Glamorous Illusions

July 16, 2013

Title: Glamorous Illusions
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C Cook
Pages: 416
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6430-0

Synopsis:
Cora Is About To Discover Who She Truly Is...

It's the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but some dear to Cora is failing as well.

One fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past...a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a trip to finish a person's education and solidify an understanding of refinement and ancient culture. As she travels from England to France with kin she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when and unbidden love begins to form, she realizes there are far greater challenges ahead.

The first books in the Grand Tour series will take you on a journey of cultural refinement--but, moreover, on an inner journey of self-discovery.


Review:
I picked up Glamorous Illusions because I fell in love with the River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren. And the first book of The Grand Tour Series did not disappoint.

Glamorous Illusions is a book filled with a lot of glamor and beauty. Lisa T. Bergren takes the reader through the world before it was devastated by World War I. The descriptions of the landscape and of the architecture of the England and France, make me want to go even more to see it in person. The love of traveling shines through in the book along with the history of the countries. The detail is fantastic. The gowns the ladies wore and the suits the men wore, were described in exquisite fashion. This was a book that could transport you in an instant.

The characters were well thought out. Cora has to deal with so much change in such a short amount of time, it could break a weaker person, but Cora preservers. And what every one tells her is a blessing is in a way is a burden to her, but she also realizes it is also a place for her to learn more of who she is and what she is capable of. She is independent and capable of making her own choices and sticking to what she believes. She questions when she needs to and tries to fight for herself, even when she feels like the underdog.Cora also feels the weight of her parents indiscretion. Even though her parents made the mistake, she is punished for it at times.

As I was reading this story, I did have one question. It was over Mr. Kensington. He wanted to find his daughter Cora and bring her into the fold, however his methods didn't scream love me. Then as the tour grew closer, his ideas of Cora spending time with her siblings was an odd one. It almost seemed like he was throwing Cora, a lamb, to a pack of wolves. He said he wanted to get to know her, but then sent her by herself on a tour with siblings she never knew who he was till a few weeks before. She was a girl raised on a farm and her siblings were raised with money and haven't had to work a day in their lives. He urges Cora to make the most out of everything and let the challenges refine her.

It is interesting to follow Cora on this journey and the story kept me wanting to read more. I wanted to know more about these characters and more about where they were at! I can't wait to read the next in the series, Grave Consequences.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

4 comments

  1. Wallace Kensington is a confusing one, isn't he? I think he's full of conflicting desires and impulses and goals, which comes to bear on the kids...It was interesting to explore that impact thru the series. Thanks for reading...and reviewing!

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  2. He is confusing and he adds such an interesting element to the story! His actions and ideas are so pivotal to the story. Thank you for sharing such a great story!

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  3. Ooooh! This one looks good. :) I'll have to add it to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. I loved it! I think you will like it too. :-)
      You're welcome, I'm happy to share.

      Delete

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