<p>‘Meticulously researched and evocatively written, this sweeping story will keep a tight hold on your heartstrings until the final page’ Iona Grey</p> <p>‘A cleverly crafted novel and an enthralling story: the heartbreak genuine, the research brilliant. I love the way the present narrative throws light on the past story so that the transitions are smooth. A triumph.’ Dinah Jefferies</p> <p>‘A marvellous story: gripping, romantic and evocative of a turbulent and fascinating time’ Lulu Taylor</p> <p>‘This was just magical. At the last line, tears rolled down my cheeks. Highly recommended.’ Louise Beech</p> <p>'A heart-warming affirmation of the tenacity of human love' Liz Trenow</p> <p>'Gill Paul has crafted a beautiful book. The passages set in Russia in 1914 are so richly described and researched that I felt as if I was living in the pages myself. I adored it.' Amanda Jennings</p> <p>‘This is an intriguing and involving book that explores a really fascinating period in time in a clever and highly enjoyable way. I was hooked into both timelines from the start.’<br />Joanna Courtney, author of The Chosen Queen and The Constant Queen</p> <p>‘A beautiful and moving story, beautifully and movingly told. I read it in just two sittings . . . I enjoyed every page’ John Julius Norwich</p> <p>‘Gill Paul has clearly done her research in this absorbing story that cleverly blends imagination with historical fact. The closeted and ultimately doomed Romanov family have always fascinated, especially the four grand duchesses, and the older strand of this dual narrative story is told by one of the girls' secret loves. Tragic, touching and authentic-feeling.’ Kate Riordan</p> <p>‘A marvellous moving adventure, full of vivid colour and atmospheric detail. If you loved POLDARK you’ll love this!’ Lulu Taylor</p> <p>‘Like VANITY FAIR crossed with POLDARK… Stunning epic’ Claudia Carroll</p> <p>‘A terrific adventure story, full of romance and atmospheric detail – a great escapist read’ Liz Trenow</p>