Her heart belongs to Marcello - Gabi knows this now that she’s back in modern times and he is in 1342. But she and her sister Lia had to come back to find their mother – and find a way to keep the black plague from wiping out their friends in old Tuscany.
Their archaeologist mom can’t quite believe that her daughters have traveled to the 14th century and back; her scientific background demands proof. When the three Bettarini women visit the ancient tomb, Mom gets more than proof – she goes back with them!
Marcello’s betrothed has given him up for his older brother, who is finally recovering from his long illness; becoming Lady of Castle Forelli is a political move, of course. Free to express their affection at last, Gabi’s reunion with Marcello is interrupted by invaders from Castle Paratore.
The regional war between is still going strong, as the republics of Siena and Florence fight over the borderland castles. So the enemies of Castle Forelli would love to capture the Ladies Bettarini who are strong and wise and fearless in battle.
Intrigue, conflict, and the coming Black Plague – can the “She-Wolves of Siena” turn the tide? Will the troops of Florence break through the Sienese defenses to capture the capital? Will Gabi stay with Marcello in 1342, or will Lia and their mom try to draw her back to their own time?
This second book in the Rivers of Time series answers questions raised by Waterfall (#1) and leaves readers anticipating more intrigue and romance in Torrent (#3).
Recommended by: Katy Manck, Librarian-at-Large (retired academic/corporate/school librarian), Gilmer, Texas, USA
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At the end of Waterfall Gabi and Lia had just arrived back into their own time. As Cascade starts it doesn’t take long for them to find their mother and tell her what happened. With some reluctance on Lia’s part and their mother not sure what to believe they once again travel through time and go back to the 14th century.
When they arrive they find that Marcello has left them clothes to wear so they will fit in this time. War is still raging and Marcello is no longer engaged. It would be great if they could just live happily ever after but of course they land right back into trouble. The people of Siena are calling Gabi and Lia their “she-wolves” and want to honor them but their enemies will go to any length to capture them.
Relationships will grow between Gabi and Marcello, and Lia and Luca while their mother learns what it is like to live in the 14th century and seems to be enjoying it. Marcello wants Gabi to marry him but she has a hard time committing knowing that her mother and sister need her to get back to their own time. Plus now that they have time traveled twice they are all wondering if they could actually travel back in time to just before their father died and save him.
Battles rage, romances bloom, people die, action never stops but decisions need to be made that will change the course of everyone’s lives. (Christian fiction)
399 pages Ages 14 and up 978-1434764317
Recommended by: Joleen Waltman, Librarian, Idaho USA
