Published by Ballantine BooksDate Published: 9 April, 2019
Pages: 432
Genres: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
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The runaway bestseller Lilac Girls introduced the real-life heroine Caroline Ferriday. This sweeping new novel, set a generation earlier and also inspired by true events, features Caroline's mother, Eliza, and follows three equally indomitable women from St. Petersburg to Paris under the shadow of World War I.
It is 1914 and the world has been on the brink of war so many times, many New Yorkers treat the subject with only passing interest. Eliza Ferriday is thrilled to be traveling to St. Petersburg with Sofya Streshnayva, a cousin of the Romanov's. The two met years ago one summer in Paris and became close confidantes. Now Eliza embarks on the trip of a lifetime, home with Sofya to see the splendors of Russia. But when Austria declares war on Serbia and Russia's Imperial dynasty begins to fall, Eliza escapes back to America, while Sofya and her family flee to their country estate. In need of domestic help, they hire the local fortuneteller's daughter, Varinka, unknowingly bringing intense danger into their household. On the other side of the Atlantic, Eliza is doing her part to help the White Russian families find safety as they escape the revolution. But when Sofya's letters suddenly stop coming she fears the worst for her best friend.
From the turbulent streets of St. Petersburg to the avenues of Paris and the society of fallen Russian emigre's who live there, the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka will intersect in profound ways, taking readers on a breathtaking ride through a momentous time in history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
My Thoughts
After reading and falling in love with Lilac Girls, I knew this one would be high on my list to read. Martha Hall Kelly has a beautiful, unique talent that captures the read instantly and creates a story line that makes them feel like they are right in the middle of the story. Her intricately chiseled characters are breathtaking and quickly become a part of your soul while you’re reading.
I loved being transported to WWI and Russian Revolution time period. This is a time period that has fascinated me with each story I read that is centered around it. I love the feeling I get when I feel like I’m transported straight to where the story takes place. Walking along side Eliza,Sofya, and Varinka was a beautiful experience! I felt their emotions, the tensions, the strengths of these wonderfully created women. I loved seeing Russia and Paris and America through their eyes, and feeling the tension build as twists and turns are woven into their story.
Once again, the talented hands of Kelly has spun a beautifully researched, depth filled novel of war, heartache and the power of friendship and family for her readers. Each page turn brings something new to the story and keeps the reader turning the pages late into the night. When I reached the end of this incredible novel, I was not ready to say goodbye! I’m tipping hats off to Kelly and can’t wait for another amazing novel to steal me away!
About Martha Hall Kelly
Martha grew up in Massachusetts and now splits her time between Connecticut and New York City. She worked as an advertising copywriter for many years and raised three splendid children, while researching and writing Lilac Girls, her first novel. She has loved writing the prequel, Lost Roses, out in paperback March 2020. You’ll find more info about the incredible, true stories behind both books at her website: https://www.marthahallkelly.com and clues about the next prequel, a Civil War novel about Caroline’s great-grandmother’s family, on her ever-changing Pinterest page.
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