A man's review of "Glamorous Illusions" by @LisaTBergren @David_C_Cook

Okay, I admit it.

Despite knowing that this book would probably contain heavy doses of romance, something that I as a male reader often find over the top (and slightly nauseating), I not only chose to read this book but was looking forward to it as well! And, I'm glad I took the chance, too! Read on for my review of "Glamorous Illusions":

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

In 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 journey intended to finish a person's eduction, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. 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 an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning..

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take readers on a journey of cultural refinement, but moreover, explores what truly informs a person's sense of identity

MY REVIEW

And the verdict is in....I really enjoyed this book! Cora Kensington is one of those characters who you immediately find yourself rooting for, grieving along with her as she seems to be losing her chance at the future she'd always imagined, and feeling her pain of betrayal at finding out that she is not who she always thought she was (I won't say more for fear of ruining the story for you). I loved the premise of the story, where the young adult characters set out on a Grand Tour of Europe to discover their independence and find out who they really are. In Cora's case, she not only finds herself in different cultures, she faces siblings who seem to despise her, along with the harsh judgment of society, and her own confusion about just what it means to be Cora Kensington. The book is full of twists and turns and scenes of excitement, and as such I found the pacing to be swift and entertaining.

Lisa T. Bergren continues to surprise me at her ability to churn out unique stories that grab at your heart, but also delve deep into issues of faith at well. At the heart of Glamorous Illusions is Cora's discovery that it is okay to be exactly who God made her to be, and it is only his approval that matters. I loved watching her find freedom from the past, and her realization that regardless of societal position or wealth or anything else, that we are all human and needing God's grace to redeem our lives.

And the romance? I found I could handle it after all! :)

So I'm left with no choice but to highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to the second installment in the series!

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