Firestorm

 

Firestorm

Lisa Tawn Bergren

Waterbrook Press 

1996

Romance, Fiction, Christian 

As a smoke jumper, Reyne Oldre--friend to Rachel Tanner and Beth Morgan (Refuge)--once led a team of courageous firefighters into a blaze that ended in unspeakable tragedy. Now crippled by fear, she conducts fire research from a safe distance, determined not to risk that kind of pain again. But when the flames of love begin to flicker between her and smoke jumper Logan McCabe, Reyne must face the fearsome storms from her past and battle the raging Firestorm that burns in her soul.

I remember reading this book in high school and enjoying it very much. While I never thought it measured up to the first 5 books in the series I always loved Bergren's writing. I was looking forward to rereading this book. In the spirit of being honest the book was not anywhere near as good as I remembered. In fact I found it completely cheesy. Unlike Bergren's other books these characters are not well developed and you'll find yourself trying to catch up with no markings along the way. 

The fire aspect is fascinating but at times I found the technical aspects to be a bit overdone. The best part of the book is being able to revisit characters from previous books. My taste in high school was obviously quite a bit lower than it is now. Call me a snob or call me particular, this one won't be staying on my shelf. 

My thanks to Multnomah Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Glamorous Illusions

Glamorous Illusions
Lisa T. Bergren
David C. Cook
June 2012
Fiction, Romance, Historical

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. 

This book is not amazing but it is very good. Bergren has long been an author I have enjoyed. I always feel like she is so close but always misses just a tiny bit. The depth is so close but not all the way there. However, as I said, this book is very good. Cora is a likeable character and her struggle into the world of her father is admirable and relateable.  Her relationship with Jesus is sweet. The Grand Tour itself is absolutely fascinating and very fun to read. I am definitely looking forward to the next books in the series. And of course there is that handsome tour guide that is common and yet rather enchanting...we shall see. Mystery, intrigue, romance, travel, and more! I recommend for a good read! 

Thanks to netgalley and David C Cook for providing me with a free digital copy of this book for my honest review.