Anastasia's Secret
by Susanne Dunlap
by Susanne Dunlap
Anastasia is the youngest of all the grand duchesses and the one taken least serious. But when she meets a young soldier in the gardens of the palace, she finds herself learning more about life outside than any of her sisters. Her love blossoms for Sasha, the soldier - but she can tell she is viewed as a child in his eyes. And then he leaves for the front lines.
Anastasia's world starts to change. First, she is caring for the dying and wounded soldiers - trying to comfort them in their time of need. Some time later though, her parents are arrested and her entire family moved from location to location. Slowly, small freedoms are taken away from them, different factions and groups of guards looking after them. Sasha reappears and with all the love he has for Anastasia, he tries his best to help her and her family.
My love for the area and the mystery surrounding the last Tsar of Russia and his family convinced me this was a book I had to read. I fell in love with Sasha, the hard yet caring young man Anastasia herself loves. I love the character Anastasia and how aware she is of her role in the family - how she is the one to cheer others up - the forever childish little girl (even as she grows into a young woman).
The ending was so perfect for me. I liked that the author didn't say what happened on that fateful day in the story, but wrote up the historical account in a note at the end. I wished it to end differently, but you can't change history.
This is a must read if you have an obsession for historical mysteries such as the disappearance of Anastasia Romanov.
5/5 Roses
Anastasia's world starts to change. First, she is caring for the dying and wounded soldiers - trying to comfort them in their time of need. Some time later though, her parents are arrested and her entire family moved from location to location. Slowly, small freedoms are taken away from them, different factions and groups of guards looking after them. Sasha reappears and with all the love he has for Anastasia, he tries his best to help her and her family.
My love for the area and the mystery surrounding the last Tsar of Russia and his family convinced me this was a book I had to read. I fell in love with Sasha, the hard yet caring young man Anastasia herself loves. I love the character Anastasia and how aware she is of her role in the family - how she is the one to cheer others up - the forever childish little girl (even as she grows into a young woman).
The ending was so perfect for me. I liked that the author didn't say what happened on that fateful day in the story, but wrote up the historical account in a note at the end. I wished it to end differently, but you can't change history.
This is a must read if you have an obsession for historical mysteries such as the disappearance of Anastasia Romanov.
5/5 Roses
I'm so glad to hear that you liked this book. I've always had a fascination with the Romanov's and I've just discovered books written about their last days, etc. I can't wait to get my hands on it!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see what you think of Sisters. I wasn't a big fan of it.
I really want to read this one. I love the mystery of the Romanov family. This is a must buy for me.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good read. Thanks for the superb review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds intriguing. I wonder how it compares with Dreaming Anastasia?
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this book. Glad you liked it. Have you read Dreaming Anastasia? I did and was a little disappointed so hoping this one is better.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really good. I might have to try it.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination or is Anastasia the new big thing?
ReplyDeleteI have always love Romanov history.. it so mysterious!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read it!
I haven't read a good historical fiction book in a while - thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good -- I've always been interested in Romanov history so I am going to have to get this one!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I have this book on my wishlist(along with Dreaming Anastasia) .
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by the Russian Tsar family's history and I have to say that I think it was sad when I read that the body of Anastasia was recovered(I believe it was in March this year).