The Romanov Brides: A Novel of the Last Tsarina and Her Sisters

(Paperback)

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From the author of A Most English Princess comes a rich novel about young Princess Alix of Hessethe future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russiaand 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 Russiaand the Romanovs.

Defying the Queens dire warnings, Ella weds the tsars 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 Ellas wedding, meets and captivates Nickyheir 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 Russiaa dazzling, decadent world on the brink of disappearing forever.

Reviews

"Two motherless German princesses struggle to choose husbands from the limited pool of European suitors, while we, as readers, know the devastating consequences their ultimate decisions will have. Clare McHugh illuminates the hearts and souls of these young women in a novel that is clever, gripping, and beautifully written. A masterpiece!" Gill Paul, author of A Beautiful Rival "I truly could not put this book down. Clare McHugh is a genius at finding new dramatic narratives in the history of Queen Victoria's tragic descendants...Each character in this glittering royal tapestry is fresh and vivid, as they navigate the complex personal dynamics that will change the course of history. Utterly addictive!" Mariah Fredericks, author of The Lindbergh Nanny "A rich indulgence!" People on A Most English Princess In this sweeping, immersive novel, Clare McHugh draws readers into the mesmerizing world of the eldest daughter of Queen VictoriaPrincess Vickyas she emerges into a powerful force in her own right and ascends to become the first German Empress. Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author, on A Most English Princess "With an impeccable attention to research, sense of place, and filled with relatable characters, A Most English Princesswill sweep you away. A literary triumph with flavors of Daphne du Maurier, Edith Wharton, and Downton Abbey, this novel is poised to become a favorite for historical fiction lovers." Armando Lucas Correa, bestselling author ofThe German GirlandThe Daughter's Tale "The strength of one woman, Crown Princess Victoria, to influence the path of European history during turbulenttimes is striking in this stunning debut from Clare McHugh." Geri Krotow, bestselling author, on A Most English Princess

Author Bio

Born in London, Clare McHugh grew up in the United States. She also grew up fascinated by this story as her great-grandfather was a coachman who actually drove Vicky's brother, the King of England, and her son, Kaiser Wilhelm. Clare went to Harvard, studied Bismarck, and taught high school history, before becoming a newspaper reporter at The New York Post. She served most recently as the Senior Director of Editorial Operations for Time Inc's News and Lifestyle brands, 12 in total, including Time, Fortune, Money, Real Simple, Essence, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and Food & Wine. In that capacity, she was responsible for an editorial staff of over 250 people. Married to a fellow editor, she now works as consultant to a number of prominent media companies in New York City and has two grown children. This is her first novel.