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Most Beautiful Princess
At the age of nineteen, Queen Victoria's granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth of Hesse, stepped into the glittering court of the Romanovs, beginning a journey that would lead her from the shimmering ballrooms of St. Petersburg to the back streets of Moscow. Through intrigues, assassination, war and revolution, to the tragedy of her own horrific murder, she remained true to her calling to bring beauty into the world. Based on the true story of 'the most beautiful princess in Europe', this novel is written in tribute to a remarkable and courageous woman.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2008
68 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Christina Croft
41 books56 followersChristina Croft was born in Warwickshire, England, and grew up in Yorkshire. Educated at Notre Dame Grammar School, Leeds, she graduated in English and Divinity in Liverpool and obtained teaching and nursing qualifications. She began her writing career as a poet but moved on to biography and novels as well as giving talks about the Romanovs, Habsburgs, Queen Victoria and other late 19th and early 20th century royalties. Her other interests include general history, spirituality, herbs, nature and animals.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 2, 2010
Don't let the title fool you, this is not a bodice ripping romance novel by any means. This is a wonderful - and serious - novelization of the life of Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Russia. Clearly well researched, well written, with realistic character development and dialog - a treat for any Russian history or Romanov history buff! Much preferable to "The Romanov Bride" by Robert Alexander.
January 30, 2013
This book, written as historical fiction, is based on the life of the not well known St. Elisabeth Romanov of Russia. A granddaughter of Queen Victoria (through Victoria's second daughter Alice), Ella married the younger brother of Tsar Alexander III, Grand Duke Sergei, in 1884. Sergei and Ella's relationship has been the focus of much speculation and this book presents a plausible explanation for the mystery of their relationship. Through Sergei and Ella, the course of Russian history would be set as they promoted the marriage of Ella's youngest sister Alix to Sergei's nephew Nicholas, a relationship which would play a large part in the downfall of the Romanov dynasty as Alix (known to Russian history as Tsarina Alexandra) brought hemophilia into the family through her son Alexei. Ella, who had not been required to convert to the Russian Orthodox faith, chose to do so of her own free will and after her husband was assassinated in 1905, she became a nun and founded the only convent at the time devoted to going out among the people to serve them - female religious orders in Russia were cloistered only. After the Russian Revolution broke out in 1917, Ella turned down several offers to escape, including one from her first cousin Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had once been determined to marry her before her marriage to Sergei. Ella was eventually arrested on Lenin's orders and with several other Romanov cousins, was thrown alive down a mine shaft the day after the gruesome murders of her sister's family. Unlike her sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew, Ella's body was found within a few months after her death and after a brief detour to China, her body was eventually buried in Jerusalem at a Russian Orthodox Church (founded by her husband and brothers-in-law) at the behest of her older sister Victoria (maternal grandmother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh). She was eventually canonized as a martyr by the Russian Orthodox Church and a statue of her placed at Westminster Abbey as one of the martyrs of the 20th century. Ella's life was just as fascinating as her younger sister's and it's a shame that most of what is known about her is through her interactions with Alexandra and Nicholas.
November 3, 2012
Most Beautiful Princess, by Christina Croft is excellent and accurate history made entertaining and captivating through vivid dialogue- a dream for historical fiction fanatics that are purists at heart. Croft remained true to the history, fact after fact, without even introducing one fictitious character to help embellish the plot. There was no need for embellishment, the story vibrantly carries itself throughout without skipping a beat.
From the moment Ella meets and then marries Serge, the Grand Duke, the story sweeps us into the royal family of Russia where we meet the whole immediate and extended family. Their concerns, worries, joys, sorrows, lifestyles (some rather questionable) and secrets- everything they experienced is made known to the reader through an engaging dialog and deep reflections that help us understand and feel what it may have been like for these people back then. I really enjoyed getting to know these royals!
Almost like watching a reality show (a very elegant one though!) Even Queen Victoria made her appearance! As the very grand matriarch- let alone Queen of England, Grandmama had been the one who helped raise Ella when her mother, Alice, passed away. Throughout, Queen Victoria gave off the sense that she had been a far better granny than a mommy. Of course the whole story though has Ella as the focal point- and as such she was magnificent.
A true beauty physically and spiritually, Ella lived through a marriage that did not seem normal by any standard. She and Serge had a platonic relationship that Ella somehow turned into a love story of the heart...and although difficult to imagine that being possible, Serge and Ella claimed to love eachother very deeply.
Ella's altruistic nature, her kindness and saintly soul is clearly seen by the way she cares for the poor, the wounded and ultimately when she forgives her husband's murderer. The most moving and heart-wrenching moment is certainly when she is being buried alive...and there too she captures a moment of hope, light and faith.
Elegantly written with care in depicting each character true to his/ her likeness, Christina Croft has taken a slice of the past and brought it back to life. Most Beautiful Princess will become an all-time favourite for historical fiction and non-fiction lovers alike.
From the moment Ella meets and then marries Serge, the Grand Duke, the story sweeps us into the royal family of Russia where we meet the whole immediate and extended family. Their concerns, worries, joys, sorrows, lifestyles (some rather questionable) and secrets- everything they experienced is made known to the reader through an engaging dialog and deep reflections that help us understand and feel what it may have been like for these people back then. I really enjoyed getting to know these royals!
Almost like watching a reality show (a very elegant one though!) Even Queen Victoria made her appearance! As the very grand matriarch- let alone Queen of England, Grandmama had been the one who helped raise Ella when her mother, Alice, passed away. Throughout, Queen Victoria gave off the sense that she had been a far better granny than a mommy. Of course the whole story though has Ella as the focal point- and as such she was magnificent.
A true beauty physically and spiritually, Ella lived through a marriage that did not seem normal by any standard. She and Serge had a platonic relationship that Ella somehow turned into a love story of the heart...and although difficult to imagine that being possible, Serge and Ella claimed to love eachother very deeply.
Ella's altruistic nature, her kindness and saintly soul is clearly seen by the way she cares for the poor, the wounded and ultimately when she forgives her husband's murderer. The most moving and heart-wrenching moment is certainly when she is being buried alive...and there too she captures a moment of hope, light and faith.
Elegantly written with care in depicting each character true to his/ her likeness, Christina Croft has taken a slice of the past and brought it back to life. Most Beautiful Princess will become an all-time favourite for historical fiction and non-fiction lovers alike.
October 29, 2008
The 'Most Beautiful Princess,' Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, comes back through the lovely pages of this historically accurate novel. The images, sounds, scents and characters that made up the vanished world of Imperial Russia come intensely to life in the hands of Christina Croft, in ways that make her readers feel part of the story.
From marriage to a Grand Duke, life lived in palaces, glittering jewels and Imperial balls, to walking amid abject poverty and death at the bottom of a pit, 'Most Beautiful Princess' is a journey through tragedy, beauty and triumph.
Once you enter Ella's world, the laundry will stack up and dinner will wait until the last page.
Don't say I didn't warn you...
http://hilliardandcroft.blogspot.com/
From marriage to a Grand Duke, life lived in palaces, glittering jewels and Imperial balls, to walking amid abject poverty and death at the bottom of a pit, 'Most Beautiful Princess' is a journey through tragedy, beauty and triumph.
Once you enter Ella's world, the laundry will stack up and dinner will wait until the last page.
Don't say I didn't warn you...
http://hilliardandcroft.blogspot.com/
January 6, 2010
This is a fast paced very well written historic novel. It is obvious that the author has conducted extensive research in order to provide her readers with a strong image of the personalities who were part of Ella's life . It was pleasing to find that Christina used the correct Russian definitions in the majority of cases. The story she unveiled is a powerful one which is more about Ella's deep affection for her adopted country - Imperial Russia, her less than conventional relationship with her husband, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich (who was assasinated) and emphasizes the importance her Orthodox faith had played, which sustained her to her last breath. Perhaps it is all the qualities which made this particular foreign "Princess" the most beautiful Grand Duchess in Russia?
April 5, 2013
Croft brings the last years of the Romanov dynasty to life in this detailed novelisation of Grand Duchess St. Elizaveta Feodrovna Romanov. Ella, as she is known, marries Grand Duke Sergei Romanov, and is sister to the more notorious Alix, the last Empress. Her grace and beauty captivated the Russian people, but Croft treats Ella's personal life with sensitivity. Although not much of a record survives about Ella and Sergei's marriage, this novel proposes a plausible explanation.
Croft draws the reader in with her strong characterizations, and I found myself wishing there was a way to change history. However, we all know that this cannot end well for the Romanovs.
This book is recommended for those who like historical fiction, and are interested even slightly in the Romanov dynasty.
Croft draws the reader in with her strong characterizations, and I found myself wishing there was a way to change history. However, we all know that this cannot end well for the Romanovs.
This book is recommended for those who like historical fiction, and are interested even slightly in the Romanov dynasty.
July 7, 2017
A little gooey and uncritical, but pretty faithful to history.
February 20, 2024
I was introduced to Grand Duchess Elizabeth last year when I saw the docu-drama 'Royal Mob', and immediately found myself frustrated that the view of Tsarina Alexandra I was taught at school was so narrow that I didn't even know she had sisters, let alone that they all loved such fascinating lives. Elizabeth is Alix's second-eldest sister, and married into the Russian royal family first - she was married to Nicholas II's uncle, Serge, while Alix was still a girl.
This book takes you through Ella's life, from her arrival in Russia and being heralded as one if the most beautiful women in the world to her experiences at the hands of Bolshevik revolutionaries. It's narrative is clear and concise, focusing on those moments in time where there is something of importance to note, but at the same time all of the characters (and there are quite a lot) are well drawn and come to life very easily. I will admit to getting a little confused on a couple of occasions as to who was who, but there's a very handy spotters guide at the front of the book which helps a bit.
I haven't got a huge amount of knowledge about them, but from what I have seen and read about Elizabeth and Serge's relationship I can imagine there are many theories out there about it. In this case, the author paints their marriage as one built on a foundation of love, even if Serge fails spectacularly at showing his affection in public, and is unwilling or unable to enter into a physical relationship in private. I rather like this take as, even when he is being overbearing and wielding his authority over his wife, there is this little speck of insight that there might be a reason behind it. It gives his character a whole other dimension, which I can imagine is missing from other sources who paint him purely as a man who rules his home with an iron fist.
Ella's religious development is also very interesting. Again, somehow the author manages to make her struggle with converting from Lutheranism to Orthodoxy feel like the reader's own, and the steady realisation and solid, deeply held beliefs that follow are wonderfully illustrated. Her devotion to her religious and charitable works is amazing, and it is clear her genuine calling was to do good and help those in need. In turn, this makes the tragic aspects of her life even more so.
Outside of the main character, it has certainly highlighted for me the depth of Alix's shift in personality, and yet at the same time it illustrates so well her stubbornness and desire to cling to what she believes in. From the shy but beautiful girl who was Queen Victoria's favourite and totally willing to give up the man she loved to avoid turning her back on her faith, to the seemingly cold Empress who is so far removed from her people and willing to endure humiliation to keep 'Our Friend' by her side; I've never really understood her as a person, but this book really does make you question what she was thinking a lot of the time.
There are a few formatting issues with the text on Kindle and the odd typo, but nothing that takes away from your enjoyment of the book too much. I would say there are probably a couple of moments where the focus is on secondary characters that could have been excised to save a bit of confusion, but generally this was a very good read and I would highly recommend.
This book takes you through Ella's life, from her arrival in Russia and being heralded as one if the most beautiful women in the world to her experiences at the hands of Bolshevik revolutionaries. It's narrative is clear and concise, focusing on those moments in time where there is something of importance to note, but at the same time all of the characters (and there are quite a lot) are well drawn and come to life very easily. I will admit to getting a little confused on a couple of occasions as to who was who, but there's a very handy spotters guide at the front of the book which helps a bit.
I haven't got a huge amount of knowledge about them, but from what I have seen and read about Elizabeth and Serge's relationship I can imagine there are many theories out there about it. In this case, the author paints their marriage as one built on a foundation of love, even if Serge fails spectacularly at showing his affection in public, and is unwilling or unable to enter into a physical relationship in private. I rather like this take as, even when he is being overbearing and wielding his authority over his wife, there is this little speck of insight that there might be a reason behind it. It gives his character a whole other dimension, which I can imagine is missing from other sources who paint him purely as a man who rules his home with an iron fist.
Ella's religious development is also very interesting. Again, somehow the author manages to make her struggle with converting from Lutheranism to Orthodoxy feel like the reader's own, and the steady realisation and solid, deeply held beliefs that follow are wonderfully illustrated. Her devotion to her religious and charitable works is amazing, and it is clear her genuine calling was to do good and help those in need. In turn, this makes the tragic aspects of her life even more so.
Outside of the main character, it has certainly highlighted for me the depth of Alix's shift in personality, and yet at the same time it illustrates so well her stubbornness and desire to cling to what she believes in. From the shy but beautiful girl who was Queen Victoria's favourite and totally willing to give up the man she loved to avoid turning her back on her faith, to the seemingly cold Empress who is so far removed from her people and willing to endure humiliation to keep 'Our Friend' by her side; I've never really understood her as a person, but this book really does make you question what she was thinking a lot of the time.
There are a few formatting issues with the text on Kindle and the odd typo, but nothing that takes away from your enjoyment of the book too much. I would say there are probably a couple of moments where the focus is on secondary characters that could have been excised to save a bit of confusion, but generally this was a very good read and I would highly recommend.
February 28, 2025
An absolutely stunning representation of the life of Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna, sister of the last Empress of Russia. The novel traces Ella's life from her marriage and her first steps in Russia to the end of her life. Christina Croft beautifully crafts facts into an engaging narrative that transports the reader to another time and place. Excellent!
July 30, 2023
An excellent book about a truly remarkable woman. This has been well researched. In reading this book and other books about this period it is perfectly clear how Nicholas and Alexandra were terrible rulers.
February 13, 2021
Review
I loved this book. I had never heard of Elizabeth before I started to read about Queen Victoria. I can't seem to get enough.
I loved this book. I had never heard of Elizabeth before I started to read about Queen Victoria. I can't seem to get enough.
May 21, 2015
I'm taking away one star because this novel needs a new copy editor. But the story is skillfully woven, though I already know the Romanovs' tragic fall from power. This perspective worked well; most stories focus on the last Tsar and his family. The author made a smart call in focusing more on the events leading up to Nicky's court, so I could see what led to the execution of the Romanovs and how it could have been prevented. The storytelling is wonderful; blame the copy editor for any headache suffered.
January 23, 2014
This was terrible fluff ... the only way it can be considered historical fiction is that it used names of people who actually existed and occasionally touched on an historical event in Russia. This is what I get for looking for light reading while recovering from surgery - don't waste your money.
January 4, 2015
WW1 historical fiction
Enjoyed reading this book. Gave a more insight into the Princess Ella, her sister the Tsarina, the Tsar Nicholas and their family. We all now how it ends with the revolution and the Imperials death. Still very sad.
Enjoyed reading this book. Gave a more insight into the Princess Ella, her sister the Tsarina, the Tsar Nicholas and their family. We all now how it ends with the revolution and the Imperials death. Still very sad.
May 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews