Sequel to River of Time
A few summers back, we did a YA kick-off as the new school year approached. I reviewed one of my all-time favorite series from my youth, River of Time by Lisa T. Bergren. I was so excited about this spin-off sequel.
Plot Summary
Estuary picks up about 20 years after Deluge (final book in River of Time). Our primary heroines from the original series, Gabi and Lia, are now middle-aged, leading Castello Forelli alongside their husbands. Their children have now moved into the focal point of this sequel series (technically titled Oceans of Time).
14th Century Italy
Estuary introduces us to Lia’s oldest daughter Tiliani. Raised by the “She-Wolves of Siena,” Tiliani has always done things a little bit differently. She’s not just a lady; she’s also a warrior and a leader. Unfortunately, it’s not what many 14th century lords are looking for in a wife. At 22, she’s facing “old maid” status already and struggling under the pressure of being her parents’ only surviving child.
When her father proposes an arranged marriage to unite Siena with long-time rival Firenze, Tiliani opens her mind to it… only to be drawn to her suitor’s handsome captain instead. Her internal battle between love and duty is rivaled only by what is stirring in the neighboring lands, as someone is hell-bent on revenge against the Forellis.
21st Century Italy
Meanwhile, back in the 21st century, twin siblings Domenico and Luciana Betarrini wrestle with the inexplicable disappearance of their cousins Gabi and Lia. No bodies? No ransom note? Was it the mob? How do four people – the girls and their parents – just disappear without a trace? Domenico drags Luciana to Italy to find out. And, as you probably suspect, accidentally transports the two back to medieval Italy. Right into the heart of Castello Forelli and all the danger surrounding it.
What I Love about these Time-Travel Stories
I said in my original review for River of Time that the time-travel romance plot sounds a little gimmicky or cheesy, but it’s really not. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia for me, being immersed in a world of characters I’ve loved for a decade. And reading it as an adult does hit differently than it did when I was fifteen. But I have to say, there is still nothing I dislike about these books. Every part of them is simply fun.
- Lighthearted, easy-to-read writing style
- Exciting plot
- Swoon-worthy romance
- Clean (no swearing or graphic scenes)
- Strong family bonds
- Strong heroines
- Selfless, complex heroes
I also really enjoyed reading about Gabi and Lia (as well as Marcello and Luca) as adults – parents and leaders. Bergren did a phenomenal job of aging them while keeping qualities about them readers knew and loved. I especially liked the perspectives they gave to Domenico and Luciana about staying in the 14th century versus returning home. It brought the story very full circle.
Is Estuary a Perfect Book?
Is the book perfect? No. As an adult, I see more of the predictability or “cheesiness” that I didn’t at 14 or 15. But it doesn’t detract from the story for me. Much like reading a rom-com or any specific genre, it’s what I expect out of her time-travel romance adventure books. And that’s okay with me.
I was surprised to see a few typos within the hard copy I bought, which kind of made me roll my eyes… English major, sorry – couldn’t help but notice.
Final Thoughts
I love these books. Obviously. I love being transported back to the castello; I love being immersed in medieval Italy with the culture, the landscape, et cetera. I love the emphasis on living life to the fullest because of the inevitable pain and suffering that also comes.
And I cherish the characters, both primary and supporting. The devotion they have for each other is heartwarming and makes you want to be a part of something similar. I am clearly attached and will continue to read these as long as Bergren writes them.
Content Rating: Mild
for romance and some intense scenes
Copyright Lisa T. Bergren and Enclave. Image from Amazon.
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