Review: "The Romanov Empress" by C. W. Gortner

European history was never a favorite genre of mine until I picked up C. W. Gortner’s book, The Vatican Princess. The genre is still not a favorite but C. W. Gortner is and I couldn’t wait to read his new offering, the Romanov Empress. I was not disappointed. Volumes have been written about Anastasia Romanov and her immediate family but the main character in this book is her grandmother, Tsarina Maria Feodorovna. Although she started her life as a princess in Denmark, her family was poor. Through a stroke of fate, her father is named the successor to the childless Danish king. When she becomes of marriable age, Maria is betrothed to the future Tsar of Russia. Her life is filled with trials and tribulations that the author has woven together for a page turning novel.

C. W. Gortner is a master at weaving historical facts together to produces a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. His main character, Maria, is larger than life. He tells the story in the first person which allows you to get a peek into her mind and emotions. You feel her highs and lows and her frustration as she maneuvers to protect her family. She becomes like a friend and you cheer her on and cry with her as life throws her happiness and heartache.

This book can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers and I highly recommend it. It does come with a warning though, once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down until you turn the last page!!