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River of Time: California #1
Three Wishes
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.
Zara Ruiz is a normal California girl on the verge of graduating from high school and thinking about her dawning future. But when dusk brings a shattering loss—and she discovers a priceless object in the shallows of a tide pool—she is thrust a hundred-and-eighty years into the past. There she meets handsome ranchero Javier de la Ventura—who has big dreams and secret sorrows—along with his enchanting family, in a land that is at once familiar, and yet utterly foreign.
Between cattle rustlers, pirates and a growing call for statehood, it is not a peaceful time to be a Mexican settler in young Alta California. But Zara must decide if she's discovered what she longs for most in the past, or if her heart's THREE WISHES can only be found in the present.
Zara Ruiz is a normal California girl on the verge of graduating from high school and thinking about her dawning future. But when dusk brings a shattering loss—and she discovers a priceless object in the shallows of a tide pool—she is thrust a hundred-and-eighty years into the past. There she meets handsome ranchero Javier de la Ventura—who has big dreams and secret sorrows—along with his enchanting family, in a land that is at once familiar, and yet utterly foreign.
Between cattle rustlers, pirates and a growing call for statehood, it is not a peaceful time to be a Mexican settler in young Alta California. But Zara must decide if she's discovered what she longs for most in the past, or if her heart's THREE WISHES can only be found in the present.
296 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2016
100 people are currently reading
1714 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Tawn Bergren
102 books3,808 followersAbout
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 17, 2020
Oh, my heart.
I've been a huge fan of her River of Time series for a long time, and I was so excited to see her writing a spinoff series. Though I miss my beloved sisters in Italy, I've gotta say Zara was a wonderful protagonist to follow.
Also, I LOVED that this was set in a time period of history that I honestly don't think I've ever read about before in fiction. The setting leapt off the page, just like in Lisa's other books.
Every River of Time fan knows the best part about Lisa's books is the romance. This one was great. The book is on the short side, so it does develop quickly, but I really didn't care, since I loved every minute. The chemistry was so great. And while Luca will probably always be my favorite love interest in a Lisa Bergren book, Javier might be closing in for a close second. I don't know. Lord Greco will be part to replace in my heart.
Basically, if you're a fan of Lisa's books, you're going to love this one. I can't WAIT for the sequel. I just hope it's a little longer. This one went too quickly!
June 15, 2017
I loved this book so much! <3 <3 <3 <3
I need to get the next one *grabby hands*
I loved the Ventura family(they are seriously amazing), I loved the setting(I don't think I've ever read a book in this setting before), I loved Zara (amazing mc and relatable), I loved Javier ( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 ), just I LOVED EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK
*clears throat* so yeah you should definitely go read it ;)
(also the orginal River of Time series is AMAZING if you haven't read that yet ;)
I need to get the next one *grabby hands*
I loved the Ventura family(they are seriously amazing), I loved the setting(I don't think I've ever read a book in this setting before), I loved Zara (amazing mc and relatable), I loved Javier ( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 ), just I LOVED EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK
*clears throat* so yeah you should definitely go read it ;)
(also the orginal River of Time series is AMAZING if you haven't read that yet ;)
Want to read
December 3, 2015Another River of Time book??????? YAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh I'm so excited!!! =D *throws confetti in air and gains 20 pounds by all the celebratory cake eaten*
February 21, 2017
I honestly don't know what to say. This book was just so good!! I couldn't put it down. Since I was on vacation and I had a long drive, it was a perfect time to read this book!! Lisa Tawn Bergren does it once again! It captivated me from the first page to the last page!
I also don't know if this is all of the editions of this book, but there are a few chapters in the next book, Four Winds. That got me even more excited.
Anyway, back to Three Wishes! There were crying parts, laughing parts, sighing parts, and everything in between. That is totally my kind of book! I fell in love with Javier and the rest of the characters immediately. The storyline and plot was quite awesome. I really liked how this series, River of Time: California, is set in old California a little before the forty-niners. I mean, there was nothing missing!
So I am happy to say that I would give this book 5 bright stars!!
Title: Three Wishes
Author: Lisa Tawn Begren
Author's Website: http://lisatawnbergren.com/
If you are interested in more time travel adventures and romances, check out the River of Time series here! The River of Time series is a story of time travel to medieval Italy! It is one of my favorite series! But, if you read my review, you will hear all about it!
This review was written with my own opinions and words.
I also don't know if this is all of the editions of this book, but there are a few chapters in the next book, Four Winds. That got me even more excited.
Anyway, back to Three Wishes! There were crying parts, laughing parts, sighing parts, and everything in between. That is totally my kind of book! I fell in love with Javier and the rest of the characters immediately. The storyline and plot was quite awesome. I really liked how this series, River of Time: California, is set in old California a little before the forty-niners. I mean, there was nothing missing!
So I am happy to say that I would give this book 5 bright stars!!
Title: Three Wishes
Author: Lisa Tawn Begren
Author's Website: http://lisatawnbergren.com/
If you are interested in more time travel adventures and romances, check out the River of Time series here! The River of Time series is a story of time travel to medieval Italy! It is one of my favorite series! But, if you read my review, you will hear all about it!
This review was written with my own opinions and words.
March 1, 2017
This book was made for people just like me. The fan girls missing the River of Time series, and needed their next fix ;) The minute the book got into my hands, I devoured it, and it was a pretty good read too. I love Zara and Javier, and I thought they were really sweet.
Of course I couldn't stop comparing it to the River of Time series, and it isn't as good, but I feel like if I hadn't read that series first, I would love the book more. It's just one of those situations where meeting expectations can be difficult. However it was still a really enjoyable read, and I'm ready to get my hands on the next book. After all, that ending just had me like:
Of course I couldn't stop comparing it to the River of Time series, and it isn't as good, but I feel like if I hadn't read that series first, I would love the book more. It's just one of those situations where meeting expectations can be difficult. However it was still a really enjoyable read, and I'm ready to get my hands on the next book. After all, that ending just had me like:
April 14, 2019
This was a well written time travel story. Bergren is a hit or miss author for me. I read this because it is like her waterfall series. It was like but had little similarities. It was a good book, with great history that Bergren excels at. The whole thing was put together well with good characters. There was something missing, I think I compare all her books to Waterfall and I expect that level of adventure and romance. This fell short of both. The romance seemed odd and one sided. So I am just going to enjoy this book and not read the next:}
December 27, 2016
Deep sigh.
This is the first in a new series by Lisa T. Bergren, a spin-off from the River of Time series, which I really enjoyed.
But it let me down. It really just wasn't good. There were some good elements, I liked the main character and some of her interactions with the others were a lot of fun. But for the most part - nothing happened. Nooothing. The lack of action (and just the plot in general) made this really hard to get through, and for such a short book that's a huge problem.
Though the River of Time series had super cheesy romances, (very present in this book I can assure you) they were balanced with lots of fun and fast paced action, with sword fights, kidnappings, poisonings, all that medieval goodness. But here we're in the late 1800's, and what do we have? Dough making. Horse riding. Fruit picking. And me? I'm YAWNING. There really was nothing happening here and it was just utterly dull. The synopsis promised pirates, so I spent the entire novel waiting for that but they never showed! At least not in any way I expected. Uuugh.
The romance........eeeeesh. Very insta-lovey, almost creepily so. It was not well developed, Javier was a super boring character, and it felt forced. If Zara wasn't telling you how ATTRACTIVE he was every other page, I wouldn't have thought they had any connection at all. I was constantly rolling my eyes.
Not a whole lot else to say about this book. I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want something cheesy and light. It's not quite all boring, and there is a chance the romance could be enjoyed by someone else. I'll end here with the worst/best quote:
This is the first in a new series by Lisa T. Bergren, a spin-off from the River of Time series, which I really enjoyed.
But it let me down. It really just wasn't good. There were some good elements, I liked the main character and some of her interactions with the others were a lot of fun. But for the most part - nothing happened. Nooothing. The lack of action (and just the plot in general) made this really hard to get through, and for such a short book that's a huge problem.
Though the River of Time series had super cheesy romances, (very present in this book I can assure you) they were balanced with lots of fun and fast paced action, with sword fights, kidnappings, poisonings, all that medieval goodness. But here we're in the late 1800's, and what do we have? Dough making. Horse riding. Fruit picking. And me? I'm YAWNING. There really was nothing happening here and it was just utterly dull. The synopsis promised pirates, so I spent the entire novel waiting for that but they never showed! At least not in any way I expected. Uuugh.
The romance........eeeeesh. Very insta-lovey, almost creepily so. It was not well developed, Javier was a super boring character, and it felt forced. If Zara wasn't telling you how ATTRACTIVE he was every other page, I wouldn't have thought they had any connection at all. I was constantly rolling my eyes.
Not a whole lot else to say about this book. I wouldn't recommend it, unless you want something cheesy and light. It's not quite all boring, and there is a chance the romance could be enjoyed by someone else. I'll end here with the worst/best quote:
He was so handsome, so dang electric, he was like interference.
February 7, 2016
Oh Wow....Another spell binding book from Lisa T Bergren!
Three Wishes is about Zara whose life seems to be lost and lonely. Her Abuela the only relative in her life has just died. Now Zara needs to find a purpose to go on with her life. All she really wants is a little bit of adventure, a family, and true love. What she finds is something MORE than she ever imagined!
I don't want to say too much because you really need to experience it for yourself. I hope you love it like I do!
I was given this book from the author to review it AND I'm so happy to have had the opportunity!
Three Wishes is about Zara whose life seems to be lost and lonely. Her Abuela the only relative in her life has just died. Now Zara needs to find a purpose to go on with her life. All she really wants is a little bit of adventure, a family, and true love. What she finds is something MORE than she ever imagined!
I don't want to say too much because you really need to experience it for yourself. I hope you love it like I do!
I was given this book from the author to review it AND I'm so happy to have had the opportunity!
July 1, 2016
I'm happy to have a new time travel series from Lisa T. Bergren! I LOVED the Waterfall series. I'm not sure this first book is quite as good as Waterfall, but I did really like it. I'm looking forward to the next book. I really love the setting and I'm sure the characters will continue to grow on me.
July 27, 2017
Let's just say that this is a super fun and adorable read! I need to snag Four Wishes ASAP! I loved this so much! Full review coming soon.
UPDATE: Three Wishes by Lisa T. Bergren is a super fun spin-off of the original River of Time Series. This time we meet a young lady named Zara Ruiz who finds herself time-traveling to Alta California in the 1840s! Now I’ve only read a couple of novels that take place in that time period in California so I found it super fun and unique.
The book has the same feel as the originals so fans will be happy. It just has a much more lighter feel than the originals. I think that’s mostly because we aren’t dealing with the harsh times of Medieval Italy this time. Don’t get me wrong, frontier-life surely wasn’t easy, but it was much lighter and more romanticized.
Zara was an instant character that I fell in love with immediately. Isn’t her name unique and beautiful? I love it! When we first meet her in the book, she’s grieving the loss of her abuela. She was the only family and person she had in her life. Her three wishes were adventure, love, and family. Except she didn’t expect to happen the way it does. It was so much watching her learn to adapt to life and culture in the 1840s while still battling with wanting to get back to her own time.
Javier was also a super fun character. He’s the mysterious, rough but gentlemany gorgeous Mexican ranchero. He is the man who had return home from college and his dreams to take over the biggest and richest ranchero and to take care and protect his family. We don’t really get to learn much about his character, although bits and pieces are hinted at. Hopefully we’ll learn more in the sequel.
Whether or not you’ve read the originals, you won’t want to miss out on these. While these are much lighter and somewhat different from the originals, you’ll still find adventure and the swoon-worthy romance with a dangerous premise that we all love and adore.
Can’t wait to the next novel in store which is Four Winds.
Disclaimer: I purchased a paperback copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
UPDATE: Three Wishes by Lisa T. Bergren is a super fun spin-off of the original River of Time Series. This time we meet a young lady named Zara Ruiz who finds herself time-traveling to Alta California in the 1840s! Now I’ve only read a couple of novels that take place in that time period in California so I found it super fun and unique.
The book has the same feel as the originals so fans will be happy. It just has a much more lighter feel than the originals. I think that’s mostly because we aren’t dealing with the harsh times of Medieval Italy this time. Don’t get me wrong, frontier-life surely wasn’t easy, but it was much lighter and more romanticized.
Zara was an instant character that I fell in love with immediately. Isn’t her name unique and beautiful? I love it! When we first meet her in the book, she’s grieving the loss of her abuela. She was the only family and person she had in her life. Her three wishes were adventure, love, and family. Except she didn’t expect to happen the way it does. It was so much watching her learn to adapt to life and culture in the 1840s while still battling with wanting to get back to her own time.
Javier was also a super fun character. He’s the mysterious, rough but gentlemany gorgeous Mexican ranchero. He is the man who had return home from college and his dreams to take over the biggest and richest ranchero and to take care and protect his family. We don’t really get to learn much about his character, although bits and pieces are hinted at. Hopefully we’ll learn more in the sequel.
Whether or not you’ve read the originals, you won’t want to miss out on these. While these are much lighter and somewhat different from the originals, you’ll still find adventure and the swoon-worthy romance with a dangerous premise that we all love and adore.
Can’t wait to the next novel in store which is Four Winds.
Disclaimer: I purchased a paperback copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 22, 2018
Wow. I. liked. this. book!!! Three Wishes is a thrilling time-traveling adventure with a sweet core of love and the importance of family. I had to admit I was a little nervous going into the spin-off of The River In Time series because I loved the prior books sooo much! I thought I would find myself comparing this book to the others. But I should have known I was in good hands with Lisa T Bergren! She made a beautiful story that kept me engaged every minute. Just get ready cause your feels are gonna go for a ride as you time-travel with Zara from present time CA to 1840 Alta-California. The author does an excellent job of making history come alive by her descriptive writing of the scenery, smells, music and Mexican culture. I felt like I was submerged in the beautiful world of old Californio. But she also displayed the struggles of that time as well.
Zara Ruiz is a character that has become a fast favorite for me. She learns to be independent and strong early on, especially after the loss of her beloved grandmother. But Zara always dreams to find love, and family. She had a strength and vulnerability that just made her so likeable and real. It was fun reading through her p.ov. in this wild adventure! Plus, the girl can throw a punch!
I just adored the opening scene between Zara and Javier it was hilarious and exciting. The romance between them made my heart melt like Velveeta cheese! All I know is that on my shopping list I'm adding "find Moroccan lamp", lol!
I cannot wait to read Four Winds to see how everything plays out for Zara, Javier and the Ventura family! :-)
June 23, 2019
i mean, i’m 21, so 2 stars is expected. but it kept me entertained for an evening, so i’m content 😂👌🏼
August 5, 2017
Not as good as Lisa's other books, the romance was pretty darn cringe, and it was predictable, BUT...
It was so hilarious and I loved all of the characters.
I am in Mexico right now so it has been SOOO much fun reading a historical fiction book about Mexico! I only wish that more problems/disasters had arisen. It was just Zara debating whether or not to leave.
I feel like nothing really happened even though it was very entertaining. I just expected more plot twists from Bergren, like I've been blown away by in her other books.
The main girl had a lot of unusual talents that were put in to make the story more interesting, but it just made it sound fake. What poor girl with no money had serious self defense classes? Why is that even needed to explain a girl knowing how to punch a pervert? Why can't she just smack the crap out of a guy on instinct? So many times Bergren put useless little details of hidden talents about Zara into this book. It was meant to make Zara seem special and diverse and unique but it just makes her less relatable and the writing more cringe worthy.
It also seemed like Bergren wrote this one night on a whim. Like she spilled it into a diary and never read through it before publishing. I feel like she needs an editor to go through each page and highlight stupid sentences. There were so many times when I thought, oooh here's the villain! Or ooh someone is going to almost die on this page, I just know it! Or ooh a super emotional scene is coming, let's get some tear action going! Then. Nothing. Happens. That happened like a dozen times. Lame. Lame. LAME!
Also- MAXI SKIRTS ARE NOT COOL!!!!! Actual line from this book- "I had to get back to a time when maxi skirts and a cami were cool" AGH!! You can just tell that a mom wrote this. Drove me insane. Several times it was stated that maxi skirts are apparently the coolest thing a teen can wear. I had to block it out as I read.
All in all though, I loved the way she described life in the 1800's in Mexico/California territory before the gold rush. Very interesting and her research was spot on. This book was also very funny. It made me laugh out loud several times. I loved Zara, the main girl. She was much smarter and less annoying than Bergren's other series main girl- Gabi.
Javier was wonderful. He was so funny and not the perfect hunk like Marcello. He has his own issues which made me like him a lot.
Okay but seriously this wasn't a percent as good as Deluge (#5 in the waterfall series)
I will read the second one, four winds, to see if it gets any better. The first waterfall wasn't the best either.
I just hope Bergren hasn't lost the ability to write something that I can't stop thinking and crying about for years.
I think if this was by a different author I would LOVE it and have no issues, but just because I know Lisa is capable of so much more I was disappointed.
It was so hilarious and I loved all of the characters.
I am in Mexico right now so it has been SOOO much fun reading a historical fiction book about Mexico! I only wish that more problems/disasters had arisen. It was just Zara debating whether or not to leave.
I feel like nothing really happened even though it was very entertaining. I just expected more plot twists from Bergren, like I've been blown away by in her other books.
The main girl had a lot of unusual talents that were put in to make the story more interesting, but it just made it sound fake. What poor girl with no money had serious self defense classes? Why is that even needed to explain a girl knowing how to punch a pervert? Why can't she just smack the crap out of a guy on instinct? So many times Bergren put useless little details of hidden talents about Zara into this book. It was meant to make Zara seem special and diverse and unique but it just makes her less relatable and the writing more cringe worthy.
It also seemed like Bergren wrote this one night on a whim. Like she spilled it into a diary and never read through it before publishing. I feel like she needs an editor to go through each page and highlight stupid sentences. There were so many times when I thought, oooh here's the villain! Or ooh someone is going to almost die on this page, I just know it! Or ooh a super emotional scene is coming, let's get some tear action going! Then. Nothing. Happens. That happened like a dozen times. Lame. Lame. LAME!
Also- MAXI SKIRTS ARE NOT COOL!!!!! Actual line from this book- "I had to get back to a time when maxi skirts and a cami were cool" AGH!! You can just tell that a mom wrote this. Drove me insane. Several times it was stated that maxi skirts are apparently the coolest thing a teen can wear. I had to block it out as I read.
All in all though, I loved the way she described life in the 1800's in Mexico/California territory before the gold rush. Very interesting and her research was spot on. This book was also very funny. It made me laugh out loud several times. I loved Zara, the main girl. She was much smarter and less annoying than Bergren's other series main girl- Gabi.
Javier was wonderful. He was so funny and not the perfect hunk like Marcello. He has his own issues which made me like him a lot.
Okay but seriously this wasn't a percent as good as Deluge (#5 in the waterfall series)
I will read the second one, four winds, to see if it gets any better. The first waterfall wasn't the best either.
I just hope Bergren hasn't lost the ability to write something that I can't stop thinking and crying about for years.
I think if this was by a different author I would LOVE it and have no issues, but just because I know Lisa is capable of so much more I was disappointed.
February 9, 2017
I really tried not to compare Three Wishes to the original RoT books, but how could I not? I should open this by saying that I did enjoy the River of Time books but that I don't think that they were that great.
1. The relationship between Zara and Javier was not believable, less believable than Gabi and Marcello, they were attracted to each other physically and Javier admired Zara's special talents but I hardly saw the draw to Javier. Or Zara, really. I was disappointed when Captain John Worthington wasn't the love interest. Now I know though, if I ever time travel my true love is the first guy I see. Bergren's YA heroines have awful taste in men. (Except of course Lia. Lia was right.)
2. None of the characters were that interesting and I wouldn't have cared if they all died. I just wouldn't have. I can compare each character to a similar one from the original Italy books but these fell flat.
3. Where was the villain? Where was the oh so important adventure? There was a small fear over an unknown source, but Three Wishes was purely a romance. And I have no idea why it couldn't just be one novel, the book wasn't that long. And hardly anything happened.
4. I didn't feel like Zara was trapped at the rancho, even though she needed to get the lamp to go home she could have asked for it at any time. Really she could have. She just had Javier take it so that she would have a reason to want to stay until the last scene as her arc. I could feel the whole time I was reading it that "The Thing" keeping them apart was only keeping them apart and didn't connect to the rest of the story.
5. The research that Bergren did for this book was there, but it wasn't woven into the story like in the River books. It felt cheap, like she wanted to write another best selling time travel series and she didn't think it through. Which is why it was self published. I feel bad for saying that, but it's true.
6. A literal she-wolf? That's not clever. It's really not. Don't make me cry.
7.
So basically, I have lost a lot of respect for Lisa Bergren's writing. She should not have written this book in the first place. There are so many more things I could say but I don't want to think about this anymore. Time to go read something else.
1. The relationship between Zara and Javier was not believable, less believable than Gabi and Marcello, they were attracted to each other physically and Javier admired Zara's special talents but I hardly saw the draw to Javier. Or Zara, really. I was disappointed when Captain John Worthington wasn't the love interest. Now I know though, if I ever time travel my true love is the first guy I see. Bergren's YA heroines have awful taste in men. (Except of course Lia. Lia was right.)
2. None of the characters were that interesting and I wouldn't have cared if they all died. I just wouldn't have. I can compare each character to a similar one from the original Italy books but these fell flat.
3. Where was the villain? Where was the oh so important adventure? There was a small fear over an unknown source, but Three Wishes was purely a romance. And I have no idea why it couldn't just be one novel, the book wasn't that long. And hardly anything happened.
4. I didn't feel like Zara was trapped at the rancho, even though she needed to get the lamp to go home she could have asked for it at any time. Really she could have. She just had Javier take it so that she would have a reason to want to stay until the last scene as her arc. I could feel the whole time I was reading it that "The Thing" keeping them apart was only keeping them apart and didn't connect to the rest of the story.
5. The research that Bergren did for this book was there, but it wasn't woven into the story like in the River books. It felt cheap, like she wanted to write another best selling time travel series and she didn't think it through. Which is why it was self published. I feel bad for saying that, but it's true.
6. A literal she-wolf? That's not clever. It's really not. Don't make me cry.
7.
So basically, I have lost a lot of respect for Lisa Bergren's writing. She should not have written this book in the first place. There are so many more things I could say but I don't want to think about this anymore. Time to go read something else.
May 4, 2016
To start off with, I loooove the River of Time Series, and they are one of my favourite books ever. So I totally flipped when I found out that there was another River of Time book getting released, just with a new story. That means a total new plot with a girl who time travels, with new characters to get to know. Pretty fantastic, right?
So, of course, I kept comparing this story with the first book of the series, which was wrong for me to do.
I respect and praise Bergren for succeeding in developing a new lovestory and plot. However, I had the feeling that this story was way weaker than the one of Waterfall. There wasn't a real peak in the story and I couldn't really form a opinion of Javier, because I didn't get to know him well enough. At the point the plot got going, I only had two more chapters to read.
On the other hand, Zara really grew to me and found myself liking her. Bergren made me laugh with her creative ideas, she shocked me with plot twists and her beautiful>/I> writing made me love her more and more.
Just please let the sequel be build up better and have more pages!
So, of course, I kept comparing this story with the first book of the series, which was wrong for me to do.
I respect and praise Bergren for succeeding in developing a new lovestory and plot. However, I had the feeling that this story was way weaker than the one of Waterfall. There wasn't a real peak in the story and I couldn't really form a opinion of Javier, because I didn't get to know him well enough. At the point the plot got going, I only had two more chapters to read.
On the other hand, Zara really grew to me and found myself liking her. Bergren made me laugh with her creative ideas, she shocked me with plot twists and her beautiful>/I> writing made me love her more and more.
Just please let the sequel be build up better and have more pages!
Want to read
December 20, 2015This book is set in Alta, CA which is very close to where I live. So I'll definitely be reading this one!
April 18, 2016
4.5 stars
Just as wonderfully amazing as I had hoped!! A million thanks to Lisa, who writes the best stories ever and inspires me with each book she writes!
Just as wonderfully amazing as I had hoped!! A million thanks to Lisa, who writes the best stories ever and inspires me with each book she writes!
April 21, 2022
LOVED this book. Blazed through it!!!
December 12, 2017
Ever since I read the first River of Time series set in Italy, I was in love with Lisa Bergren's characters and settings. This was no exception. If I were the same age as when I read the other series it would have been five stars, but at my current age and season of life, I gave it 4 extremely loving stars. I loved Zara and Javier and can't wait to read the next book!
October 28, 2019
Sigh-worthy. Romantic. Adventurous. Just as good as her original River of Time series. I read it a few years ago. Now I want to go reread it, so I can read the second in the series.
December 4, 2016
This is it, River Tribe. We've been waiting for this book since the second it was announced, and it's finally here.
I was so happy to have received an e-copy to beta read last month. When I read it, I knew you were all going to love it. Plus, I've heard the ending I originally read was cut, because it was too big of a cliffhanger. So count yourselves lucky that you didn't have the giant cliffhanger to end with like I did!
So onto my review.
I was so very worried to start Three Wishes. I am such a mega-fan of the original series, and I had such high expectations for this book that I was scared Three Wishes would fall short. But, I'd have to say it didn't.
Zara is such a head-strong, determined protagonist. She faces every situation with an admirable spirit, and she's a great role-model.
Javier is a pretty great guy. There are a few stereotypical qualities about him, but I couldn't help but like him in the end. I don't love him yet, but I might love him in the next book. I think he has some good in him, it's just hidden under some angst.
Zara and Javier remind me a lot of Gabriella and Marcello from the original River of Time books. Fans of them from the originals should love Zara and Javier's relationship.
I loved Lisa's writing, like always. This book was so beautifully written. It has many quotable lines and the story is artistically created.
This book isn't perfect, though. I do feel there was just... something missing. I'm not sure what, and I'm hoping whatever it is, it's in the second book. But this is still such an enjoyable book, I can't help but give it 5 stars. It's not better than the originals, though, in my opinion.
Have you read Three Wishes yet? Do you plan on it? Let me know in the comments below!
-Lilian-
I was so happy to have received an e-copy to beta read last month. When I read it, I knew you were all going to love it. Plus, I've heard the ending I originally read was cut, because it was too big of a cliffhanger. So count yourselves lucky that you didn't have the giant cliffhanger to end with like I did!
So onto my review.
I was so very worried to start Three Wishes. I am such a mega-fan of the original series, and I had such high expectations for this book that I was scared Three Wishes would fall short. But, I'd have to say it didn't.
Zara is such a head-strong, determined protagonist. She faces every situation with an admirable spirit, and she's a great role-model.
Javier is a pretty great guy. There are a few stereotypical qualities about him, but I couldn't help but like him in the end. I don't love him yet, but I might love him in the next book. I think he has some good in him, it's just hidden under some angst.
Zara and Javier remind me a lot of Gabriella and Marcello from the original River of Time books. Fans of them from the originals should love Zara and Javier's relationship.
I loved Lisa's writing, like always. This book was so beautifully written. It has many quotable lines and the story is artistically created.
This book isn't perfect, though. I do feel there was just... something missing. I'm not sure what, and I'm hoping whatever it is, it's in the second book. But this is still such an enjoyable book, I can't help but give it 5 stars. It's not better than the originals, though, in my opinion.
Have you read Three Wishes yet? Do you plan on it? Let me know in the comments below!
-Lilian-
July 7, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was nice to have a sub-series of the original River of Time Series, but this book was uniquely its own. Despite both series being about time travel, this one was very different from Waterfall, Cascade, and Torrent. The time travel "rules" in this one was uniquely its own, especially in comparison to the other series. However, despite these differences, I was comparing the books the entire way through.
Javier sounds like an awesome, hot dude. However, I found him lacking much in the chivalry that Marcello lived inside-out. Javier had a few problems that bothered me, but didn't seem to bother the heroine, Zara, or the author. First, there were mentions to his "past" or "other" girls. Second, he showed a temper a few times, at which his family commented a few times. Third, his gambling. This was brought up several times, and each time it did, Zara never blinked an eyelash or had any qualms or warnings about his gambling. This surprised me a bit, considering that the author is Christian, I would not expect a hero and example to have such a serious problem, especially without it being addressed as wrong, or any such turning point.
But perhaps that will happen in the second book, which I am eagerly awaiting.
I also believe that all of the action and adventure I expected in Three Wishes will make their full appearance in Four Winds. I am very happy for this, as Lisa's marvellous action scenes and plot twists are one reason why I fell so madly in love with Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne, Tributary, and Deluge and which I believe will cause me to fall just as in love with Four Winds.
Despite the small problems I have had occasionally with this author's books, I love her work and she has not let me down in Three Wishes, a very fascinating and clean read.
I would recommend this to all 13+
Javier sounds like an awesome, hot dude. However, I found him lacking much in the chivalry that Marcello lived inside-out. Javier had a few problems that bothered me, but didn't seem to bother the heroine, Zara, or the author. First, there were mentions to his "past" or "other" girls. Second, he showed a temper a few times, at which his family commented a few times. Third, his gambling. This was brought up several times, and each time it did, Zara never blinked an eyelash or had any qualms or warnings about his gambling. This surprised me a bit, considering that the author is Christian, I would not expect a hero and example to have such a serious problem, especially without it being addressed as wrong, or any such turning point.
But perhaps that will happen in the second book, which I am eagerly awaiting.
I also believe that all of the action and adventure I expected in Three Wishes will make their full appearance in Four Winds. I am very happy for this, as Lisa's marvellous action scenes and plot twists are one reason why I fell so madly in love with Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne, Tributary, and Deluge and which I believe will cause me to fall just as in love with Four Winds.
Despite the small problems I have had occasionally with this author's books, I love her work and she has not let me down in Three Wishes, a very fascinating and clean read.
I would recommend this to all 13+
April 17, 2016
If you know me, you know how much I love Lisa T. Bergren and her River of Time series. Even years after it's conclusion, when I'm asked what my favorite books are they will always make the list. It's one of the few series I have re-read over and over and never tire of! So it should come as no surprise that I have been ECSTATIC ever since I learned that she was writing this spin-off series. In Three Wishes, I found myself swept up in that same type of breathless experience as I had with the original series, but that is where the similarities end. This book separates itself into it's own entity and let me tell you, it's an absolute delight! While the original series thrusts you straight into the action, this book softly explores the character's inner journey as she comes to know herself, her dreams and wishes, and what she wants out of life. I found this refreshing and quite beautiful. That's not to say we don't get some adventure, because we definitely do and especially towards the end! Besides that, my favorite thing about this book would have to be JAVIER. Oh. Em. Gee. This author definitely knows how to write romance. Him and Zara's sweet relationship had me practically swooning. Can you say PERFECT??! The cliffhanger ending promises much suspenseful adventure to come, as well as some swoon-worthy moments between Zara and Javier. Can book two be here, like, now? I am beyond ready to get lost once again in the next installment of this already incredible series. Well done, Lisa Tawn Bergren!!
April 21, 2016
The River of Time series continues with a bang!! Loved this new book by Lisa Tawn Bergren!
I liked the time period the author puts this book in. I haven't read a lot about 1840's California and it was interesting to get a glimpse of their way of life and the struggles they are going through as different countries fight for control.
I was drawn to Zara right away as she grieves the death of her abuela. But she also quickly shows that she can take care of herself when she takes down the guy who's holding a weapon on her and then takes his horse! Love her spunkiness. And who couldn't help but love the dashing and very handsome ranchero Javier de la Ventura! There is much to learn about this man who has lost his father and his brother and is now required to return and take over the biggest, richest rancho in the territory and protect his family. This story only delves a little bit into his character and I hope the next book will go deeper. And as to that point, this story feel a little lighter than the Italy stories. Probably because of the time period change. Believe me, you still have swoon worthy romance and plenty of adventure with a promise of more dangerous adventure to come!
I liked the time period the author puts this book in. I haven't read a lot about 1840's California and it was interesting to get a glimpse of their way of life and the struggles they are going through as different countries fight for control.
I was drawn to Zara right away as she grieves the death of her abuela. But she also quickly shows that she can take care of herself when she takes down the guy who's holding a weapon on her and then takes his horse! Love her spunkiness. And who couldn't help but love the dashing and very handsome ranchero Javier de la Ventura! There is much to learn about this man who has lost his father and his brother and is now required to return and take over the biggest, richest rancho in the territory and protect his family. This story only delves a little bit into his character and I hope the next book will go deeper. And as to that point, this story feel a little lighter than the Italy stories. Probably because of the time period change. Believe me, you still have swoon worthy romance and plenty of adventure with a promise of more dangerous adventure to come!
November 10, 2016
The main character, Zara, goes through a series of changes in her life that will completely affect her future. Her grandmother dies, she does not have any other family or enough money to go to college, and she has to take over the family restaurant. However, it does not feel the same without her grandmother or any other family members. While walking down to a cove one day, she finds a golden lantern that will take her on an even crazier adventure; going back in time. One hundred and eighty years into the past, Zara will have to learn a whole new Mexican culture, one completely different form her own. After multiple attempts of trying to go back home and not being able to, she gives up on that dream, and starts to fall in love with the one person she hates named Javier. Finally, she will discover that there is more to that lantern than she thinks there is, for it may have been used before by someone so close to her. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, but I thought that it was very short and there was not a lot of detail to it. However, it was just like my favorite series (by the same author) so it made me want to read it even though it was not the best book.
April 10, 2016
There are not many authors I one click, in fact I can count them on one hand. Lisa, however is one of those. This new installment in the River of Time Series is exquisite!
Zara is a young woman that has experienced loss and then is immediately transported to another time. Into a land that she no longer recognizes as her home. She must play it smart and safe when she happens upon Javier.
This story, while setting us up for adventure to come, differed from the Waterfall series in that it focused more on Zara's emotional toll of being transported and figuring out how she needed to proceed. While her life wasn't in danger, at first, she had other obstacles she had to face. Unlike Gabi and Marcello, Zara and Javier's relationship got off to a rough start. I'd say attacking the other isn't grounds for love at first sight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. My only complaint is that I must wait to see how this adventure unfolds.
Zara is a young woman that has experienced loss and then is immediately transported to another time. Into a land that she no longer recognizes as her home. She must play it smart and safe when she happens upon Javier.
This story, while setting us up for adventure to come, differed from the Waterfall series in that it focused more on Zara's emotional toll of being transported and figuring out how she needed to proceed. While her life wasn't in danger, at first, she had other obstacles she had to face. Unlike Gabi and Marcello, Zara and Javier's relationship got off to a rough start. I'd say attacking the other isn't grounds for love at first sight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. My only complaint is that I must wait to see how this adventure unfolds.
May 9, 2016
Love, love, love this addition to Lisa Tawn Bergren's already fantastic time-travel books, The River of Time series. I've been a huge fan of Mrs. Bergren's since reading Waterfall. Her ability to pull the reader into a new world and captivate the essence of that time period amazes me.
I enjoyed the storyline with which brought many obstacles, friendships, and a sweet romantic connection between the two main characters. I recommend reading this book especially if you're in the mood for action, an effortless read with a slow budding romance.
I enjoyed the storyline with which brought many obstacles, friendships, and a sweet romantic connection between the two main characters. I recommend reading this book especially if you're in the mood for action, an effortless read with a slow budding romance.
February 1, 2017
Wow! Time travel isn't something I usually read, but Lisa's books are certainly an exception. She is wonderful with fitting you right inside her books. This one was so compelling I couldn't put it down. I will say don't read it unless you have the second one (Four Winds) close because you need to read that one too. Wonderful, enjoyable book.
March 26, 2020
Not my favorite by Bergren; I'll stick to the original River of Time series quite happily, as they remain all time favorites! (Start with Waterfall by Lisa!)
April 21, 2017
This book was a little more cheesy and insta-lovey than the Waterfall books were. It also kind of felt like waterfall: the Californian version but with less near death experiences and a less cool setting. It was still a fun read, though, and the plot twist took me by surprise.
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