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.
Carol’s Review
In Cascade, Gabi longs to return to Marcello, even though it is dangerous. She convinces Lia and their mother to return. Hailed as heroines in earlier battles, the sisters find themselves dealing with treachery, accusations, even death threats, as they try to sort out friends and enemies. Meanwhile, as her relationship with Marcello deepens, Gabi must decide whether to stay with him forever or return home. Before she is able to give him her heart, the ladies are called home. The adventures continue in Torrent, expected in Fall 2011.
Bergren does it again, penning a well-written character and plot-driven series. Readers should be aware that although the story involves evil men, violence and torture, it is handled without excessive detail. The book includes an interview with the author, discussion questions, and historical notes.
This book will appeal to older teens and adults alike. Although this is Christian fiction, it is definitely not preachy. Highly recommended for school libraries and public libraries.
Reviewed by: Carol Gehringer
Reviewd for: Reprinted from the Christian Library Journal (August 2011); used with permission.
