Bourne & Tributary (River of Time) Paperback – July 10, 2012

These two are novellas that are meant to be read after the River of Time series: Waterfall, Cascade and Torrent. Make sure you have read this series BEFORE you dive into these novellas - you'll have no clue what's going on if you don't.In Bourne, we pick up where Torrent left off. Men are wounded from battle and there is a new threat to the Betarrinis and those they have come to love. Lia still doesn't quite feel like she belongs but knows she won't be going back.Tributary was my favorite story of the two. Alessandra has gotten a head wound while out hunting. Lia and Gabi know that they have no choice but to take her back to their castello even though it is obvious that this girl has come from their enemies. As Alessandra heals, she comes to realize that everything she believes is not as black and white as she first thought.I really loved this series and these two novellas. Finding some closure for Lia, Luca and Rodolfo was nice although not everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow. It has been over two years since I read the River of Time series, but there were enough reminders to help me remember what had been going on - great job by the author on that one! You still have those moments where the "teen" aspect of the book shines through in the language. For me, it sort of broke up the flow but it wasn't bad enough to change my opinion of the stories.These are available separately, but I recommend you buy them together for two reasons. The first is that it is cheaper to buy them together. They are $2.99 separately and $3.99 together. For some, the difference is minimal, but when you buy/read as many books as I do, every little bit helps. The second reason is that both stories are definitely worth reading and you'd be missing out by only reading one. Highly recommended for teens and adults!

Bourne & Tributary were wonderful continuations of an already great series. The River of Time Series has been delightful entertainment for this 62 year-old grandmother, as well as a wonderful glimpse back into Italy in the 1300's via two time travelers and their parents who, as archeologists, demand that the girls say or do nothing that will skew history. As Gabriella and Marcello are now wed, the author gives voice to Evangelia, the younger sister, and she and Gabriella guide the reader through the ongoing struggle between the cities of Siena and Florence. Lord Greco, a member of the secret brotherhood to which Gabi's Marcello and Lia's Luca belong, comes as a marked traitor/captive to be executed by the villain Lord Paratore at his villa, which lies next to Marcello's own. The battle fought to try to free Greco is a decisive one in the series, and sets the tone for both of these novellas. Rodolpho Greco emerges as a man with a death wish, and Lia feels she will never be the same, due to amount of killing that has been done with her archer's arrows. The resolution of the many conflicts of this story is well done and satisfying. Kudos galore to Bergren for her skill in presenting loyal, unselfish, loving relationships, whether they are familial, friendships, or budding and maturing romance. While she is not in-your-face with an overt Christian message, her words are well chosen, and her applications are meaningful and deep. I have just discovered that the final installment for this series is in the writing--Deluge! It will be released sometime in 2014--Happy Day!

Keep in mind that these are novellas and therefore won't pack in as much as a long novel. But I have to say that for a novella, these stories do not short change you. The characters, relationships and all feel flushed out and well developed. I loved picking back up where Torrent, Book 3 left off and catching back up with the characters that came to seem so real to me. I also enjoyed meeting some new characters.Bourne and Tributary also bring Lia and Luca's story more into play. Lord Greco is back! If like me, you were hoping to see his story played out more - you will! I have to say that a part of me is still not ready to say goodbye to this cast of characters but at the same time I feel quiet pleased with the wrap-up! Thank you Lisa T. Bergren for a fantastic, fun and adventurous read! I enjoyed the romance too and your lessons on faith. God bless!Bourne - 4 1/2 StarsTributary - 4 StarsBy the way loved the actual pictures at the end! Thanks for sharing!

The entire River of Time series is entertaining and captivating. It was hard to put them down. I am definitely not in the target age group (young adults), but that didn't stop me from enjoying all of the characters, stories and settings found in these books. It was almost sad when they ended!! Ms. Bergren's descriptions of the time, everyday life during the 1300's Italy and the interactions of the characters were easy to read and made you want more. I am a fan of medieval fiction and non-fiction, so the time travel back to this time frame was really fun to read about. I relate my reading experience to that of reading The Hunger Games - however, I rank these books higher due to their melding of modern and medieval experiences. I highly recommend them and wish that there would have been time to include stories of how these characters would have dealt with the plague other than the slight reference in one of the books. Looking forward to more from this author - definitely a fan!!

Great Book Series for adults and young adults.

I loved these books and will recommend them to all my reader friends from teens on up. Lisa writes with such detail and passion that you immediately relate to her characters and their situations. She writes in so many unusual twists and turns that guessing what happens next is hard to do. Time travel presents so many unusual problems that she addresses so well. One thing I would suggest is to have access to all three of the first books before you start reading them, You won't be able to stand having to wait to get the next book. This fourth book is just as good as the others, but knowing it's drawing to a close, I have taken more time to savor it. Great Reading!