Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite 5*

Grand Illusion is, at its core, a beautiful romance with a stunning backdrop of serious wealth and a cast of eclectic and memorable characters. It is much more than just a romance, however; it poses and answers some of the most burning questions about relationships across ethnic, religious, and cultural boundaries. Author Nina Purtee has crammed so much thoughtful and revelatory insight into this novel that I was genuinely moved by the power of Mara’s story, her feelings, and her doubts. As a visitor myself to Bali, I found the part of the story where she returned to her family home to be beautifully written and capturing the genuine splendor of the central highlands of Bali and Ubud. The ethereal feel of the retreat they visited and the deeply moving nature of the revelations they received were simply magical. This story is billed as the fifth and final book of Annie’s journey, but not having read any of the previous books, I can confirm that this is a standalone story and one that can be luxuriated in. I am going to check out the other iterations of Annie’s story. The author’s style is so warm, embracing, and comforting that readers will feel wrapped up in a cocoon of spirituality and romance. I haven’t enjoyed reading a book marketed as “women’s literature” as much as this one for a very long time. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views 5*

Nina Purtee is back with her final installment of the Annie’s Journey series! Grand Illusion: Lesson of a Balinese Lotus follows beautiful textile artist Mara as she navigates life from humble beginnings in Bali to the high-fashion world in Milan. It seems she is caught between two men and an unspoken charade of falsehoods. Can Mara maintain her success and listen to her heart, or is everything based on deception? How much of our life is authentic, and how much is for show? Many of us walk around wearing masks, whether they are literal or metaphorical. We desire truth, but instead we accept deception, and it can feel like we’re impostors. In this novel, Purtee explores what happens when we are brave and peel away those masks.

Nina Purtee’s immersive novels do two things exceptionally well. They provide readers with the escapism we desire and introduce us to well-developed, diverse characters. Grand Illusion captures readers’ attention by exploring themes such as cultural identity, love, and the struggle to stay true to ourselves—an unforgettable conclusion to a spellbinding series.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite 5*

Nina Purtee's Grand Illusion is a detailed and multi-layered novel that interweaves cultural identity, artistic passion, love, and societal expectations. It explores the internal conflicts between cultural roots and the allure of luxury and fame, highlighting the importance of authenticity and heritage in the pursuit of ambition and love. Mara, a humble and calm character, embodies innocence and purity. Her struggles are relatable, and I appreciated the presence of her supportive friends and family who protect her. Purtee brings the story to life with her vivid descriptions and emotionally charged narration, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters. She illustrates how the beauty of fashion and nature can be mirrored in our lives. Mara's journey to Bali is spiritually enriching and humbling, sparking a sense of adventure and curiosity about the wonders the world has to offer. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, though it includes characters from the author’s other works. Fans of the author will appreciate their appearances and the growth they undergo in this narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves romance novels that explore themes of self-discovery and acceptance.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite 5*

Grand Illusion by Nina Purtee is a wonderful bridge that ties Annie’s final story to Mara and Zayn’s relationship, once again showing us cultural and religious differences, social expectations, and the family pressures that push couples beyond simple romantic dilemmas. Mara’s mixed connections with Zayn and Wayan are fabulous contradictions. She's Zayn’s partner, while emotionally linked to Wayan, who himself connects to Antonella. Back in Bali, the land almost becomes a character itself. Purtee incorporates Balinese life, from rice farming to Hindu faith, as more than an already meaningful backdrop. The metaphor of planting rice symbolizes the planting of seeds of trust in a subtle yet effective cultural motif that lands beautifully. Everything comes back to where it started in the series; Annie's background returns to privilege, but also implies responsibility and gratitude, shaping how she relates to others and how every single moment afterward relates to her. Very highly recommended.

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