Sunday, February 7, 2010

Book review: Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap

Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap (Published by Bloomsbury, March 2, 2010)

As the youngest daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, Anastasia had a very sheltered and isolated childhood. So when at twelve years old she meets Sasha, a young soldier, in the garden of her palace, she is intrigued - he is very different than anyone she is permitted to be friends with. But soon he must leave to fight in World War I. Anastasia is later reunited with him while helping to care for the wounded soldiers, and now that she is fourteen, hopes he will see her as a young woman, and not a child.

But everything in Anastasia’s world is about to change forever. In the aftermath of a costly war, the people of Russia are increasingly angry with their ruler. She must grow into a young woman as everything around her falls apart. After a revolt by the people, Anastasia and her family lose their wealth and status, and are eventually exiled to Siberia. In these dark days, Anastasia’s growing love for Sasha still brings her hope and joy. But there is little hope for their future together.

Anastasia’s Secret is a romantic and tragic story of what might have been, and brings Anastasia to life as a regular teenager with hopes and dreams, experiencing all the emotions of a teenage girl, although she grew up in a time very different than our own. It was hard to read the book at times knowing what the outcome would be and I so wished it could have ended differently. For readers who love historical fiction or who are fascinated by the Romanovs, I highly recommend this book, but be forewarned, you may need tissues at the end.

Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

20 comments:

Unknown said...

I totally love the cover! The girl is b'ful to say the least :)

I like your review and will keep a look out for this one!
Army ration Packs

Kelsey said...

This sounds excellent! I have it in my TBR pile, I'll be prepared with tissues at the end :)

Test said...

I always find it interesting to read stuff about the Romanovs, so I'm definitely going to be picking this one up. Thanks for the review. :)

Marg said...

I really love reading about the Romanovs. It has been a while for me though, so it would be great to renew my acquaintance with them. And I am not averse to a good cry either!

vonze said...

I enjoy reading about the Romanovs and Russian history in general. I'll be sure to check this one out (and have my tissues ready). Not too long ago, I researched and learned that some of my ancestors were Russian. It's cool to think that they were the Romanovs' subjects. It would have been an interesting time to live in. Thanks for the review!

Krista/Tower of Books said...

This sounds like something I'll love. I've always been intrigued by the Romanovs.

MrsCullenized said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
MrsCullenized said...

I am a huge fan of historical romance and will make sure I have some tissues near by!

Jessy said...

It's so sad to read about this family. I've read quite a few books loosely based on them and they're all the same, so tragic.

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews said...

I will definitely have to check this one out!

Tammy said...

That part of Russian history is so tragic and ugly. Your review is great. I definately need to read this one!

Anonymous said...

Her history is so sad.. how her family died and she stayed alone... i lo ve historie of the world and the history of the tsars of russia^^

I hope i can read it^^

kisses

Sara said...

Great review! This book sounds really good! I don't like sad endings though... ;( Lol.

Dahlia (TheBookShopaholic) said...

Beautiful cover, and interesting plot makes me want to read it. Great review!

misskallie2000 said...

I have always been fasinated by Anastasia and would love to win this book.
I have read other books about her but would love to read this one also.
The cover is beautiful.
Awesome review.

Raine Chasing said...

I love your cover design. This sounds like a great book. I can't wait to read it.

Christina said...

I can't wait to read this book!

I'm sure I won't be able to give up on a happy ending though so tissues will infact be needed.

Annie said...

It sounds really great, though I'm sure I'll need tissues...

J. Lee said...

I really love the cover. Can't wiat to read it

Nancye said...

Great review! I have always been intrigued by the Romanov family. This is a definite must read!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

 
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