Glittering Promises (Grand Tour, #3) in David C Cook

Oct 03, 2013 Barbara Shelton rated it it was amazing

The main disadvantage I had reading this third book of the Grand Tour Series is not having read the first two. My understanding of the plot took some time to pull together, and after reading the book descriptions of Glamorous Illusions and Grave Consequences did I begin to follow the story line. Being behind a bit on writing my review, it is a bit of a problem to find more to say that hasn’t already been expressed in fifty-eight reviews before mine.

However!! Lisa Bergren’s writing style is disti The main disadvantage I had reading this third book of the Grand Tour Series is not having read the first two. My understanding of the plot took some time to pull together, and after reading the book descriptions of Glamorous Illusions and Grave Consequences did I begin to follow the story line. Being behind a bit on writing my review, it is a bit of a problem to find more to say that hasn’t already been expressed in fifty-eight reviews before mine.

However!! Lisa Bergren’s writing style is distinctive about detail in that she led me through some breathtaking sights from history about art, sculpture, places of worship, old cities, and much more in Italy – a country I’ve always wanted to visit. Tuscany and its old world charm are highly interesting. Even though I lived in Europe (Germany) for over three years did the chance to visit Italy occur. The Kensington and Morgan families combined with Cora’s mother and papa (who raised her although not her biological father.) is an odd blend of characters who Ms Bergren wrote brilliantly unique personalities and qualities into each; not to leave out the non-family characters who were written with color and imagination.

Cora’s roots are in Minnesota, having found out the secret about her biological father, and that she had become a wealthy heiress was a shock; let alone taking a European tour with unknown siblings and a big entourage of servants, was far from her mind's eye fathoming. While my learning that Nathan Hawke was the dangerous aspect of the story; the darkness in other main characters was eventually brought to light. The events written around all the characters were intriguing amid many surprises in the twists and turns along their touring path. Truthfully, I did become entrenched emotionally and spiritually with Ms Bergren’s story…or stories amongst stories. One of the writing gifts I admire in an author is the invisible hints called “hooks” so craftily dropped into the story that keep the reader involved. Lisa Bergren is gifted with this innate quality in her story construction.

What I appreciated most is the belief in Christ held by several of the characters, and their displays of humanness that turned into lessons used by God to deepen their faith. The sharing of that faith that drew others to believing to trust God is beautiful. God’s miracles are stunning and Cora’s being a big part of them is just one appealing marvel about her. Borrowing a quote from Cora in Glittering Promises, and a fellow reviewer sums the intention of the story quite well. "All summer long I'd sought to fit in with the Kensingtons, gain their acceptance, and yet hold on to my Diehl heritage. But all along I'd missed the heritage that truly mattered. And that was as a child of God."

Having no prior knowledge of Cora’s story made it a mystery as I began to peruse, and excitingly turned into one of the most compelling stories I have read. Ms Bergren was an unknown author to me, but now – she is a favorite on my list of exceptional writers. Her books will certainly begin appearing on my bookshelves from now on.

This book was furnished by Litfuse Publicity Group in lieu of an unbiased review.
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Nov 24, 2013 Amy rated it it was amazing

Glittering Promises is the final installment of the Grand Tour Series. Cora Kensington tries to stay true to herself and her past while trying to figure out her future. She tries to get Pierre de Richelieu to understand that she does not love him. She is in love with Wil McCabe. Can Will get over Cora being the new wealthy American heiress in order for them to be together?
Glittering Promises is my favorite book of the series. So many surprises were in store throughout this, keeping me turning t ...more

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Jul 28, 2013 Susan rated it liked it

Shelves: first-reads

I loved the Grand Tour through Europe. This was my first- first read. A nice surprise. Loved the character development and in particular the faith element. A really good 3 book read.

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Feb 18, 2020 Margaret Chind marked it as kindle-ebook-to-read

Shelves: own, david-c-cook, netgalley, ebook, netgalley-expired, christian-historical-fiction, sent-to-kindle, kindle, sent-to-ade, ebook-galley

Having this series described as powerful and epic fits well. Lisa’s books often stand above others in that they just cannot be rated the same. They just contain so much more than a flimsy romance to distract one for a day. Yes, there is romance and mystery, but there is so much more to that in these pages. You gotta love a good chunkster book, and especially when they are as entertaining, thrilling, enchanting and romantic as this.

I was absolutely delighted with Glamorous Illusions and was reall ...more

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Jul 07, 2013 Kate (The Shelf Life) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, favorites, 2013, historical-fiction, 2021

What a way to end a series! Mystery, suspense, and romance. Glittering Promises kept on track with the previous two books in the series and brought about a great conclusion.

We are following Cora and her half siblings and their close family friends the Morgans in the final part of their Grand Tour through Italy. They have evaded kidnappers and sneaky reports up to this point. Now joining the siblings are their fathers, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Kensington.

Wallace Kensington is ready to demand that his c What a way to end a series! Mystery, suspense, and romance. Glittering Promises kept on track with the previous two books in the series and brought about a great conclusion.

We are following Cora and her half siblings and their close family friends the Morgans in the final part of their Grand Tour through Italy. They have evaded kidnappers and sneaky reports up to this point. Now joining the siblings are their fathers, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Kensington.

Wallace Kensington is ready to demand that his children return home after the last kidnapping attempt, however Cora is determined to press on and see the rest of the tour through. In her time with her siblings, she has learned so much about them and is still learning more about herself and refuses to miss out. Cora is also determined to not be pushed around by Wallace Kensington. Wallace wants Cora to peruse a relationship with Pierre de Richelieu, as it would be a wonderful business opportunity, but Cora doesn't want to be another pawn to her father and wants to follow her heart, even if it leads her to Will, the leader of the tour and not part of the upper-crust like the Morgans and Kensingtons.

Cora is also willing to battle her father, Wallace, over the rights of the new mine found on her parents old farm. After getting some advice, Wallace decides to follow it and he isn't the adversary Cora ever expected to face. Andrew Morgan has his own ideas to the new mine and how it should be run. However, Andrew isn't the only problem, Nathan Hawke, the leader behind the kidnapping attempts is still following Cora and her family. Then there is the persistence of Pierre de Richelieu.

There are many questions answered in Glittering Promises along with a couple of new questions, which are resolved as well, and the resolution between Cora and Wallace is not one I expected, but after reading it through, it was the only way possible.

There were a couple of parts that I didn't click with, but the resolution was worth it in the end. And it wasn't enough to take away from the story in the least.

Lisa T. Bergren is able to bring Italy to you in her writing. Her description in the book is phenomenal and she is able to show her love of the area through the eyes of Cora and the rest of the group. Glittering Promises draws you in and hold on to you till the very end. ...more

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Jul 21, 2013 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Wealth cannot buy peace … or direction.

For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had, and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. And yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging …

Hounded by journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth Wealth cannot buy peace … or direction.

For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had, and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. And yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging …

Hounded by journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, she begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.

Complicating matters is the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and the increased demands on her time and attention. Cora must stand up for what she believes—regardless of how that might challenge current family and cultural norms—in order to remain true to who she really is.
And as she glimpses the end of the tour, Cora knows it’s time to decide Who and what defines her … and who and what does not.

My Review:

The romance between Pierre de Richelieu and Cora has caused me many an anxious night, while anticipating the ending of The Grand Tour series. I wanted Cora to end up with Will, but Pierre is so romantic and persistent I simply couldn't ignore his place in line for Cora's heart. I still haven't reconciled Pierre's willingness to overlook the fondness she had for Will, but Pierre loved her enough to give her a chance to discover who she as a new heiress. If you have followed the series you may be surprised who she ends up giving her heart to, but I was completely amazed by whom she chose. As I stated previously, I preferred Will for her. The romance of an heiress marrying a lowly tour guide would have been the truest proof that she really loved him. Obviously he would have looked like a gold digger, but that's not really in Will's personality to take her for her money. On the other hand, Pierre was better matched for her in terms of wealth, but I was conflicted with the thinking that he may have wanted to join houses for her money as well! This was quite the roller coaster ride, and the writing was above par with the character conflicts, the historic detail, and the beautiful backdrop of Italy.

This book was provided by the publisher through Litfuse Nest in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Margaret Fraleigh rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-books

This is the 3rd book in this series - The Grand Tour. This was an amazing series.
There was a lot of history in the series. I will definitely read Lisa Bergred other
books.

Read on my Kindle

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Jun 12, 2013 writer... rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historic-romance

Fabulous final in the Grand Tour trilogy by Lisa T Bergren!

Fantastic conclusion to Cora's Grand Tour !

Excellent character development from conflicted to grounded. Loved the romantic outcomes, devious enemies exposed, relational resolutions, and wide variety of emotional connections between story and this reader.

A superb conclusion by Ms Bergren. ...more

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