Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren (The River of Time #2)

Published: June 1^st 2011 (David C. Cook)

Pages: 399

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever. [Description from Goodreads]

First off, I read this book about a month ago, and made the mistake of not taking any notes (darn…what was I thinking?), so just bear with me here. This might be a bumpy ride.

Cascade picks up right where Waterfall left off, with the Betarrini sisters travelling back through time to see their mother. Being an archeologist, she’s completely gung-ho for travelling back to 14^th century Italy, which is exactly what Gabi wants to do. Lia, on the other hand…not so much. When they finally get back, much more time has passed for Marcello than it has for the Betarrinis (but don’t worry- he’s not old and senile quite yet). Gabi and Marcello are thrilled to be united again, but with danger lurking behind every, erm, castle, they’re soon swept off to defend the land from their ever-persistent enemies. And this time, there’s no stopping them. With her love belonging to another and her family to protect, Gabi must find great courage in order to overcome the hardships she encounters and make the sacrifice that’s necessary.

I really loved this book. Maybe even more than Waterfall, which is saying something, because I LOVED Waterfall. Lisa’s writing proved to sweep me off again, and once you get going, it’s hard to stop. I have to say, the little tidbits of insight about faith, love, and trusting God are still one of my favorite things. I love how Lisa incorporates them into her book! And oh, the action was lacking in nothing. This second installment was even more intense than the first. Running-for-your-life-from-fatal-enemies kind of intense. There might even be a possibility that said enemies capture one of the Betarrinis. Just a possibility. *shrugs* You know I’m just baiting you, right? And it’s working, isn’t it? I thought so. *wink*

I was even more convinced of Marcello’s love for me for Gabi in Cascade than I was in Waterfall. He’s so perfect it’s almost frustrating. His and Gabi’s relationship got even sweeter in this book…almost to the point of being sickening in some places. That was the only thing that bugged me a little. But I got over it. *grin*

In conclusion, I once again apologize for this messy, unorganized attempt at a review. While my thoughts might be in so much of a jumble that they’re a pain to read, Cascade is a book you do want to read. I felt like it was a solid sequel to Waterfall, and if Torrent (book three) is even a fraction as good as Cascade was, I can’t wait to read it!

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None.

Violence: Moderate (Battle sequences, torture, etc.)

Sexual: Mild (some kissing)