Author: Clare McHugh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Book Release Date: 2024
Pages: 377
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: From the author of A Most English Princess comes a rich novel about young Princess Alix of Hesse—the future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russia—and her sister, Princess Ella. Their decision to marry into the Romanov royal family changed history.
They were granddaughters of Queen Victoria and two of the most beautiful princesses in Europe. Princesses Alix and Ella were destined to wed well and wisely. But while their grandmother wants to join them to the English and German royal families, the sisters fall in love with Russia—and the Romanovs.
Defying the Queen’s dire warnings, Ella weds the tsar’s brother, Grand Duke Serge. Cultivated, aloof, and proud, Serge places his young wife on a pedestal for all to admire. Behind palace gates, Ella struggles to secure private happiness.
Alix, whisked away to Russia for Ella’s wedding, meets and captivates Nicky—heir apparent to the Russian throne. While loving him deeply, Alix hears a call of conscience, urging her to walk away.
Their fateful decisions to marry will lead to tragic consequences for not only themselves and their families, but for millions in Russia and around the globe.
The Romanov Brides is a moving and fascinating portrait of two bold and spirited royal sisters, and brings to vivid life imperial Russia—a dazzling, decadent world on the brink of disappearing forever.
My Review: Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was the last empress of Russia. She is most well known for her tragic fate. In The Romanov Bride, it tells the story of Empress Alexandra’s courtship with the Tsar Nicolas II. It also tells of the story of Empress Alexandra’s older sister, Elizabeth, and her marriage to Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. Both of these sisters were minor German princesses who left their homeland to marry Russian princes.
I have always been fascinated with the Romanovs. So, I was very excited to read about Empress Alexandra and her sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth. However, this book does not give them much development. Instead, they have no personality and have no depth. They are flat characters. This is because the author tells us what they are thinking rather than showing us how they feel. Both Empress Alexandra and Grand Duchess Elizabeth have stayed the same throughout the novel. I could not connect with them emotionally, and I could not care about what happened to them. Therefore, I did not like Empress Alexandra and her sister, Grand Duchess Elizabeth.
Overall, this book is about choices, sisterhood, and love. The main message in this book is to not to be influenced by others but to follow your heart. I thought all of the characters were flat and one-dimensional. I also did not like the writing style where the story is being told passively and not letting the action drive the plot. The book also moved at a very slow pace and seemed drawn out. Nevertheless, The Romanov Brides is very meticulously researched! The reader will be amazed at the splendor of the Romanov wealth! There is also enough glitz and glamour that will keep the reader’s interest! The Romanov Bride may appeal to fans of Russian royalty! I recommend this for fans of The Romanov Bride, The Romanov Empress, and The Last Grand Duchess!
Rating: 2 ½ out of 5 stars
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