"Grave Consequences," written by Lisa T. Bergren, and published by David C. Cook, is the second part of a trilogy which started with "Glamorous Illusions" and ends with "Glittering Promises." Our heroine, Cora Diehl Kensington, is the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy man who plucks her from a life of obscurity in rural Montana and whisks away on a European Grand Tour with his legitimate children. Cora's half siblings, Felix, Vivian, and Lillian, are also traveling with Vivian's beau, Andrew Morgan, and his brother, Hugh. Their tour is being overseen by Stuart McCabe, and his nephew, Will.
"Grave Consequences" picks up where "Glamorous Illusions" left off; the group is rallying from an escape from kidnappers while they were in Paris and resuming their tour. Cora's half siblings are now beginning to warm up to her and accept her as one of their own. The group is planning to rendezvous with Mr. Kensington and Mr. Morgan in Vienna where they will decide whether to continue the tour in its entirety or cancel the rest of it. The McCabes, really need the money that they will make from this trip; however, the kidnappers have not been apprehended yet, and the safety of their charges is a concern that cannot be ignored.
Besides being worried about future attempts at being kidnapped, Cora has a choice between two love interests: Will, a young man who has dreams of finishing his architectural studies but who is helping his Uncle Stuart keep the financially burdened family business afloat, and Pierre, Lord de Richelieu, a wealthy suitor who the travelers met in the first novel, whose home was the site where they were attacked by the kidnappers. Throughout much of this novel, Cora believes that her heart's choice is Will, but they cannot be open about their romantic feelings with the others. It would anger Cora's father, who may decide to cancel the tour, refuse to pay the McCabes, and spread bad publicity for their tour company if they cannot protect young ladies under their care from unsuitable attachments. Pierre is aware that Cora cares for Will, but he still pursues her and is able to get approval for his suit from Cora's father.
Cora also must come to terms with her new position in society. She believes that after the tour is finished, she will return to her mother and adoptive father and resume her plans to become a teacher. Her traveling companions, including Will, know that Mr. Kensington has bigger plans for Cora. The tour has been serving a purpose in immersing Cora into the lifestyle of the wealthy and in helping Cora and her half siblings bond with each other. She is aware that if she accepts her place as a Kensington, she will struggle under the control of her birth father, and his expectations for her life, just as her siblings are wrestling under his control and scrutiny.
The novel is written in two points of view: Cora's and Will's. Cora's point of view is presented in first person, while Will's is written in third person. I found this to be a little strange, but got used to it. Also, giving Will a point of view was a big hint as to who the main love interest truly was.
I have not read "Glamorous Illusions," yet, but there was enough background information provided in the story that I was able to follow the plot without too much confusion. However, there were many characters mentioned in the story, and I ended up writing down most of their names just to keep track of who each person was.
It was interesting to tag along on the Grand Tour, reading the descriptions and little history lessons that Will gave to the tour group. I think that I would like to visit the Chateau of Queribus and see the ruins for myself. I thought that the question posed by one of the characters while they were touring this location reflected one of the book's themes quite well: "How many men and women found themselves here because it truly was their holy calling, and how many came because everyone around them told them it was their holy calling?" Cora faces this dilemma as she tries to figure out what God's will is for her where Will and Pierre are concerned, and where her future lies as a "Diehl" or as a Kensington. She needs to discern God's voice amongst all the other voices in her life, including those of her siblings, her traveling companions, Pierre, Will, and her birth father.
Since this was the second installment of a trilogy, there are parts of the story that are incomplete. The romantic storyline has not been resolved yet; Will and Pierre are both still contenders for Cora's heart. The tour appears to continue beyond this novel. The origins of the kidnapping plot are revealed, and the main culprits have been apprehended by the end, but not all of them have been caught, so perhaps the travelers are not out of danger from this threat yet. I'm looking forward to reading the next part, "Glittering Promises."
Disclaimer: A copy of "Grave Consequences" was given by NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
