Lisa Bergren's Glamorous Illusions ~ Reviewed

Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) 

 Lisa T. Bergren 

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (June 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434764303 

Description:

When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.

Review:

Glamorous Illusions is about a young woman named Cora Kensington.  The story takes place during the summer of 1913.  Cora has just returned to her parents’ farm, only to face her father’s failing health, as well as the chance that they could lose the family farm.  Suddenly,  Wallace Kensington, one of the wealthiest men in Minnesota, shows up at their door, revealing a long kept family secret – Cora is really the daughter of Wallace Kensington, as a result of an affair he had with her mother.  Before she knows it, Cora is whisked away with Mr. Kensington, introduced to her half-siblings who want nothing to do with her, and sent to Europe with her siblings for a European tour.  Through the tour, she learns more about her family and about herself.                  
 This was a great book!  I loved it from the very beginning.  I enjoyed seeing Cora’s character develop, and seeing how she worked through her struggles, as well as facing judgement from others regarding her illegitimate parentage.  It was great to watch her attitude change about the whole situation throughout the book.  I wish the story would have kept going, but I’ll have to be patient and wait for book two to come out.  I can’t wait!
 
 Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Bonus Review:

As usual, flawless writing from Lisa Bergren. You'll travel from Montana to England and Paris, from a dirt poor farm to an elegant estate, and meet characters rich and poor that you'll love and hate.

If you've never heard of a Grand Tour, then you might want to pick up this tale. Grand Tours were quite the rage for the elite during the late 1800's and into the early 1900's. This book, first in a trilogy, gives you an up close and personal glimpse into one of these tours.

At times I found the pacing to be a little slow, the angst in heroine Cora a little over the top, and fact that the copper king of Montana is her dad to be a little unbelievable. Overall, though, this is an enjoyable read for a lazy day when you want to mindlessly drift away into another time period.

Reviewed by: Michelle Griep