister, Narelle, and it mushroomed from there.
 
Any tatts? 

I have the SEAL insignia—the Trident—on my left shoulder, closest to my heart because I fought hard for that right, and the Southern Cross on my right shoulder blade.

Thanks for being a good bloke and sharing about your heritage :)  

You really must get the team Down Under for some relaxation between missions, John.  Aladdin and Midas can surf to their hearts' content, Max can ride the Great Ocean Road on a motorbike, Cowboy can check out some of the world's greatest horseflesh, the Kid will get a personal tour of wherever he wants to go and Legend can wrestle a croc, just for fun ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Wolfsbane, Digitalis and Nightshade
Meet the team: Max ~ Colton ~ Canyon ~ Griffin ~ Azzan
Meet the women: Sydney ~ Piper ~ Dani ~ Kazi
Character spotlights: Max & Syd ~ Colton & Piper 
Enter signed giveaway of Wolfsbane
Enter Ronie's fabulous launch promotion giveaway
Visit Ronie's website and blog
Visit Ronie's Discarded Heroes website
Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Spotlight ~ Robin Jones Gunn's Bryan Spencer & Carolyn

 Bryan & Carolyn

Prolific author, Robin Jones Gunn is back with a contemporary tale set in the Canary Islands.  Enjoy meeting her latest charaacters.  Over to you, Robin:~

Brief physical description

Bryan is a youthful, midlife single dad from southern California. His only son, Todd Spencer, will be familiar to Christy Miller readers, since Todd is THE Todd in the Christy Miller series and the College Years series.

Carolyn is a young widow who feels like she fades into the background with her medium height and light brown hair.

Actor/famous person

Bryan resembles Dennis Quaid

Carolyn resembles Natasha Richardson but with darker hair

Strengths and weaknesses

Bryan: adventuresome, tender heart  - weakness: avoids conflict

Carolyn: cares deeply for others, is creative  -  weakness: doesn't take care of herself

Your inspiration for the character

I’ve often heard writers talk about how they “hear” their characters’ voices as they’re writing. I know that’s true because that often happens when I’m working on a story.  Katie seems to have one of the loudest voices in my head, but then, that’s no surprise considering her larger than life personality.

With “Canary Island Song” something different happened. I “saw” a character suddenly show up at the end of a chapter. It was Bryan Spencer. There he was, at Abuela’s birthday party, sitting across from Carolyn as if he belonged there.  That’s when I realized he did.

Here’s the interesting part. I had already written the first draft of this book and the hero was a man named Gabriel who was from the Canary Islands. He was nice and interesting but didn’t bring a lot of WOW to the book. I received all the reviews from my editors and first-draft readers and went back to work.  When I got to the birthday party scene, I was rewriting the part where Carolyn looks up to see who was seated across the table from her and in my imagination I “saw” Bryan Spencer’s face and his steady, closed lip grin.  That’s when I knew Carolyn had been pursued by the wrong man in the first version of the book!  Gabriel needed to go find himself another woman. Carolyn and Bryan were perfect for each other.

I then went through and changed the whole book with Bryan as the hero. The story came alive. I couldn’t write fast enough. It was so fun to turn in the revision and hear the chorus of “YES!” from my editors and reader.  Ahhh, love between the right two people is always such a beautiful thing to watch.

Background to the story

When I visited the Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa a few years ago with my writer friend Anne deGraaf we had several extraordinary experiences. We took Flamenco Dance Lessons from a lovely instructor, Lydia, who invited us into her home and spoke affirming, life-giving words as she taught us to "dance from the stomach up".  We visited the church where Christopher Columbus prayed before setting sail for the New World and we went for a camel ride!

The most precarious part of the camel ride is getting on and feeling the beast tip way forward and then way back as he stands under the burden of two women placed on his back.  Once we were in motion I loved the rolling feel of the ride. It was soothing and hypnotic.

After having all these amazing experiences in the Canary Islands I knew that one day I had to try to fit some of the details into a story. "Canary Island Song" is that story and I offer it to readers with a prayer that many of them, just like Carolyn, will "get your heart back".

Thanks for sharing, Robin :)

Relz Reviewz Extras
Review of Under A Maui Moon

Character spotlight on Carissa

Visit Robin's website

Buy Robin's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Interview ~ Lia from Lisa T Bergren's River of Time

 Introducing Lia Bettarini, Gabi's younger sister and a fine archer who has caught the eye of Marcello's cousin and right hand man, Luca

Lia

Rel:  You weren’t very keen to return to the fourteenth century when Gabi asked. Having gone back, have you changed your mind?

Lia:  It’s starting to become a little more real to me. Possible. But I’m not ready to commit yet. This place is rough. I mean, REALLY rough.

What do you admire about your big sister, Gabi?

She’s funny and strong and caring. She watches out for me, but she’s also super passionate.

Do you think you have changed since experiencing medieval Italy? In what ways?

I’ve gotten a lot stronger. Mentally, thinking things through for myself, rather than just always following Gabi or Mom. Emotionally, dealing with hard things, like death. It was super hard, after I’d killed a man, you know? [shakes head] I felt a little crazy for a while. But then you come down to decisions like it’s us or them. Kill or be killed. That’s not something I was wrestling with, back at Boulder High. [laughs] But it’s also helped me really appreciate life too.

Did you ever think you would meet a fourteenth century guy who rivals the surfer dudes you normally find appealing? Tell us about Luca.

Luca is kind of like a surfer dude. He’s all easy, breezy in his attitude. I mean, until we’re in a serious situation—then he gets more serious too. He makes me laugh. And even before Marcello really got how cool Gabi is, he seemed to. It’s like those guys were made for us or something…

The archery lessons your Dad made you take have paid off in spades. How do you come to terms with using your skills to survive?

I’ve never been the athletic sort of girl. I always preferred a good book or time to draw, or listening to my iPod. It was Dad’s idea to make me practice archery. Gabi was into the fencing thing, and I didn’t want that to be my thing too. I like to be my own person, not just Gabi’s Little Sister. But if Dad hadn’t done that, if I hadn’t practiced with him and Mom so much…[shakes head and lifts brow] I don’t think we’d be sitting here talking now. And in terms of me using my skills to survive…What’s the alternative? I had a hard time with it at first. Now…I just do it.

What was important to you back in America that now has little meaning?

 
Getting a car when I turn sixteen. [giggles]

What do you love most about Italy?

 
[sly grin] The guys.

Thanks Lia ~ appreciate you taking time to chat in between target practice and chasing Gabi all over Siena ;-)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character interviews with 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

Character Interview ~ Azzan Yasir from Ronie Kendig's Wolfsbane

Introducing Azzan Yasir, former Mossad assassin, Piper Neeley's cousin and newest member of the Nightshade team.  

Azzan first appears in Digitalis and manages to get Legend's back up from the get go!  In Wolfsbane his relationship with the team changes....mostly for the better ;-)

Azzan "Aladdin" Yasir

Rel:  It has been quite a transition for you, Azzan, from Mossad assassin to a member of the Nightshade team. How has that been for you?

Aladdin:  Any transition is hard, but it strengthens us, yes? I believe very much in what I did for Israel, and if asked, I would return at once. When General Lambert approached me about joining Nightshade, the conflict in me was great, but I saw that my time with Mossad had come to an end. 

Legend has given you a pretty hard time. Think you could take him?!

He is a hard man to convince but in time, I am certain he will see that he can trust me. We are on the same team, I would not violate my own code by attacking him. 
  
Mmmm....I see you take things seriously!  I was only joking, my friend :)

What do you particularly enjoy about the American lifestyle? 

 

I do not indulge in the ways of many, but I do appreciate the freedoms afforded here. All the same, because my skin is a certain shade and my face bears the heritage I am proud of, that makes some...how shall I say this? ...concerned when they see me walking down the street with my backpack. 

What do you miss about your homeland? 

 

In all honesty, I miss modesty that is often lacking here, and with all my soul, I miss the connection to Yeshua I felt there. Though I realize He is within, there is something deep and spiritual about Israel. And my uncle, of course. 

You are trained to observe and assess a person’s character quickly. What do you see when you look at:

Max – Burden. Not in the sense that you might imagine. Not a bad burden, but a weight on him, just as King David had for leading his people. I sense that in Max, and he will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of his men and their families. It is an honor to know and work with him.

 

Colton – Wisdom. His passion for Yeshua is obvious and flows through his very big body. *laugh* He is a very solid, good-hearted man, who has his priorities in order: God, family, and country.

 

Canyon – Shallow is the word that comes to mind because this man does not allow many to breach the deep waters of his soul. Those who make it past that are held close and tight. A more loyal man I have not met.

 

Griffin – Trust – everything comes down to trust for this man. It is hard to earn, but once you do, I believe it’s irrevocable (excluding an egregious event). I do not know if I will earn his trust—we tend to disagree on how things should be done—but he is the one I would want on my side in a deadly situation. 

Dighton – John and I established a quick bond out of pure necessity to survive on the Nightshade team. He is a quiet man, says little but acts great.

 

Marshall – Unsuspecting – I think most of the men on this team do not suspect the wealth of wisdom and intelligence in Marshall. He brings trouble upon himself by acting ignorant and foolish. I do not tolerate that well since I can see what lies beyond that facade.

 

Your cousin Piper snagged Colton. Any cute American girl in your sights?!

My cousin indeed found a good husband, and it does my heart good to see her happy and thriving with her new family. I am grateful they allow me to stay with them and be an uncle. However, I am not looking for a wife nor do I feel anything is missing in my life. There are those whose calling does not afford luxuries like that, and I fear that is what Yeshua has asked of me. 

Caught any good waves lately?

Ah yes. Canyon and I have been out nearly every weekend. It has been a nice way to relax and build a relationship.

I've been sworn to secrecy by the person who gave me this pic, Azzan ;-D It may not be whom you think!  You took a bit of a pounding this time, eh?  Good to know you still love the waves ~ Squirt will have to bring you down to our famous Bells Beach sometime soon!

 

What is the best thing about your job?

Doing what I am called to do. A very few are made warriors from birth, so it is good to exercise that gift. Each scenario challenges me and makes me grow. That is a good thing. 

Thanks for sharing your insights into the guys and for sharing a bit about yourself, Azzan ~ I know it's not something you do easily so appreciate it all the more! 

Relz Reviewz Extras 

Reviews of Wolfsbane, Digitalis and Nightshade
Meet the team: Max ~ Colton ~ Canyon ~ Griffin
Meet the women: Sydney ~ Piper ~ Dani ~ Kazi
Character spotlights: Max & Syd ~ Colton & Piper 
Enter signed giveaway of Wolfsbane
Enter Ronie's fabulous launch promotion giveaway
Visit Ronie's website and blog
Visit Ronie's Discarded Heroes website
Buy Ronie's books at Amazon or Koorong

Character Interview ~ Marcello from Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series

Introducing Marcello Forelli, a young 14th Century man of honour and integrity who is captivated by Gabriella and is determined to protect her, no matter the strangeness of her arrival in his life.

Marcello

Rel:~ When a strange girl in stranger clothes appeared mid battle, what were your first thoughts?

Marcello:~ I was startled; it was almost as if I was a sailor, hoisting sail, and she rose from the depths of the sea, a mermaid. She seemed so out of place. But I saw that Lord Paratore had his eye upon her, and knew she’d be far better off in my keep. I didn’t think about it much, other than I needed to protect her.

Now that Gabriella is part of your life, what do you love about her?

She continues to surprise me. She is unlike any woman I’ve yet to meet—she’s clever, and has more courage and strength than any other. She’s uncommonly tall, and decent with the sword. [Laughs] Have you ever heard of such a woman? Willing to wade into a fight with men? It’s strange, but also arresting. And then there’s her beauty…I remember several moments that are almost like an artist’s fresco upon my wall, so vivid are they. Her eyes…[shakes head]. From the start, she captured me, even when there were yet obstacles between us. I knew at last what the bards spoke of when they spoke of love.

Family is of utmost importance to you and yet, more than once, you have gone against their wishes to protect Gabi and Lia. Were they easy decisions?

There was no decision to be made, truly. When you love a woman, you do everything you can to aid and protect her. I love and respect my family, but once it was clear that I loved Gabriella, she became my priority, as she forever will be.

You live under threat of attack by the Fiorentini, sickness and more. How does that affect your choices in life?

[stares blankly at me, shrugs] Have you not described everyone’s life, far and wide?

Well, no. It’s a bit different, here. In our own time.

Ahh, I see. Life is life. You make the best choices you can, day by day, and thank God for every day he’s granted you. No more. No less.

You and Luca are cousins and the best of friends. Can you share a story about some of the mischief you got up to as young boys?

[Smiling to himself, raises one eyebrow] I confess that since Fortino was eldest, my father tended toward leniency with me. Luca and I were free to roam the countryside, and we would race through the woods. We were not supposed to get anywhere near the Forelli-Paratore border, but of course we dared each other to do so, every chance we had. One day, we were walking the river and saw that Cosmo Paratore and his friends were swimming. We crept close to them, using the brush as cover, and stole their piles of clothes. [grinning] I would have paid a gold coin to watch them return to their castle in nought but their underclothes.

Luca is always quick to make a joke but what depth of character lies behind that smile?

There isn’t a finer man than my cousin. I never doubt that he will do anything I ask of him. He is loyal, strong, true. I tend to the serious side of things; Luca allows me to discover the joy he seems to see in everything and everyone. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without Luca by my side.

Putting your life at risk for those you love seems simple for you. Why is that?

[shrugs, peers at me with quizzical look] You Normans are a strange lot, aren’t you? What sort of question is that? If you love someone, you would do anything for them, would you not? [sits back in chair, considering me] Mayhap that’s a key difference between us, due to era. Here, we cannot survive without one another. It binds us together. In your own time, you all tend to want to make it on your own. True or false?

Very true, Marcello. I think my era could learn much from you and your sense of community and the care and responsibility you feel for those around you. Thanks for answering my questions, especially the ones that seemed strange to you :)

Relz Reviewz Extras

Character interview with Gabriella

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

Character Interview ~ Gabriella from Lisa T Bergren's Rivers of Time

Introducing Gabriella Bettarini, a teen who discovers time travel and unusual skill with a broadsword, in Lisa T Bergren's River of Time series.

Waterfall and Cascade are available now, with Torrent to release this September.

You REALLY won't want to miss these brilliant stories that I have loved just as much as my teen daughter, EJ.

Gabriella

Rel: So you have a pretty interesting way of getting out of homework, Gabi! What are you learning about yourself in medieval Italy that you wouldn’t otherwise have realised?

Gabi: Man, this whole PLACE is like a living in one of those recreated cities, you know? I’ve learned I’m totally reliant on hair products, computers, phones, cars, and modern medicine. But I’ve also learned that life is a lot simpler, a lot deeper, without all those things. I feel more alive here, if that makes any sense.

I think it does. How have you and Lia grown closer from your recent experiences? If so, in what ways?

Well, for one thing, I’d never saved her life before we came here. And she’d never saved mine. So that kinda ties us together in a whole new way. But before, I kind of thought her as a tag-along sort of sister. Now’s we’re more equal in some ways. More like friends, than sisters. I owe her a ton, because she, more than anyone, has made major sacrifices for me.

We know Marcello is one appealing guy! What is one of his many fine qualities that stands out to you?

[Laughing] Uh, yeah. He’s appealing. As in the hottest-guy-I’ve-ever-met, inside and out. He’s loyal and protective and just aware, you know? And he has this strong way of leading…he’s a take-charge kind of dude. I like that. Unless, you know, he’s trying to take charge of me. Then, not-so-much.

What do the medieval guys you know have over their 21^st century counterparts?

I think boys become men at an earlier age here. They have to, when they’re forced to fight for what they love or need. The girls do too…It’s like what we’re like at 25, in our modern era, is equal to the average teen here. They’re more responsible, more physically and mentally and emotionally tough. And chivalry? Yeah, that’s alive and well in the medieval man’s mind. Love that.

What about them drives you nuts?

Chivalry. I mean I love it and I hate it too. Marcello is always thinking I can’t do what he can—or that I need to stay back where I’m safe when I want to go out and fight with him. We’re still trying to figure that out. I’m sure I’ve totally confused him.

You have had a bit of a distant relationship with your mum. How has that changed since you have experienced the fourteenth century together?

I think she’s still trying to get a grip on being here. Get a grip on seeing her daughters, out there, fighting. Getting a grip on us with these guys, who are so into us. I mean, I’ve never had a steady boyfriend before now. All of that’s a lot to handle. But I think it’s all helped her see us more, notice us more. She was so wrapped up in her work that we kind of got the last part of her day and energy. But with Dad gone, and being here, we’re all seeing one another in a new way. And that’s been so good. I feel like we’re a family for the first time, in a long time.

Your time in Italy has made you re-evaluate your priorities. What would you want your peers to understand about life given your recent near death experiences?

There’s so much we take for granted until we lose it. And I’ve seen some people die that I really cared for. Other than Dad, I’ve never really experienced that—especially kids my age. And then getting wounded myself, almost dying… [shakes head]…It made me want to come back and grab life. Really live it, rather than just make it through the day. I don’t know if that makes much sense. But I remember sitting in class, watching the clock tick, second by second. That’s survival. Not life. And being here, fighting for what I know is right, opening my heart, falling in love, learning so much…I’m alive, alive for the first time in a long time. And even if I was back in the 21^st century, I’d want to try and live life like this. Not like I was before.

Thanks Gabi ~ seems like we could all learn something from your experiences :) Looking forward to catching up with Marcello, Luca and your little sis, Lia soon.

Relz Reviewz Extras

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