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The Romanov Stone
2013 Independent Publishers Silver "IPPY" Award for Suspense/Thrillers!! 2013 IndieReader.com Discovery Award for General Fiction!! On her deathbed, Kate Gavrill's mother finally tells her the she is a direct descendant of Nicholas II, Russia's last tsar, and heir to a family fortune. But nothing is simple in the tragic history of the Romanov clan. To claim her birthright, Kate must find a fabulous, long-missing alexandrite given by Nicholas to his lover--her great-grandmother.
Simon Blake, a respected New York gemologist, is Kate's companion as they criss-cross Europe in search of the legendary jewel. To succeed, however, the pair must overcome a master Colombian jewel thief; a blood-thirsty capo in the Ukrainian mafayia ; and a sinister cleric trained in mind control.
Simon Blake wants to find the stone as much as Kate does, but does he lust for the alexandrite or for the young woman by his side? For her part, Kate is driven by the need to atone for a mistake in her past; a guilt-ridden promise to her dying mother to restore their family name; and a desperate desire to make sense of her own history and very identity. She vows to find the Romanov Stone if it's the last thing she does.
Simon Blake, a respected New York gemologist, is Kate's companion as they criss-cross Europe in search of the legendary jewel. To succeed, however, the pair must overcome a master Colombian jewel thief; a blood-thirsty capo in the Ukrainian mafayia ; and a sinister cleric trained in mind control.
Simon Blake wants to find the stone as much as Kate does, but does he lust for the alexandrite or for the young woman by his side? For her part, Kate is driven by the need to atone for a mistake in her past; a guilt-ridden promise to her dying mother to restore their family name; and a desperate desire to make sense of her own history and very identity. She vows to find the Romanov Stone if it's the last thing she does.
334 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 24, 2012
When the past becomes your present what do you do? When the history of your family comes front and center and takes over your future how do you handle what you chose to forgo and forget? Imagine the beauty, color, luster, and purplish fire that emanates from a precious and valuable gem. Imagine how so many covet these precious gems and would do anything to obtain them even kill. What if you were the last Czar of Russia and a special stone was created called the Tsavevitch Stone. This stone is green and red with the imperial colors for Nicholas himself. The year 1831 the book The Romanov Stone by author Robert C. Yeager.
Let’s move to the present and meet Kate Gavrill whose life would be changed by a single accident that took her mother’s life. A pickup truck struck Irina Gavrill crossing the street. This was no accident it was preplanned and definitely well orchestrated. Kate, not a warm person and definitely not close to her mother finds herself listening to her last words and warning her that her life is in danger. Explaining that the link to her past was hidden behind a picture frame on the mantle place the link to the past, her Russian heritage would now come to light as the author recounts Irina’s visit to an antique farm implements. Irina remembers leaving Russia the loud screams and the fear. Then the author recounts the history of Anya Putyatin’s relationship with Nicholas and his fascination with her talent and her. Discussions about the ballet, her life, and her craft are just some of what they talk about as the author brings the reader back to the present.
Ignoring the request of the police to discuss her mother’s death, their messages to relinquish her financial records, Kate rushes to find the tape and the hidden letter. As she looks directly at Anya’s picture and retrieves the tape and the letter memories flood back from her childhood, the feelings she had about being Russian, hating ballet and Russian foods packed in her lunch bag, Kate reminds herself of how much she loved her. But, the memories flood back even more as she plays the tape and learns of the fate of Anya after seeing Nicholas for the last time. Hoping to escape and given a valuable gemstone, a Faberge to keep it in she hopes, with the help of the Archbishop to get to safety. But, instead Anya winds up in danger, the family she staying with brutally killed, the Archbishop killed and her fear for herself and her young daughter increase. The author flashes back to all of these events from 1917 as her mother relates on the tape the fear she had for Katya growing up, the secrets that have been kept from her and the danger she is in now. Added in the author shares the relationship between Anya and Nicholas and Alexandria and Rasputin whose influence was so strong over her it caused Nicholas to stray. One message on her cell had she taken it from her mother might have prevented the murder or at least enlightened her to what has yet to come.
As Kate learns more about her past she reads the letter Anya left for her, the author recounts the affair between her and Nicholas and the reasons she must search for the fortune before it’s too late. The treasure is extensive. The end result she hopes Kate will use to for the benefit of Russia and to restore the Romanov name. Nicholas told Anya the money is in the Bank of England but when the monies from the bank were released they claimed no Romanov funds existed. But, Anya had prove in the form of the huge alexandrite stone found in 1831 and the Faberge Egg to keep it in with the Romanov Coat of Arms on the base of the stone. As Kate learns more as she listens to her mother’s voice and reads her great granmama’s words tears begin to fall for her family for the first time.
The author relates the intricate history behind Anya’s escape, the death of her grandparents and her relationship to Irina. Meeting the Grand Duchess and getting the two pieces of vivescent frogs to help pay for her passage verified her heritage but even more as Kate relives these moments within her own memories she recalls some events that are now coming clearer. But, first before she can honor her mother’s final wishes, find the stone and the bank accounts left to her she needs to enlist the help of two people. The author once again reminds the reader that the stone is alexandrite and the Faberge Egg houses the stone in a special carriage. Finding the documents in the safety deposit box at Chase her first step, reading and learning more the second. As the author introduces a gemologist that would assist her in her search, try to protect her from harm and maybe even more. Enter Simon Blake who appraises the frog and is fearful for her to go to Russia alone. As Kate reads the letters written by her mother she learns about the link to Rasputin and the attorney at Chase. Meeting his great grandson in prison being held as a political prisoner enlightening as he gave her the name of a monk that might know where the Romanov Stone is. Kate recalls what happens when she is expelled from sports and why. Throughout the novel we can tell that she fights with many demons, uncertainties and insecurities stemming from her negative feelings about her heritage, her mother, her lost lover and her disappointment in not making the Olympics. Kate seems to flounder a lot lock away her emotions, hard at times and needs acceptance but has not received it or accepted kindnesses or help from anyone. Trusting someone is hard for her after learning the secrets of her past.
The Kiev police questioning her, threatened by the Ukrainian mafiya Kate finally realized the dangers involved, moves to another hotel and hopefully will finally heed Simon’s warnings and enlist his help. But, she does not stop there. Instead, she breaks into the monestary, one of the coffins and finds what she is looking for hoping she will survive. The documents, the pouch, the jewel and the egg are hers for now and safe. But will they remain that way and why contact the man in prison again and what part does the Detective called Vulcan play?
What happens next you will have to read as the author takes the reader and Kate through the appraisal process of this valuable stone, the worth of the bank account and those following her to make sure that she never opens the foundation in the name of the royal family. As she teams up with Simon there are many players that want her stopped.
A deal is made for the legal fees but somehow the stone is switched, stolen and the parties after it are many as the Russians, Ukrainians, and even the Columbians now know if its existence as Kate tries to back track how it was stolen and switched and what is next. One stone is fake the other real and so many people after it they’re even willing to team up. Added in is the doctor that treated Kate while in college, his files broken into and more information about her leaked. With the help of a lender named Jacob Massad would things finally come to pass or will she owe him 3 million dollars for losing the stone as payment for the money he gave her?
When Kate is kidnapped and Blake thinks she has just disappeared the search for her if stalled until all of the players are revealed. Just whom can she trust, what happens to her when she is kidnapped and why is everyone trying to get this stone? Who has the stone and where does it wind up cannot be revealed. From New York, to Russia, England and cross continents the Romanov Stone is replete in history, excitement, suspense, deceit, treachery and a secret that was held for many centuries and a stone that so many want and would do anything to get. Where it winds up and what the final betrayal is you will have to read for yourself. What happens to the Faberge Egg, the Stone and the money is up to the Bank to honor Irina’s last wishes and of course the person that finally winds up with the stone. The Romanov Stone: one great novel and hopefully the author will continue it by bringing Kate and Simon back to learn more. Filled with history, action and definitely an ending lead you to wonder just who can you trust. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
Fran Lewis: reviewer: Let’s give this one: FIVE GOLD FABERGE EGGS
Let’s move to the present and meet Kate Gavrill whose life would be changed by a single accident that took her mother’s life. A pickup truck struck Irina Gavrill crossing the street. This was no accident it was preplanned and definitely well orchestrated. Kate, not a warm person and definitely not close to her mother finds herself listening to her last words and warning her that her life is in danger. Explaining that the link to her past was hidden behind a picture frame on the mantle place the link to the past, her Russian heritage would now come to light as the author recounts Irina’s visit to an antique farm implements. Irina remembers leaving Russia the loud screams and the fear. Then the author recounts the history of Anya Putyatin’s relationship with Nicholas and his fascination with her talent and her. Discussions about the ballet, her life, and her craft are just some of what they talk about as the author brings the reader back to the present.
Ignoring the request of the police to discuss her mother’s death, their messages to relinquish her financial records, Kate rushes to find the tape and the hidden letter. As she looks directly at Anya’s picture and retrieves the tape and the letter memories flood back from her childhood, the feelings she had about being Russian, hating ballet and Russian foods packed in her lunch bag, Kate reminds herself of how much she loved her. But, the memories flood back even more as she plays the tape and learns of the fate of Anya after seeing Nicholas for the last time. Hoping to escape and given a valuable gemstone, a Faberge to keep it in she hopes, with the help of the Archbishop to get to safety. But, instead Anya winds up in danger, the family she staying with brutally killed, the Archbishop killed and her fear for herself and her young daughter increase. The author flashes back to all of these events from 1917 as her mother relates on the tape the fear she had for Katya growing up, the secrets that have been kept from her and the danger she is in now. Added in the author shares the relationship between Anya and Nicholas and Alexandria and Rasputin whose influence was so strong over her it caused Nicholas to stray. One message on her cell had she taken it from her mother might have prevented the murder or at least enlightened her to what has yet to come.
As Kate learns more about her past she reads the letter Anya left for her, the author recounts the affair between her and Nicholas and the reasons she must search for the fortune before it’s too late. The treasure is extensive. The end result she hopes Kate will use to for the benefit of Russia and to restore the Romanov name. Nicholas told Anya the money is in the Bank of England but when the monies from the bank were released they claimed no Romanov funds existed. But, Anya had prove in the form of the huge alexandrite stone found in 1831 and the Faberge Egg to keep it in with the Romanov Coat of Arms on the base of the stone. As Kate learns more as she listens to her mother’s voice and reads her great granmama’s words tears begin to fall for her family for the first time.
The author relates the intricate history behind Anya’s escape, the death of her grandparents and her relationship to Irina. Meeting the Grand Duchess and getting the two pieces of vivescent frogs to help pay for her passage verified her heritage but even more as Kate relives these moments within her own memories she recalls some events that are now coming clearer. But, first before she can honor her mother’s final wishes, find the stone and the bank accounts left to her she needs to enlist the help of two people. The author once again reminds the reader that the stone is alexandrite and the Faberge Egg houses the stone in a special carriage. Finding the documents in the safety deposit box at Chase her first step, reading and learning more the second. As the author introduces a gemologist that would assist her in her search, try to protect her from harm and maybe even more. Enter Simon Blake who appraises the frog and is fearful for her to go to Russia alone. As Kate reads the letters written by her mother she learns about the link to Rasputin and the attorney at Chase. Meeting his great grandson in prison being held as a political prisoner enlightening as he gave her the name of a monk that might know where the Romanov Stone is. Kate recalls what happens when she is expelled from sports and why. Throughout the novel we can tell that she fights with many demons, uncertainties and insecurities stemming from her negative feelings about her heritage, her mother, her lost lover and her disappointment in not making the Olympics. Kate seems to flounder a lot lock away her emotions, hard at times and needs acceptance but has not received it or accepted kindnesses or help from anyone. Trusting someone is hard for her after learning the secrets of her past.
The Kiev police questioning her, threatened by the Ukrainian mafiya Kate finally realized the dangers involved, moves to another hotel and hopefully will finally heed Simon’s warnings and enlist his help. But, she does not stop there. Instead, she breaks into the monestary, one of the coffins and finds what she is looking for hoping she will survive. The documents, the pouch, the jewel and the egg are hers for now and safe. But will they remain that way and why contact the man in prison again and what part does the Detective called Vulcan play?
What happens next you will have to read as the author takes the reader and Kate through the appraisal process of this valuable stone, the worth of the bank account and those following her to make sure that she never opens the foundation in the name of the royal family. As she teams up with Simon there are many players that want her stopped.
A deal is made for the legal fees but somehow the stone is switched, stolen and the parties after it are many as the Russians, Ukrainians, and even the Columbians now know if its existence as Kate tries to back track how it was stolen and switched and what is next. One stone is fake the other real and so many people after it they’re even willing to team up. Added in is the doctor that treated Kate while in college, his files broken into and more information about her leaked. With the help of a lender named Jacob Massad would things finally come to pass or will she owe him 3 million dollars for losing the stone as payment for the money he gave her?
When Kate is kidnapped and Blake thinks she has just disappeared the search for her if stalled until all of the players are revealed. Just whom can she trust, what happens to her when she is kidnapped and why is everyone trying to get this stone? Who has the stone and where does it wind up cannot be revealed. From New York, to Russia, England and cross continents the Romanov Stone is replete in history, excitement, suspense, deceit, treachery and a secret that was held for many centuries and a stone that so many want and would do anything to get. Where it winds up and what the final betrayal is you will have to read for yourself. What happens to the Faberge Egg, the Stone and the money is up to the Bank to honor Irina’s last wishes and of course the person that finally winds up with the stone. The Romanov Stone: one great novel and hopefully the author will continue it by bringing Kate and Simon back to learn more. Filled with history, action and definitely an ending lead you to wonder just who can you trust. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
Fran Lewis: reviewer: Let’s give this one: FIVE GOLD FABERGE EGGS
June 21, 2012
Loved this book. The storyline centers around the Romanov family from Russia. It is full of mystery, thrill with just the right amount of romance. Loved it and would recommend it to all.
http://www.robertcyeager.com/
http://www.robertcyeager.com/
November 25, 2019
I finished this book by skimming much of it. I felt as though the story got away from reality. There were many very complicated issues involving thugs, other countries, and experts that were overcome in a matter of just days or hours making most of it unbelievable. The character, Kate, seemed very immature for her age and having been on her own for so long I had a hard time buying her outbursts. If you really love Russian history and the Romanovs you may want to read this book, but I won’t recommend it, it very much borderlines a waste of time which is why I skimmed the book.
November 14, 2020
Dreadfully Slow
It took weeks to read this exceedingly boring book. I should have just chucked it. Obviously plot and obvious conclusion.
It took weeks to read this exceedingly boring book. I should have just chucked it. Obviously plot and obvious conclusion.
August 12, 2012
What if Russian Tsar Nicholas II had fathered a child with a Russian ballerina? And, what if the tsar had deposited a veritable fortune in an English bank for the child and her mother which could be claimed only if the heir presented the elusive Romanov Stone whose container is a Faberge jeweled egg? Fast forward to the present and add in a direct descendant of Rasputin, members of the Ukrainian mob, a Colombian jewel thief who wants to retire and a gemologist who falls in love with the only living heir and you have Robert C. Yeager's novel, The Romanov Stone.
In one day Kate Gavrill finds out that her mother has just been murdered, that she herself is a descendant of Nicholas II and that if she can produce the Romanov alexandrite gem she can lay claim to a huge fortune. Kate has a troubled past and she has worked hard not to repeat her previous mistakes. However, she has now been given a chance to reclaim her heritage and to do some good. Her quest for the stone leads her to meeting a New York City gemologist, Simon Blake and their relationship becomes complicated at best. Her search for the stone takes her to Russia where she meets the mysterious and mesmerizing Imre Novyck, Rasputin's great grandson, who offers to help her in her quest. However, everything that can go wrong does. She does find the gem but the story does not end there. There are others who want the stone and are willing to go to great lengths to obtain it. Kate endures kidnappings, being drugged and even being held prisoner at The Khrushchev Arms.
Mr. Yeager has written a fast moving book filled with action, suspense, romance and huge doses of surprise. There is nothing predictable about this story and that is what, I feel, makes it an exceptional story. This is an exciting book and well worth reading.
I received this book at no charge from Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and the opinions expressed are my own.
In one day Kate Gavrill finds out that her mother has just been murdered, that she herself is a descendant of Nicholas II and that if she can produce the Romanov alexandrite gem she can lay claim to a huge fortune. Kate has a troubled past and she has worked hard not to repeat her previous mistakes. However, she has now been given a chance to reclaim her heritage and to do some good. Her quest for the stone leads her to meeting a New York City gemologist, Simon Blake and their relationship becomes complicated at best. Her search for the stone takes her to Russia where she meets the mysterious and mesmerizing Imre Novyck, Rasputin's great grandson, who offers to help her in her quest. However, everything that can go wrong does. She does find the gem but the story does not end there. There are others who want the stone and are willing to go to great lengths to obtain it. Kate endures kidnappings, being drugged and even being held prisoner at The Khrushchev Arms.
Mr. Yeager has written a fast moving book filled with action, suspense, romance and huge doses of surprise. There is nothing predictable about this story and that is what, I feel, makes it an exceptional story. This is an exciting book and well worth reading.
I received this book at no charge from Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and the opinions expressed are my own.
June 10, 2014
I was very pleasantly surprised with this book. I have a love for all things Romanov anyway, as one of my finest memories is watching Nicholas and Alexandria with my Grandmother before her passing. That and the whole Did They All Die and Rasputin mystique make it a playground for Historical Fiction writers.
This one stays true to the characters and introduces some external modern day characters to flesh out the mystery of the Romanov Stone.
It is a quick read despite the page numbers as it is interspersed with enough action and intrigue to keep the pages flipping.
The Historical flashbacks are well placed and vivid in their portrayal of Russian life.
If this time period appeals to you, you won't be disappointed in this endeavor.
This one stays true to the characters and introduces some external modern day characters to flesh out the mystery of the Romanov Stone.
It is a quick read despite the page numbers as it is interspersed with enough action and intrigue to keep the pages flipping.
The Historical flashbacks are well placed and vivid in their portrayal of Russian life.
If this time period appeals to you, you won't be disappointed in this endeavor.
June 4, 2013
Kate Gavrill, economic professor and competitive diver, discovers she is a direct descendent of Czar Nicholas II when her mother is murdered. With possession of the priceless Romanov Stone, she will be able to access a fortune left in an English Bank. But Rasputin also has a direct descendent that is willing to help with the search for the jewel. Will he bring her down, just like his ancestor did to the Czar's family?
Gemologist Simon Blake may hold the answers to Kate's questions.
Gemologist Simon Blake may hold the answers to Kate's questions.
November 17, 2013
I actually enjoyed this more than I expected to. It's an interesting concept about a subject that fascinates me. The final 1/4 was a bit challenging in that I found it difficult to follow what exactly was happening and who was who. Many characters all running about and a bit of a mish mash of story telling but he cleans it all up nicely by the final chapter in a satisfactory manner. Overall a quite good read.
July 29, 2015
I enjoyed this book as I am fascinated by the Romanov's . I thought the pacing was mostly good and never found myself skipping lines. I didn't like the references during the story to how Kate felt about things later in her life and I felt the story wasn't fleshed out enough when she first went to Russia. I really liked all of the characters though and it seemed the author did a good amount of research.
September 2, 2012
While the concept of this story was interesting, I'm not generally a fan of books that skip between the past and the present. It tends to just annoy me. In addition, his writing bordered on being too descriptive for my tastes. However, the book was well-researched and thought out. I just don't think it was my type of book.
July 11, 2016
Great premise, slow delivery
The premise of this book could have made it a much better read, that would help my interest long enough to be sure to complete it; without a spoiler, I can also say I am disappointed in the ending. Perhaps it is a good ending, but I think it could've been better as well.
The premise of this book could have made it a much better read, that would help my interest long enough to be sure to complete it; without a spoiler, I can also say I am disappointed in the ending. Perhaps it is a good ending, but I think it could've been better as well.
September 7, 2014
Here's another candidate for the DNF pile of 2014. It's not that it's not well researched but it's draggy and it makes an assumption that goes against known history of the Romanovs.
Deleting now
Deleting now
May 5, 2016
Plausible
Good story kept me up for hours will be looking for
More by this author.wish the ending had been different
Good story kept me up for hours will be looking for
More by this author.wish the ending had been different
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews