Lost Roses: A Novel

by Martha Hall Kelly

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The million-copy bestseller Lilac Girls introduced the real-life heroine Caroline Ferriday. Now Lost Roses, 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.

“Not only a brilliant historical tale, but a love song to all the ways our friendships carry us through the worst of times.”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

It is 1914, and the world has been on the brink of war so often, 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 Romanovs. 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: the church with the interior covered in jeweled mosaics, the Rembrandts at the tsar’s Winter Palace, the famous ballet.

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 fortune-teller’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 and aristocratic countryside estates to the avenues of Paris where a society of fallen Russian émigrés live to the mansions of Long Island, the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka will intersect in profound ways. In her newest powerful tale told through female-driven perspectives, Martha Hall Kelly celebrates the unbreakable bonds of women’s friendship, especially during the darkest days of history.

• ISBN10: 1984886215
• ISBN13: 9781984886217
• Publish Date: 9 April 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Diversified Publishing
• Imprint: Random House Large Print
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 640
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781984886217

Reviews

[Molly J(Cover To Cover Cafe)]

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!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

I'm torn about this novel. I enjoyed learning more about Russia's history and their struggles in the early 20th century, but I found it difficult to empathize with the displaced aristocrats.

I received a copy of this book direct from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.