Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren-Blog Tour

My Review:

 Cora is home for the summer and things are not going well for her family farm. The crops are dying because of lack of rain and her father’s health is failing. When a stranger shows up at their farm Cora’s life is soon turned upside down.

Being offered the chance to go on the “Grand Tour” in Europe with family she has never met before brings challenges and opportunities for Cora. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will change her whole world. Cora begins to question who she really is and where her place is in this new family that seems to be determined to reject and humiliate her. 

Early on Cora sees Will, their tour guide, as a friend and confidant. Will is being groomed to take over the family business of being a tour guide to the rich. The first rule of a tour guide is to never fall for the clients. Will is struggling with this rule. He is starting to care for Cora more than he should. Seeds of jealousy develop when they encounter Pierre, a young and handsome Frenchman who is immediately enchanted by Cora. Confused about her feelings for both men Cora begins to miss home and her parents, but is determined to finish out the tour.

I really enjoyed Glamorous Illusions. The family dynamics caused me to feel sympathy for Cora’s pain and develop a dislike for her family. While I am not normally a fan of the love triangle I have to admit that it does add tension to a well-told story. I can’t decide who I like better, Pierre or Will. I usually like the underdog, but I also am liking Pierre. So far he seems to have a genuine attraction and care for Cora. We’ll be able to see how these relationships play out in the next two books in the Grand Tour series: GRAVE CONSEQUENCES comes out in March 2013 and GLITTERING PROMISES comes out fall of 2013. 

Book Trailer:

About the Author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book, Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time(which is now finished and one of my favorite series-Julie).

Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website: http://lisatawnbergren.com

From the Publisher:

It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father's health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.  

Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person's education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.

Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.

I received my copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. I also downloaded a copy from NetGalley before I realized that I was part of the tour. 

Blog Tour Schedule and Giveaway Information

Win a $350 “Glam” Visa Card Prize Pack from Lisa T. Begren & RSVP for 6/27 Facebook party!

 

What is our "true" identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Begren's Glamorous Illusions Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we'll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.

In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!

One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":

• A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
• Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12. Winner will be announced at Lisa's "Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on  6/27 {Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!