Lisa Bergren's Cascade ~ Reviewed

Cascade, A Novel~Book 2, in The River of Time Series
Lisa T Bergren
Young Adult Christian Fiction
Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
ISBN: 978-0-4347-6431-7

Back Cover :

River of Time Series-Gabriella and Evangelina Betarrini are just two normal, American teenagers. Except they're the daughters of Etruscan archeologists who work in Italy every chance they get. One day, the two bored teens explore a tomb, and find themselves catapulted back in time to fourteenth century Italy. They have no idea if they can get back...or if they even want to. Because as the dawn of the Renaissance sweeps through Tuscany, minds are enlightened, and Gabi and Lia find their own hearts are inextricably entwined.

Book 2: Cascade-Gabi and Lia made it back to their own time, but Gabi knows without a doubt she left her heart back in the fourteenth century. She convinces Lia to help her return to medieval Italy...and Marcello. But when they return, they find that they are now the heroines of Siena and the enemy of every man in Florence.

Review:

Oh my goodness, I can not wait to read the previous book in this series, 'Waterfall', as well as the next book, 'Torrent'! Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down; it tastefully wove medieval history, romance, and action to create a true masterpiece. This book beats out every other 'teen' or young adult' book I've ever read. It's believable, down to earth characters dealt with life-everything from crushing despairt to soaring joy. They live fully in each moment that they are given. Lia and Gabi's pursuits are noble and lack the shallow, selfish undertones of many a 'teen' novel. A truly refreshing tale of knights and princesses.....love and loss and faith and restoration that any woman can enjoy and identify with.

Reviewed by: Rachael Schnitker

Bonus Review:

Lisa T. Bergen will keep readers glued to her new book, “Cascade,” for hours on end. This twisting and turning story is about the Betarrini sisters’ return to medieval Italy, where Gabi is convinced she left her heart. This time, they bring their archeologist mother with them. Gabi returns to her true love—Marcello, but will their relationship last, with all the danger around them? And Lia at last finds her love— but will she go after him? Italy rages into a full-fledged war, and the Betarrini women discover that they are the target of their enemies. It will take a lot to get out of this situation alive, but if anyone can do it, it’s the determined Betarrini sisters. They just might be able to, with the help of some deadly weapons, their wits, their Italian boyfriends who just happen to be knights by their sides, and some unlikely strangers. These two sisters and their mother, grow closer together in this spectacular sequel to “Waterfall.” I found that this book has just the right mix of action, drama, romance, and even has a splash of humor. “Cascade,” picks up right from where “Waterfall,” left off, and is a must-read for teens of all ages.

Reviewed by Elizabeth, aged 13.

Bonus Review

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 mesmerizing 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 energizing ~ I loved it and am praying Torrent won't be the last installment!

Reviewed by: Rel Mollet

Bonus Review:

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 Sienna 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’s heart is increasingly drawn to Marcello, just as Lia’s is to Luca. In medieval Italy, the sisters 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.

And so the exploits of the She-Wolves of Sienna continues, adding one more to their ranks…mom. As a mom myself, this is the kind of bow-staff wielding mama I admire. Actually, I wouldn’t have minded a few more scenes with this woman, but again Gabi and Lia are the superstars.

I did, however, get to know Marcello quite a bit better in this book, and fell for him almost as hard as Gabi. I love his determination and willingness to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves. And not just Gabi. His care for his brother is pretty sweet for a guy.

I also enjoyed getting to know his sidekick Luca at a deeper level. He’s hilarious. Snappy wit yet a faithful companion. Why it’s taking Lia so long to like the fellow is beyond me.

Cascade is a satisfying second tale in this timeless series. It moved the story forward and stopped right at a cliff’s edge. Can’t wait for the third installment! Highly recommended for teens and moms alike.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep