Review – Grave Consequences

Lisa T. Bergren in her new book “Grave Consequences” Book Two in The Grand Tour Series published by David C. Cook returns us to the life of Cora Kensington in 1913.

From the back cover:  The Powerful, Epic Romance Continues

For Cora Kensington, the journey of a lifetime takes unexpected twists. And her future—her very life—depends on the decisions she’ll make at each crossroad. As her European tour with her newfound family takes her through Austria, France, and Italy, an unseen enemy trails close behind. Meanwhile, a forbidden love continues to claim her heart, putting everyone’s plans in danger.

And as Cora stays one step ahead of it all, what might need the most protection is her own heart, torn between the dramatic pursuit of a dashing Frenchman and a man who has been quietly staking claim to her affections all along. Love has dangers all its own. She must escape the bonds of the past and discover the faith to make the right choices, as each one has grave consequences.

The Cinderella story continues.  Cora Kensington was living poor on a farm in Montana then her whole life was turned upside down when she learned she was the illegitimate daughter of a copper mogul.  Now she is on a Grand Tour of Europe with her new family and new friends trying to make some sense of everything.  This time the journey is through France then into Austria and Italy.  I have to admit I wouldn’t mind making this trip, it sounds so interesting and such a lot of fun.  In a three-act play the first act is very upbeat, then the second act usually has a disaster or tragedy while the third act turns it all around and everyone ends upbeat.  Ms. Bergen has written a three-act story with her Grand Tour series.  Take a look at the cover it is a night scene, or dark, compared to the bright daylight scene from book one.  Now look at the title that should give you the idea that while this story is highly interesting it does have “heavy” moments.  Everything Cora knew about herself is destroyed and she can never go back to what was her home in Montana.  So, while she physically journeys across the countries of Europe, she is spiritually on a journey to discover, not only who she is in her new identity as a Kensington, but who she is in Christ.  In Grave Consequences she starts to slowly uncover that piece by piece.  “Grave Consequences” is a wonderful, interesting story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages.  I recommend this book highly and look forward, with some sadness, to the next book, the conclusion, in this series.