Litfuse Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it goes against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world.

New Release: Three Wishes

Book Title: Three Wishes

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Publication Date: April 8, 2016
Publisher: Bergren Creative Group

Description:
Be careful what you wish for... because you just might get it.

Zara Ruiz is a normal California girl on the verge of graduating from high school and thinking about her dawning future. But when dusk brings a shattering loss—and she discovers a priceless object in the shallows of a tide pool...

New Release: Season of Glory

Today's review is another book by Lisa Tawn Bergren. River of Time and Remnants fans, you are going to love this book! It is an epic finale to the Remnants series. Oh, and it was just released today! So if you've been waiting for months for this book like I have now's your chance to read it.

Book Title: Season of Glory
(Remnants: Book 3)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Publisher: Blink

Description:
In the third and final volume of the Remnants series—Seasons of Glory—the power of the Remnants and their people are growing, threatening Pacifica’s careful plans for domination. Among the Trading Union, village after village, outpost after outpost, and city after city are drawn to people of the Way

Interview with Lisa Tawn Bergren

I am super excited about posting this interview. Lisa Tawn Bergren is an author that will always hold a special place in my heart. It was her River of Time Series that got me hooked on books and those were the first books I reviewed on this blog.

Hope you will enjoy learning more about this amazing author as much as I did! P.S. I'd definitely recommend you to look up her books... :)

Author, Lisa Tawn Bergren

Where do you get the inspiration for your characters (their personality, looks, circumstances, etc,.)?

It all starts with a name. The right name seems to automatically give me a picture of each of them; but sometimes I find pics in magazines and then match a name to the model. Then I move into backstory--what made them who they are today.

Do you have a favorite male and/or female character from your books?

Lord Greco from River of Time--because he surprised me. He was supposed to be the bad guy and yet I feel a little in love with him. Gabi from River, and Andriana from Remnants are faves too; I think I always “become” the heroine in my novels so I can feel whatever they’re feeling, experience whatever they’re experiencing, etc.

Out of all the books you’ve written, do you have a favorite?

THE BEGOTTEN. Medieval. Italy. Epic, spiritual suspense. Enough said?

How does your faith influence your books?

For me, faith is a part of my whole life, so to not include some aspect of faith--even a little--would seem like it was missing a piece. I never try to preach. Just bring up the spiritual when it makes sense for the character/story.

Do you find it difficult to write dystopian-fantasy novels?

Difficult, no. Challenging, yes. Before REMNANTS, I’d always written contemporary or historical series. Creating a world from scratch, with no basis (either in personal knowledge or history books) was hard.

What message do you hope your readers get out of your books?

No matter what I write, I hope readers come away with a deeper sense of love.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about being an author?

Getting my butt in the chair to write.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

Making stuff up and getting paid for it.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Rise at 7am. Coffee. Walk the dog. Shower. Facebook. Emails. Write. Work on ducks (RMrustic.com--our family business). Lunch. Grocery shop. More ducks. Facebook. More emails. Chill with the family. National news at 5:30. Dinner. Sleep by 10pm. zzzzz

What are two things that people might be surprised to know about you?

I’m an introvert and homebody. I’m perfectly content to be with just my family for days at a time.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher.

What’s the next book you're writing?

THREE WISHES: A River of Time California Novel (time-slip romance)

Thank you so much, Lisa Tawn Bergren for taking the time to do this interview!! I can't wait for your next books, Three Wishes and Remnants: Season of Glory. I'm so excited to know you're doing another time travel novel! <3 <3

Remnants / Book 2

Book Title: Remnants: Season of Fire
Series: Remnants (Book 2)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description:
After tackling her first mission and coming to terms with her power of empathy, Andriana discovers her first battles were only a taste of what is to come. She and her knight, Ronan, have admitted their feelings for each other, but their bonds are tested when Dri is captured by their mortal and spiritual enemy—Sethos—and his master, Keallach, emperor of Pacifica. Andriana is certain Keallach can be convinced to follow the Maker's plan and join the other Remnants … but in time, she must decide whether she really can pull him back to the Way, or if Sethos's web of darkness has slowly and thoroughly trapped them both … forever.

My Review:
Lisa Tawn Bergren has done it again... Remnants: Season of Fire is a totally outstanding book! If I were judge I'd give it the #1 best book of the year award. :)

I loved everything about this book. The plot, the excitement, the enamoring characters, EVERYTHING! I was captivated with every word. The scenes were vivid and in engaging details. I felt like I was actually there in the future with Andriana and the rest of the Remnants and Knights. This book would make an awesome movie!

--My one and only suggestion would be to add the last chapter of the first book as a prologue for this book. You are kinda left hanging in the first book and unless you read them one after another you'll have a hard time remembering where you had left off at.

I will have a hard time waiting for the next book to come out. March of 2016 won't be able to come soon enough for my liking. :P

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Be on the lookout for an interview with the author, Lisa Tawn Bergren next week!!

Remnants / Book 1

I just recently realized that I haven't done any weekly book reviews for awhile... So I decided to pick another series and came up with Lisa Tawn Bergren's Remnants Series. It's a different genre then I usually go with, being a sci-fi / dystopian, but I enjoyed reading the books in this series just as much, if not more.

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather!

Book Title: Remnants: Season of Wonder
Series: Remnants (Book 1)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description:
In the first novel of this YA futuristic/dystopian series by Lisa T. Bergren, gifted teens known as Remnants have been chosen and trained to act as humanity’s last hope to rectify the horrors that are part of everyday life in 2095.

Their arrival was foretold for years...

Andriana is a Remnant, gifted as an empath and one of the Ailith, destined to act as humanity’s last shield against the horrors that now plague those who remain.

After years of training in stealth and warfare, Andriana and her Knight protector, Ronan, are finally ready to answer the Call and begin the life they were designed for. But as they embark with the other Remnants on the first of their assignments, they quickly discover that the world beyond their protected Valley is more dangerous than they imagined.

The Sons of Sheol will stop at nothing to prevent Dri and Ronan from rescuing anyone sympathetic to the Remnants’ cause. And as the Remnants battle the demonic forces, still other enemies close in. Dangers intensity, but so do Dri’s feelings for Ronan–the one emotion she is not meant to feel. In the midst of their mission, Andriana must find a way to master her feelings. Or risk compromising everything . . .

My Review:
As much as I love sci-fi movies I've never cared for books of that genre so I was a little hesitant picking up this book. I probably wouldn't have been interested in this series if I hadn't LOVED Lisa T. Bergren's River of Time Series as much as I did. I figured if anyone could make a fantasy book that I'd enjoy Lisa T. Bergren would be the one.

It took me the first couple chapters to understand all that was going on but after that...I was hooked! The author writes with such detail to the surroundings that I felt as if I was watching a movie. Often, I find descriptions to be somewhat drab and my eyes try to skip over those large portions but not with this book; I was captivated with every word written!

I loved the camaraderie of the knights and remnants. Even in the most trying situations they are still striving to work together as a team for the benefit of the Maker. Each of the characters had a unique personality that made me love them. Andriana, the heroine, I connected to the most. She had traits that made me feel as if we were alike. I even felt Andriana's confusion because I as well couldn't help but like the "bad guy" just a little.

If you like a book with action, mystique, an ever-changing plot, and characters worthy of a book crush...Remnants: Season of Wonder is definitely the book for you.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Homeward Trilogy / Book 3

Hard to believe May is already two-thirds of the way over. Seems like it just started. These last few days have been really busy for me and my schedule gets even fuller during the next couple weeks! I will be out of school on June 1st so for the next two weeks I will be really busy with last minute assignments and getting my portfolio assembled. And from May 28th to June 6th I have three orders for Rebecca Lynn's Bakery. Also, a three-day conference in the beginning of June, which I'm really looking forward to, and right after that school evaluations. Whew, just thinking of all of that makes me dizzy. Good thing I'm sitting down. :)

Claim is the last book in The Homeward Trilogy series. I think it's my favorite in the series. If anyone has a book series they would like me to review please let me know in the comments.

Book Title: Claim
Series: The Homeward Trilogy (Book #3)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: 
Sent west by their father to make a new life, the St. Clair siblings have done so—but hardly as he’d wished. Beautiful, headstrong Moira, after pursuing a career on the Paris stage, has returned to Colorado Springs—older, wiser, and certainly much poorer—to see if there’s anything left of a relationship she’d left behind. Older sister Odessa and her husband, Bryce, are struggling to rebuild their ranch after a devastating winter. And then Nic, the prodigal son, turns up—broken, haunted, and sick about leaving his sisters.

At last the family is reunited. But Dominic is still at loose ends, seeking a peace that has always eluded him. Only as he mines an old claim deep in the Rocky Mountains and begins a romance with a local schoolteacher does he begin to understand how passionately he is loved—by God, his family, and a good woman. But even as he relinquishes his fury, Nic discovers there is one last battle to fight…

My Review: As the last book in the series, Claim wrapped up the story of Moira St. Clair and tells the many adventures of Odessa and Moira's older brother, Nic. This was probably my favorite book in The Homeward Trilogy series. I really liked how Nic's hardened heart was changed by the love of God and others. Claim was inspiring and action-filled. A great book I'm sure you'll enjoy.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes. This book is for anyone who likes novels with a Christian and western theme, a little excitement and romance, and plenty of adventures. (ages 15+)



The Homeward Trilogy / Book 2

Good morning everyone. I apologize for not posting earlier in the week but Tuesday especially was very busy for me. I made apple pies and between that, school, and chores my day was filled.

The weather has been much warmer than last week and we've seen mid-eighties the last few days. I wonder what the weather will be like in July and August if it's already this hot.

Today's book is Sing, the second book in The Homeward Trilogy series. This book is a story of redemption, trust, and God's forgiveness. It is also about how we can choose to glorify God through singing or use our voice for selfish pleasures.

Book Title: Sing
Series: The Homeward Trilogy (Book #2)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description:
Moira St. Clair has done exactly what her father forbade her to do: chased her dreams to sing on the stage. But even as her star rises, she becomes more vulnerable to those who wish to use her—or bring her down….

It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.
Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God—even in the face of tremendous loss—and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.

My Review: The book Sing is a continuation of the story of Moira St. Clair, the wayward sister of Odessa from the previous book. Although this book wasn't my favorite in the series, I did like it a lot. What I really liked about this book was how it gave a good example of how our talents can be used for good and bad. For many years Moira chose the wrong path but by the grace of God her life changed into something better.

Note: Moira's story is not finished in Sing and you will need to read Claim, the next and last book in the series, to complete her story.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes. This book is for anyone who likes novels with a western theme, romance, adventure, and excitement. (ages 15+)

The Homeward Trilogy / Book 1

What beautiful weather we have been having the last few days! Although it has not been above sixty, the sun is shining, a slight breeze is blowing, it isn't raining, and the grass is long enough to be mowed :P. I hope the weather at your home is pleasant also.

We are starting a new series this week, The Homeward Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren. The first book, of three, is Breathe. I enjoyed reading these books and if you like books with adventure and excitement I'm sure you will too.

Wishing you a joyous day!

Book Title: Breathe

Series: The Homeward Trilogy (Book #1)

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: Devastated by the loss of four sons to tuberculosis and his wife in childbirth, a Philadelphia patriarch sends his three living children west in 1883 to make a new life in the clean mountain air of Colorado Springs. Odessa is struggling to survive consumption; Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business a business he doesn't want. Readers will love The Homeward Trilogy, in which the St. Clair siblings struggle to follow where the heavenly Father leads them.

In Breathe, Odessa arrives at a famous sanitarium seeking a cure for the disease that killed her brothers. While Moira and Nic establish themselves in Colorado Springs society, Dessa inches her way back to health - and into love with a softspoken fellow patient, rancher Bryce McAllan. When she witnesses a murder in the very hospital where she is recuperating-and other patients begin to die, Dessa struggles to breathe again. She'd always expected to die young, but now that she has a reason to live, can she hold on to her fragile health to solve the mystery?
 

My Review: Breathe tells the story of a consumption victim, Odessa. In more than one way, Odessa has to learn to breathe clear and strong. Not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. As she seeks a new life of health in Colorado, Odessa also begins a new journey in faith and love.

This book by Lisa T. Bergren was an exciting and encouraging book to read. While you can get away by just reading this book, I would suggest reading the other two books in the series. The story continues and, in my opinion, getting more exciting!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes. This book is for anyone who likes novels with a western theme, romance, adventure, and excitement. 

River of Time / Book 4: Bourne & Tributary

Morning everyone. This will be the last post on the River of Time series, at least for now. If anyone has any requests for books or series that they would liked featured sometime in the future please let me know in the comments. Haven't officially decided but I think the next series will be A Lowcountry Romance by Rachel Hauck or quite possibly the Homeward Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren.

Enjoy your day,

Book Title: Bourne & Tributary
Series: River of Time (Book #4)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: BOURNE, a novella, picks up right where TORRENT left off...Find out what has happened to men returning from the battle, gravely wounded, to the Betarrinis, fighting for the men they love, and just who is hunting them next...

TRIBUTARY, a novella, picks up a year after BOURNE... Lia struggles to overcome the fear that constant battle has heaped upon her; Gabi and Marcello face an unexpected crisis; and Lord Greco just may be ready to leave the grief and loss of his past behind him, so that he might grab hold of the future...

My Review: Bourne & Tributary was a nice addition to the River of Time series. Bourne was my favorite of the two novellas in the book. The character, Alessandra in the Tributary didn't appeal to me as much as the others, I'm not sure why. But I was glad that Lord Greco's story was continued and he found someone who made him complete again. Overall, I really enjoyed Bourne & Tributary but it wasn't my favorite in the series.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Especially for teens, mostly ages 15 and up.

NOTE: At first these two novellas were going to complete the River of Time series but Lisa T. Bergren is coming out with one final book. Deluge, the fifth and last book in the series, is to be published sometime this year (2014). If you're like me I'm sure you can't wait to read it.

River of Time Series / Book 3: Torrent

Finally, weather that is starting to feel like spring! Don't get me wrong I love winter, but not it being so prolonged and with only enough snow to cover the ground. Although I do have to admit, spring isn't exactly my favorite either. I guess I'm more a summer girl. I used to hate the outdoors because of all the mosquitoes, deer flies, and black gnats all ready to eat me 

(example picture)

for dinner (see example picture on right :P), but over the last two years I've gotten over that. Now summer is my absolute favorite season. Thinking about it makes me all the more anxious for the bright sun, the beautiful sounds of birds and the wind rustling through the trees.  And maybe I'm weird but mowing the lawns are a highlight too.(Seriously, one of things I love most about summer) :).

Well, enough rambling and onto the next book in the River of Time series, Torrent.

Book Title: Torrent
Series: River of Time (Book #3)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in Torrent, the third book in the River of Time series.

Gabi and Lia Betarrini return from medieval Italy to try and save their father from his tragic death in modern times.

But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the next installment of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

My thoughts on the book: At first this book was meant to be the third and final book in the River of Time series. I am so glad Lisa Bergren changed her mind. I'm sure the ending would have been different had she chosen that but as great as the book was, the story of the Betarrinis and Forellis needed continued. I liked how the author added the twist in the book where Gabriella was being forced to marry someone she did not love. I kind of felt bad for Lord Greco in the end. I loved this book in the series, probably just as much as Cascade. The plots added excitement, danger, and adventure and I really felt like I was with the characters. Hope any who have read this book enjoyed it as much as I did.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Especially for teens, mostly ages 15 and up.

River of Time Series/ Book 2: Cascade

Good morning. It's getting a little bit late in the day to say that but my mind is still waking up. :) Today I'm reviewing the second book in the River of Time series, Cascade. This book is probably my favorite in the river of time series. Although, Torrent, the next book is a close tie. I like how Gabriella's sister, Lia, and her mom were in this book. Even though I really like Gabriella, I think Lia is someone I can relate to more. 

Have a great day!

Book Title: Cascade
Series: River of Time (Book #2)
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: 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?”

In Cascade, the second book in the River of Time Series, 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 Review: Cascade was a great book to read. It left me excited and anxious for the next book. It is probably one of my favorite books in the series. I really like how Lisa Bergren portrays the knights, from the good guy's team. They have such great characters traits, loyalty, kindness, respect, and faith in God is highly important to them.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would. Especially for teens, mostly ages 15 and up.

River of Time Series / Book 1: Waterfall

Hey everyone. Here's my first official post on a book. I plan on doing the other books in this series throughout the next few weeks. If you haven't read Waterfall or the rest of the series you are totally missing out!

I came across Waterfall, the first book in the River of Time series, through an email my mom forwarded to me from the publisher David C. Cook. I am always looking for new exciting books to read and my mom thought I might enjoy this one. I was a little skeptical after reading the description because I'm not really a big fan on all that time traveling fantasy. I like books that have more of a realistic feel to them and I wasn't familiar with the author, Lisa T. Bergren. But, even with all my doubts, it was free in the kindle edition on Amazon for a time so I figured I'd give it a try.

Well, after ten minutes into reading the first pages in the book I was hooked! I was instantly whisked away with the main character Gabriella into medieval Italy. From the first moment when she saw the knights till the last page in the book, I was side-by-side with her sharing her adventures, frustrations, and excitement. As soon as I finished Waterfall, which was within two days time, I was on my library's website putting on hold the next four books in the series, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne & Tributary. That week of waiting till our bookmobile came into town was pure torture.

This book may not be for everyone but it was totally worth my hours in reading it! If you're a fan of books with adventure, suspense, excitement, and clean romance, you'll probably love this book too.

Book Title: Waterfall 

Series: River of Time (Book #1)

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description: Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one. Remaining means giving up all she's known and loved...and leaving means forfeiting what she's come to know--and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spend every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. In Book One of the River of Time series, Gabi and Lia are stuck among the rubble of medieval  castles in  rural Tuscany on yet another hot, boring, and dusty archeological site...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

And thus she comes to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Forelli, who takes her back to his father's castle--a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

My Review: The River of Time series is probably my very favorite collection of books ever! As of now I am re-reading the series for the second time. This book, Waterfall, will leave you excited and very anxious for the next in the series so make sure you have the second on hand too. (then again, so will all the other books in the series) Well worth your time in reading.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Would I recommend this book? Yes, definitely. This book is for anyone who likes novels with a historical-based theme, romance, adventure, and excitement.