Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

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.

There is no doubt that Lisa Bergren is a talented writer.  I'll have to admit that for me, this book didn't compare to her River of Time series (which is one of my all time favorites).  This book was in a completely different genre though.  Christian Historical Fiction is what I would describe it as.

I did like Glamorous Illusions.  Bergren has the ability to create such pretty pictures in my mind.  I love being transported to new places in my reading.  

Cora is such a likable character.  She handles herself with dignity and grace no matter the circumstances.  I admire her kindness.  

It was kind of weird to me to jump from a first person point of view with Cora to a third person point of view with Will.  I didn't really like that.  

Overall this was a good read.  I enjoyed it.  Not my favorite, but I will probably pick up the next book because I'm interested in seeing where Cora's next adventure takes her.  We were kind of left hanging a bit.