BookChewer: Book of the Moment: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Title: Waterfall
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Paperback: 369 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released Date: February 1, 2011
Source: Library
Interest: Genre - Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.
~Goodreads

My Thoughts:

First off, I am so excited about this author because she lives in Colorado like me! Represent! Word. Ok, so now that's aside let me just dive in an tell you why I picked this book up. I've been reading so much paranormal that I've been getting sick of it and needed something fresh to read. So this gorgeous cover caught my eye and what do ya know, it's a historical fiction YA read! I was beyond relieved. So I just dumped it with the rest of my library haul and headed on home. When I got to this book in my TBR pile, I realized that she was a Colorado author. Then when I found out that the characters went to one of my local high schools, Boulder High, I was quite happy! Although sadly, I will be going to the rival school this fall...

Gabi is the main character in this thrilling book and I have to say, I love her personality. Most YA books have characters that have had a dark experience int their life and is usually someone you can relate to. Gabi's father passed away but even so, her personality remains positive and strong. Of course she is upset at times over her father but she doesn't dwell in it and she really strives to make most out of her present life. No matter what the situation. I kept thinking that if I had time traveled into the past of medieval Italy then my reaction and my outlook on things would be somewhat like Gabi's. I just found my self being able to relate with her on numerous occasions.
One reoccurring topic I noticed in this book was faith and Gabi's exploration in believing in God. Now, I'm not very religious at all but I thought it was nice to see that while Gabi's life was becoming hectic, what with having to fight evil dudes and what not, she had one constant and that was her belief in God. I just thought it was cool to see her grasp something she didn't start believing in until then. Now to be honest, I was a little hesitant on if possibly the book might try to be overly religious to the point that it might make me uncomfortable but this book did not go there at all! Gabi her self is exploring religion and what it means to her and the reader just sees what she going through inside. I thought it was fascinating!

Now let's talk about the men of Costello Forrelli. Marcello Forrelli is the hot younger lord of Forrelli family and is the love interest of Gabi. Although he is betrothed to the catty Lady Rossi, Gabi just can't seem to tear herself away from him. I totally understand. Marcello is awesome. I mean c'mon, he's a knight in shining armor! Who doesn't love that! But the love and lust is risky business in this book and I was literally biting my nails in anticipation of what was going to happen to Marcello and Gabi. Let's just say the lingering glances and stolen kisses make this book a golden YA read. Girls will just eat it up!

The adventure and action in this book was also superb! Gabi was bad ass and she wouldn't let anyone talk down to her or tell her she can't do something just because she was a girl. And back in medieval Italy, that's how it was for the female kind. They were shut down and were left doing the cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids. You didn't really hear of any women in battle. But I love how Gabi defied those odds and made a name for herself and showed those men that she could be brave and fight. My inner feminist was jumping in joy! The fights, kicks, and punches are all something to read. It's super entertaining!

Overall, this book was pure entertainment and I did not want it to end! The romance, action, and adventure were met with high praise. I loved reading this book and as I'm writing this, I'll tell you that I've already finished the second book because it was just so good. Look out for this series because I am sure it will entrance you like it did for me!

I give it a 5 out of 5 CHEWS!