Four Winds

River of Time: California #2

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Zara Ruiz has never been so happy to have failed at something in her life---trying to return to her own time. In Javier de la Ventura's arms, she knows that 1840 is where she belongs...where she's found true love and family. But then the ranch is viciously attacked, and she and Javier's little brother are kidnapped and she finds herself at the mercy of the Four Winds, no longer certain where her journey might end.

Genres: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Historical

ebook

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

About

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.

Reviews

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

*happy sigh* this was a beautiful ending <3

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I predicted, all of the action in this Duology happened in Four Winds! This book certainly brought the series closer to matching up with its original series, Waterfall.
If you see my review for Three Wishes, I feel that Javier matured much in this book and I no longer have many of the problems with him that I did in the first book. Also, it was awesome to have some P.O.V.s from him. I admired his character much more, and I know I've fallen in love with them, because now everything reminds me of them.
I saw a couple yesterday and I was like "wow, they could be Zara and Javier. They do look like them." And "this building is from the time period Zara and Javier lived in. Woah!"
Lol.
Yes, that was actually me.
Well done, Lisa!
Fun action and adventure and starry romance.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lisa T. Bergren book never fails to satisfy...especially when it involves time travel, love and adventure! Having read the original River of Time series ten times over, reading this new duology spinoff just made me feel so incredibly happy and grateful. So much thanks to the author for this nostalgic, beautiful, daring, and most of all fun series!

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Señorita Zara. Do you not know? You are beautiful, no matter what bruises you bear. In fact, they make you seem more heroic. Fearsome, in a way, even wrapped in your womanly form.” It was my turn to stifle a laugh.
“Fearsome?”
“Fearsomely beautiful,” he returned, lifting a brow. “Like a warrioress, after returning from battle.”


Four Winds was a wonderful end to this two part series. For those who crave sweet romance in a fantastic historic-adventure, then this is the book for you!!

This story picks up moments after the last book left off before. When Zara is faced with the decision of whether to stay in 1840 California or go back to her own time, Present day Cali, through the ancient morocan lamp. But when the lamp doesn't work as it previously did, Zara feels as if she was meant to stay in the past with Javier De La Ventura. (Lets just say this dude right here, would definitely make a girl want to take flight to the past pronto, whew!)

But when the Ventura Ranchero is attacked by pirates!! Javier's younger brother is kidnapped and Zara runs after to help save him. Only... these aren't the playful pirates from the movies and things get crazy-dangerous fast.

For the first time Zara feels her wishes may have finally come true. Family. Love. Adventure... But faced with these new perillous events, endangering herself and those she has come to care about deeply, she may be at risk of losing everything she had wished for...

The author definitely kicked up the action into full gear in this book with plenty of twists and turns! There were so many times I thought " how-in-the-great-googles are they going to get out of this??!!" I still loved Zara charater in this book! She is like a warrior princess in her own right. Eventhough she has all this craziness happening to her and she was terrified. She does'tlet that stop her from standing up to fight for those she loves, and that is admirable!

Another favorite of mine is Javier! I really enjoyed his character arc from book one to book two. There was just so much growth in him. Eventhough he had some vices early on, you see him growing into the man he desires to be. Oh! the romance between Javier and Zara wa just so loving and sweet with a little touch of muy caliente!!! But at the heart of it Javier really strove to protect and honor Zara! Which was beautiful!

Lol!I will say there were a few melodramatic moments between them but it didn't bother me (too much). I totally ate it up like skittles! :-)

I loved this series soo much!! I'm sad it's over!! But luckily I can start the fun all over again by re-reading it!! I give this book 5 stars!!

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was pointless.
Everything was resolved at the end of the first book and then this book unresolved the same issues and reresolved them to end the book.
I would recommend skipping this one and reading Three Wishes as a stand-alone.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half reminded me, kind of, of The Pirates of the Caribbean, which was fun.

[T]

Can't wait to get my hands on this one

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa T. Bergren never ceases to amaze me, especially when there is time-travel, adventure, and romance involved. Just as expected, Four Winds has so much more in store for fans of the River of Time series. The sequel to Three Wishes is jam packed with that passion for a dangerous adventure and swoon-worthy romance that we all love and adore.

Zara is faced with deciding to go where God has called to go or to run away. Haven’t we all struggled with that? When God is calling us to stay where he sent us, but longing to go back home to what we know? That’s what Zara is struggling and she has a big decision to make.

What I appreciated about Zara’s character is that she’s no damsel in distress. She can take care of herself, defend herself, but appreciates when a man is protective of her. Even if women know how to protect themselves, knowing that they are cherished, valued, and worth protecting is something precious.

We also get to read from Javier’s point of view. That was a fantastic touch because readers get a chance to really understand what’s going through his head. I felt like I finally knew his character and not just from Zara’s point of view. Both Javier and Zara have tons of character development.

Filled with shipwrecks, pirates, parties, weddings, family, and so much more, readers of the original series (and perhaps those who are new to the books) will find themselves glued to the edges of their seats wanting more. The messages in this book were important lessons that we all go through and were fantastically done.

Negative things to note is that characters do drink wine and that there is some violence such as an attempted rape, but the author does not glorify it or go into detail.

Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I won a complimentary copy in a giveaway from the author. 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.

[D Nine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridges to the Heart

So much adventure on the seas, land, and in their hearts. Really a princess story! Again, Javier was the perfect guy in all the right ways. Admittedly, I'm a sexist in the way that I do believe women and men have certain purposes that the other doesn't. One of my favorite moments was when Zara realized that the men in the 1840's were protective and it felt good to her. Women shouldn't be defenseless, but even if they can defend themselves, knowing they are valued and worth protecting is a treasure. I just loved the messages this story brings to light. The gifts of love, choices, honor, and embracing what you have now.
I'm feeling an incompleteness with the story. Reluctant to spoil with my reasons. Ending felt like a beginning.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

i would argue that the first half of this book is by far the best part of the entire duology. and then the last half reads exactly like the entire first book, three winds. as in nothing happens. and then it feels like all of the cool fun first half was for nothing

the characters are ridiculously unrealistic but it is very easy to root for them and their love. also i get it ok they're super hot now please stop mentioning how hot they are in every other paragraph please. i don't know if i can handle one more mention of javier shoving his curls back from his forehead only for said curls to fall right back in place.
ok i do like how zara chafes against the confining gender roles but acknowledges that she does like to feel protected and coddled to a certain extent and that it's something she's gotta keep thinking about. that seems totally valid.
um but also i felt kinda icky about the lowkey justification of the oppression of native americans at some parts??? i wish zara, our 21st century gal who has had access to education, had grappled with that at least a liiiitttle bit more.

i read the original river of time series a loong time ago and loved it. i think i'm def just getting too old for these books. i still do think bergren's a pretty great writer though!!

[C.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara has decided to stay in 1840 California with the man she has fallen in love with – Javier De La Ventura. But no sooner is that decision made, that life quickly takes a turn for the worse. Kidnapped and tossed aboard a ship along with Javier's brother, Zara must find a way to escape and figure out who is truly behind their abuctions, while Javier hunts desperately for them both from the shores. Both have begun to doubt the wisdom of her staying. But if she goes back to her own time, are they willing to endure the loss of their love - forever?

Three Wishes, the first book in this duology, was a good story, but surprisingly slow – at least in comparision with the other River of Time books. Thankfully, Four Winds picks the pace back up to what I expect from an ROT novel.

Zara is an awesome lead character. She can take care of herself and loves defying the social conventions of the times. Her Krav Maga skills really come in handy this time around, yet she is still a good hearted and kind girl who cares dearly for her new adoptive family.

Check out the rest of my review and safety ratings here on my blog: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was the perfect conclusion to an amazing duology. The first half of the book really focuses on one event that happens which definitely allowed you to get all the details and understand what was happening. The second half of the book was more or less the aftermath of that one event which shows how all the characters are dealing. We really got to explore more of the characters, especially Javier, in this book as opposed to the first one. In Three Wishes, Javier seemed more guarded and mysterious, but in this book we get to see him open up and love Zara. Zara is so much more different than the other characters in this book, besides the fact she's from another time. She really stands up for herself and tries to fit in to the time while trying to be true to her own. This book's ending was just exactly as I'd like with no surprises or twists. I definitely recommend reading this duology. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

winter break bookaday #5. Sorry to see Zara's and Javier's story come to an end. Was hoping the epilogue, with an appearance of Dante, would be an alternate time travel story, nevertheless, a satisfactory ending. Wishing for more River of Time.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book takes up right where the 1st one(Three Wishes) leaves you. Lisa has a beautiful command of words and makes this time travel enjoyable and believable. I loved the ending! Very satisfying and so enjoyable.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well...this one just wasn’t worth my time. I really enjoyed the other River of Time trilogy, but this book felt like it wasn’t necessary. I kept reading, figuring that something essential to the plot line would happen, but it just didn’t. This series could have ended with book one, in my opinion.

[Rebecca Embry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 is a much needed introduction to the story, but book 2 is where it gets interesting. So much going on that brings you on quite the adventure. I absolutely enjoyed this time traveling adventure!!

[Tiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars. I decided to round to 4 because I enjoyed the book overall. :)

When I started reading this series, I expected it to be a regurgitated spin off of the River of Time series, following the same premise of the original series with pretty much the same characters. While this is a spin off of the ROT series, it's definitely it's own story with it's own unique characters.

Things I liked about this book:
-The characters. I wouldn't say Lisa Bergren is the greatest at creating realistic characters, but they're all unique and fun.
-The chemistry. While the romance is a bit cheesy, the two love interests do have good chemistry together and I actually want them to be together.
-NO LOVE TRIANGLE! There was a moment when I thought it was going to start, but then it totally didn't. THANK YOU
-The setting. Okay, so when I first heard that this was set in a Mexican/California setting I wasn't too excited, because frankly I've never been very interested in Mexican cutler (or California for that matter). However, I found myself liking the setting and the language throughout the series.
-Zara's outlook on chivalry. There were times in the story where the men were very, if not overly, chivalrous towards Zara at times, which she definitely noticed. In most fiction this is the point where women start getting mad at how stupid men are and how they think women are these frail, weak people. But for once in fiction history, there's a female lead who actually appreciates it. APPRECIATES IT. A line from Zara, "Far too confining for women, absolutely. But it felt good to be looked after."

Things I didn't like about this book:
-The characters Faith. In this series both the main characters are already Christians, unlike in ROT, which was refreshing. While their faith was there, it really wasn't a big part of them. In a way it was nice, because it didn't stop up the plot, but it would have been nice to see real faith for once.
- The inaccuracies in regard to clothing. Being a clothing historian, I'm a bit picky in how clothing from the past is depicted. Overall, it wasn't too bad, but she constantly referred to her corset as "stays", which were an earlier form of corset from the 18th century and before, going out of style by the 1820's. Also, she put her corset on before her boots. Any historical reenacter will tell you always, BOOTS BEFORE CORSET.
-The POV change. The book is written in first person, and throughout it changes narratives between Zara and Javier, which overall worked for this particular novel, however I'm not a fan of this in any book.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog Reading Rad Books!

"Fearsomely beautiful," he returned, lifting a brow. "Like a warrioress, after returning from battle."

Snapshot:
Four Winds was a huge improvement from Three Wishes; there was more action, more character development, and of course more love between our two main characters. Added bonus, this time we get chapters from Javier’s point of view! If you made it through the slow-pace of the first book, this one is definitely your reward. I can promise that you won’t be disappointed!

Writing: 3.0
Characters: 2.5
Plot: 3.0
Originality: 3.5

All reviews are measured on a scale of 0 to 5.

Deep dive:
In the previous book, Zara was still trying to decide where she truly belonged, in the past or the present. Since her grandmother passed away, it doesn’t seem like she has much left for her in the modern world, but in 1800’s California she has love, family, and adventure. Although Zara might have gotten more adventure than she bargained for in the process, especially since she gets kidnapped by pirates in this one.

Despite her dire predicament of being a pirate’s prisoner, Zara keeps calm and looks for ways to save herself and Javier’s brother. When they become shipwrecked, she helps him to escape at the expense of her own freedom. I love that she’s not a damsel in distress; when the vile first mate attacks her, she fights back and again saves herself rather than waiting for someone to rescue her. Eventually Javier is able to catch up the evil pirate captain keeping Zara captive, and rescues her once and for all.

At this point we get to hear a lot from Javier as Zara is recovering, and learn more about his internal struggle of wanting her to stay with him or helping her to get back to her own time where (he thinks) she’d be safer. He’s willing to sacrifice his own happiness to keep her safe, exactly the kind of love that we are used to seeing from Bergren.

Is there a happily ever after? I guess you’ll have to read for yourself...It’s a fun, exciting read, but often lacks depth in the story. If you love to read about love, this is the duology for you.

I’m looking forward to reading more from Bergren as she takes on the West Indies in the 1700’s, on a cotton plantation of all places, in her newest novel Keturah. It’s definitely a sensitive topic that will certainly include slavery and the screwed up society of the past. Until next time, Rad Readers...

[Sarb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so dead, my emotions are swollen because of this lovely, deep book. I’m in love with this book as the other River In Time series. I never knew I would love Italy or Alta California, it never crossed my mind.

Where do I start...🤔 ok so this book was about Zara who travelled BACK in time, she’s so proud that she failed a task because if she didn’t this book wouldn’t exist. What I liked about this book was Javier and Zara’s perspectives over everything.

Zara was such a fast thinker, dynamic character also, she never knew God would do this and He did, in fact. Everything was perfect, she got her three wishes which were, adventure and love and family, which she found. Every plot twist didn’t break Zara it just made her even stronger than before. Which I loved. This encourages women, girls, ladies to not be afraid to do anything, if you put your mind to it you are gonna succeed or be grateful that you have tried.

Javier was a delight! He’s like chocolate with fudge on the inside and Carmel dressing on top. He has never been intrigued with being at his home well he despised it, completely. But, his thought of mind changed so much, he started being more thankful for everything he has, money, family, love etc.

Doña Ella was a mystery for me, I just couldn’t figure her out, which I hate. The plot twist she created was astonishing to me, how calmly she handled everything. She’s like those moms who stay calm on the outside showing no emotion but on the inside she’s screaming.

Everyone was so unique, how there personalities fit together. It was a puzzle piece to be honest, with the wrong pieces it can’t work you need the right people for the puzzle piece. I just loved everything ❤️

[the_bookish_took · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well.

I really don't know what else to say except that I want to go swimming and find a cave. Or on a moonless night go out to a hill and gaze at the stars over the ocean and watch a meteor shower with my beloved. And I'm like "She wants to leave!?!?!?" Never mind the terrible stuff she encountered and the ordeal she went through. I was really kind of concerned about her state of indecisioneven though I knew she wouldn't go.

This series can't ever beat the original series (but really, what series can? None in my opinion.) Anyway, I did get a few smiles from this and really did enjoy it. I enjoyed how we got inside Javier's head and got to know him better- man, he did some growing! And I love how he was there for her after the little (ok, not-so-little) tumble she took courtesy of Mendoza. And then that tension at the end when she's fighting herself.

My conclusion: I learned I'm not a fan of family chronicles (this wasn't one but pertains to how it ended). I didn't really like that one series by Jack Cavanaugh- the first book was good but when it went on to the descendants I lost interest. The same thing happened with Maire. That book was so good, but the whole descendants thing just kind of ruined it for me. And then there was that one book Under a Cajun Moon. Anyway, the ending to this series was good but there was a descendants-thing going on and it just didn't make it a great ending for me, but still, it's a series I look forward to rereading!

[the.bookish.mama.lion · Rating 3 out of 5]

《Synopsis》
Zara Ruiz has never been so happy to have failed at something in her life---trying to return to her own time. In Javier de la Ventura's arms, she knows that 1840 is where she belongs...where she's found true love and family. But when the ranch is viciously attacked, and she and Javier's little brother are kidnapped, she is no longer certain where her journey might end. Javier de la Ventura is plagued by a sense of responsibility for praying that God would leave Zara in his own Alta California. But when she suffers because of her association with him, he commits to finding a way for her to return to her own time, if she wishes it. His heart longs for her to stay, but his mind tells him she'd be safer in her own era. Battered by the FOUR WINDS, can Zara and Javier find a way to remain together...forever?

《Thoughts》
3 stars. Time-slip Romance.

This was a light, enjoyable read, but no masterpiece.

The first part of the book was quite exciting and really held my attention. But once Zara and Javier were reunited, I started to lose focus.

The plot beats felt off (one of them would decide something with absolute certainty, but then be waffling about it again 2 pages later) and the issues were once again incredibly repetitive - should Zara go home or should be stay?

I love the idea of this book, but kept thinking about all the different ways I wished it had gone.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Winds is a captivating end to the River of Time: California duology. It kicks off from the very start and doesn't stop until the very last page. Sieges, kidnappings, pirates, shipwrecks, fights, parties, and so much more kept this book moving at a non-stop pace. There was so much going on that huge chunks of the book flew by without me even realizing I had turned a page. The adventure is wonderful, the ending is majestic, and overall this is a book that can pretty much stand on its own two feet. Something I wondered throughout the book was with Zara and Javier talking so much about Zara being able to make the choice on her own whether to go or to stay for sure, why did Zara never think well what if I go back and then regret going back to my own time but I can't get back to 1840? She did a lot of thinking about staying or going as finite options. Maybe it's the over-analyzer in me, but I couldn't help but wonder, what if you go back and realize it's a huge mistake and then you can never go back in time again. How awful would that be? Regardless, it all turns out well in the end, so despite my ponderings, the thoughts don't have too much bearing on what happens in the end. Overall, I could read another River of Time series any day of the week.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, yet another job well done by Lisa Bergen! (No surprise there.) I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I was very excited to see that the book would switch perspectives between Zara and Javier. And while I did think that this was a fun choice for us readers to be able to see inside Javier’s mind, there were some instances where I felt his thoughts/actions didn’t fully match the character he was in Three Wishes. However, this is just a minor issue for me. It was a great book and I think that it had a wonderful ending that leaves one satisfied. (Although wishing for more. :) )

[Ruth Scaife Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing!!

I love Lisa's books!! This is the third series of hers I've read and I have to say when I read her books I feel like I am actually there. She really knows how to make her books come to life. Everything I read keeps me at the edge of my seat and it's hard to put the book down once I start reading it.
I also like the way she subtly refers to God in her books.
I definity would recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, and romance ( the clean kind)!!

[Nataly Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

*happy sigh*
Lisa does it once again! I kinda wish this series had carried on, as the original River of Time series had. I do think the original is my personal favorite, but I fell in love with all of these characters. I hadn’t read a book based on this time and it truly was amazing! It made me feel as if I was right in the center of the action in California.
Javier & Zara together are 🥺
Lisa always writes main male characters to make us love them, and the main female characters are so relatable.
Can never get over the River of Time series, forever just wanting more and more of it!

[MaryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who loved this author's original River of Time series set in medieval Italy, this series set in California is a must read. While some parts of the two books in this series are eerily similar to the previous series, there is enough difference to keep it intriguing. One outstanding theme throughout the book was the importance of family. I loved the epilogue, but then, there was not a part I didn't completely enoy. Totally recommend!

[Brooke Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good romance read

I did enjoy the romance and adventure of this book. I read it in only a few days, which must mean that I really liked it. Towards the middle I got tired of the feminist agenda and the constant back and forth undecided dilemma of the main character. After the climax the book was slower, but still I would recommend this author.

[Susan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely Distracting

I a really good way. Such a gifted author completely reminded you to another place and time. She is so worth your time if you want a HEA...with superior characters to emulate and situations with perfect resolution a Christian slant and H and h that spart and melt!

[Destiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a deep appreciator of the author's writing with the River of Time series, I did have high hopes and intrigue for this one.

From nearly the first page I was captured by the emotional, realism and fantasy that were woven so smoothly together. The seamless novel truly has moved me. I became very partial to this series.

Starting the next one 🫡

[Jessica Pool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much love

Love this author. Love the original rivers of time. Love this new spin Can’t wait for my girls to be old enough to read all her books! Thanks for writing great clean love stories