Rip Tide By Lisa T. Bergren

Rip Tide

by Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: Enclave

Series: Oceans of Time

ISBN: 979-8886050981

Medieval time period has quickly become one of my favorite time periods to read! So much adventure and emotion. I read the first book in this series, Estuary, and couldn't wait for book two. In the meantime, I read the author's Rivers of Time series that comes before this one. It was fantastic! The author sent me her book for review!

Summary:

The trap is set, and time is slipping away.

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.

Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all. 

Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?

My Review:

There is a reason so many of us love this family! In between book one and book two of this series I listened to the audiobooks for the River of Time series. To say I became an even bigger fan of the connected characters would be putting it mildly!

All of the beloved characters from Estuary are back in Rip Tide. It starts right where book one left off. Tiliani, as well as Nico and Luci, are set on rescuing Marcello, Luca, Gabi and Lia. Not surprisingly, things don't go as planned. One wrong move, choices made here or there, the timing... every choice the characters make send the story spiraling in a new direction. It's definitely fast-paced and never a dull moment. 

Tiliani still doesn't want to marry Aurelio, but he seems to have a new spark in his eye toward her. It's clear he wants peace between their castellos. Ercole, from book one is intent on there being no peace and continues to manipulate the other rulers. Whew, his deceitfulness knows no bounds.

Luci and Nico are still trying to find their way in this new life they've been brought into with Gabi, Lia, and Adri doing their best to help them adjust. Luci and Giulio are still testing their feelings to see if what they're feeling is real. It's so interesting to "see" the difference in how they both approach it. Luci comes at it with a 21st century mindset, which doesn't exactly pair well with a 14th century Guilio.

The castellos and families always seem to be in constant battles, waiting for the tip of the war iceberg to show up. Just when it seems like peace is at hand, love can begin, or decisions can be made on whether the twins stay in the 14th century, a skirmish occurs or the family is attacked. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about this story is how deeply Luci feels the family bond is with the She-Wolves and their family. They've all welcomed the twins into their fold, something they've sorely lacked most of their lives it seems. The story is a good reminder of what family & community truly is and how different it is today in modern times.

There is a strong thread of faith in this story and a strong push to trust the Lord in everything, no matter the circumstances. I appreciate how the more mature ladies in the story are always there to encourage the younger ladies towards faith.

The worst part of this story? Waiting for book 3!!!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over seventy books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-graduating-from-the-nest young adult children in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, see LisaBergren.com.