From Russia with Love

Heirs of Anton #1

by Susan K. Downs, Susan May Warren

Epic Romantic Suspense series by RITA and Christy award-winning author.

Kat Moore can’t believe that 24 hours after landing in Moscow, she’s on the run from the KGB. But after receiving a mysterious key, and an invitation to Russia, Kat can’t stop herself from hunting for her past. With her parents long gone, and her grandfather, Edward, strangely quiet about her identity, she knows there are clues to who she is that only she can unearth.

Decorated FSB agent Vadeem Spasonov lives for his job. And he’s good at it – so good, he can nearly predict the movements of the international smuggler, Grazovich. Which is why Vadeem intercepts American “tourist” Kat Moore before she is snatched. Kat might not be working for Grazovich, but Vadeem knows she has something the smuggler wants. Unfortunately, she’s only made it worse by escaping protective custody. Now he has to not only track her down, but keep her safe long enough to get her safely home.

RITA and Christy Award winning, ECPA & CBA best-selling novelist Susan May Warren brings you the contemporary start to a saga of four courageous women that spans the epic decades of Russian history. Trying to discover their heritage and fighting for love against a backdrop of war, espionage & cold war secrets the Heirs of Anton discover love and faith in this critically acclaimed series. **Originally published as Ekaterina

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Russia

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

SUSAN K. DOWNS resides in Canton, Ohio, where her husband serves as a district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. This mother of five and grandmother of one traded her career as an international adoption program coordinator for one as a writer and editor, but she still loves to visit Russia. . .if only by way of her imagination.

Reviews

[Aerykah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good the second time through! And I think I could more personally relate to some things in the story this time around, which puts a different perspective on it.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the original series (Heirs of Anton) released between 2004-2005 and it is one of the few series by Susan May Warren that I have not read yet. So I was very excited to see the updated version with new covers and titles and jumped on the chance to read the series.

As I was reading the book, I needed to keep reminding myself that the story was originally set in the early 2000, so the world and technology were different then. Once I settled myself back in time, I was able to immerse myself completely in Russia and in Kat and Vadeem's lives. The plot moved quickly and the action was intense and fast-paced. The mystery behind Kat's relics was fascinating and I loved how the puzzle pieces slowly came together to paint the overarching picture. Kat's impulsive nature was balanced out by Vadeem's cautious and methodical one. Kat's family history was wild and left me with more questions at the end of the book, which I hope will be answered in the subsequent books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of SDG Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 Heirs of Anton

Ekaterina arrives in Russia to discover her family history.

But things don't go as planned.

The guide book doesn't tell her anything about not carrying anything metal that will set off security alarms and get you an interrogation from the FSB!

She will discover what secret the key on her necklace carries, not matter how nice and charming that FSB agent is who wants to put her on a plane back to America.

Well, she will, if she can keep alive long enough!

Someone else somehow knows the secret of the key too, and is determined to go to any length to uncover its hiding place.


A great conclusion to this series, which I have really enjoyed reading. Yes, I know, it says it's #1 in the series. The authors have done an unusual thing in this series, starting in the modern day, and gradually going back in time down the generations. My sister has these books and she lent them to me, with the suggestion I would probably like to read them in chronological order, which is why I started with #4 instead of #1! (Actually, she was right! It was better to read from #4 pick up all the pieces of the puzzle through #4, #3 and #2, and then see them drop into place for the final picture in #1 rather than being given the picture in #1, then going back and seeing how it all came together, but knowing how it would all end.) So, my advice too is to read this series in the reverse order.


Heirs of Anton

#1 #2 #3 #4

or, if you are getting them on Kindle, then they have been re-released this year under new titles:
#1 #2 #3 #4



There were a couple of things I was a little disappointed with.

#1 The jewelled crest is recovered from it's hiding place, but we haven't heard from Anton and Oksana again, and Timofea has now died, so the Oksana's secret of being the grand duchess is still a secret. Her descendants don't know their royal lineage. That seemed odd to me.

#2 I really wish that Kat had been on a mission for her grandfather or mother to find the past rather than because she was an orphan. That's all the women in this series who have lost their mother (or not even known her in the first place). It would have been nice to see Marina and Nadia meet. But real life doesn't tie up quite so nicely, and the stories were very realistic and powerful, so it was just a little niggle.

I did however like that Edick and Magda get their reunion. That was so sweet.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 2 out of 5]

This longtime lover of historical fiction was quite drawn to the historical novels in the Heirs of Anton series, which gradually goes backward in history rather than forward. So, I read these four ChristFic books somewhat out of order, finishing up the saga here with Book One, which is set in contemporary times.

Overall, Book Three is my favorite. That story absolutely gutted me—in a wonderful way—and turned out to be the one to convince me to read the whole series. To get an answer to a key question about this family's future.

As it happens, it's fortunate for me that I read this first book last. If I hadn't already known about the past characters and events in the other books, it likely would have taken me too long to get a good sense of what was really going on in this novel and just why it mattered. I'm not certain if I would have kept reading to find out.

Also, the romance in this one wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't into Kat's changeful, inconsistent thoughts and actions toward Vadeem, and I didn't feel right about him either, due to his flashes of aggression. Multiple times when he's frustrated, he slams his fist into things, doing so at least once while he's arguing with Kat, making her jump. At one point in the book, he thinks about wanting to shake her, and at another point, he feels like "He could strangle Kat for being so breathtaking." Strangle her? Not a good mental picture. I don't find violent sentiments like that to be healthy signs.

On a different note, I generally feel like evangelical romances muddy the waters if they mix spiritual conversion/salvation and romantic wants together. The romances that essentially say in the beginning or middle that "he and she can't be together because only one of them is a Christian." To me, such romance stories often make it appear as though becoming a Christian is the "golden ticket" or means to a romantic end. Or as if accepting Christ and finding a romantic "Happily Ever After" are a package deal. If at least one of the characters believes that if a spiritual conversion doesn't happen, they won't get to have this man or woman they want, then the "come to Jesus" push seems like it's largely for romantic gain. And it makes me doubt if the convert's faith would exist or remain without the romantic benefits they're getting.

Nevertheless, the bigger story in this series did eventually arrive at the answer to the key question I brought to this novel. Although I'd figured ahead of time what the answer would be, it was still poignantly satisfying to see it.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books has been on my Kindle to read for probably over five years and I just now got to reading it while I have no WiFi for a week. I wish I could have researched about Russian history while I was reading this book due to I’m not very familiar with that topic. I found the mystery/suspense elements of this story to be interesting and there was good faith content. My main problem was that heavy instant attraction between Kat and Vadeem all throughout the book, Kat’s wishy-washy thoughts towards him, and a few other parts that I won’t mention because of spoilers.
Those interested in Russia or Russia history would probably enjoy this book more, I just wish it hadn’t been so lovey-dovey.

Content:
Kat knows she shouldn’t get involved with Vadeem (who is not a Christian) and does tell herself to stop thinking about him in that way, but ends up kissing him anyway (though she fusses at herself later for doing that).
There are a few suggestive comments/scenes: thinking a woman was raped (she was not), commenting about an unmarried couple going to a hotel room together (they actually do not), prostitutes, and a man always having a woman on his arm and hints of them doing things together (never specifically said, but hinted often).
Lots of love, falling in love, the emotions, and instant attraction (semi-detailed); Kisses, Touches, Smelling, etc (semi-detailed).
A man kills and is killed (semi-detailed bordering line on detailed).

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal features a heroine who is on the hunt to discover more about her family, but of course, Susan May Warren throws in a little bit of danger with her run in with the KGB, a Russian Mafia. Growing up, Kate, the heroine, felt like she had answers from her family's past that she wanted answers to. A mysterious keys comes in the mail and sends her on a journey to Russia to discover more about her family. Warren does a wonderful job at crafting a story that hinges on the importance of understanding where people have come from. There is plenty of action; however, it is dialed down from her current novels. My favorite part was the hunt for the truth of the key and her family. On the other hand, readers do like romance in their novels. I had a hard time buying the romance between Kate and Vadeem. Yes, they fell in love because he was protecting her, but I had a hard time buying the emotions they said they were having toward each other. Warren does a wonderful job at crafting the Russian setting. Using my imagination, I could feel the cold and the bleakness of the Russian landscape. Overall, The Prodigal by Susan May Warren does fit nicely into her adventure genre that she is known for; however, the story lacks the non-stop actions that her current writings possess. I still recommend readers pick up this story though.

I received a complimentary copy of The Prodigal by Susan May Warren and Susan K. Downs, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 3.75

I love Susan May Warren’s suspense and this one took me across the world to Russia. There were spies and smugglers and danger.

I do feel that the author’s work improved over the time with her suspense keeping me 100% engaged till the end. I was still kept in suspense and just before the 75% mark realised who the middle man was.

The story was again filled with scripture which was smoothly interwoven in the story, something I always appreciate about the author’s book.

This book was co-authored and was done without a change in the voice of the writing.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ekaterina", by Susan May Warren with Susan K. Downs, is the first installment of the Heirs of Anton series. Ekaterina is followed by "Nadia", "Marina", and "Oksana", in that order. The series follows several generations of a family of Russian background and their faith in God. It is also about the faithfulness of the Lord. I found the Heirs of Anton to be a bit different; in most series, the story is usually presented in forward chronological order. In the Heirs of Anton, the story is covered in reverse chronological order, beginning with "Ekaterina", which is set in the present day, and ending with "Oksana", which is set in 1917, at the time of the Russian Revolution. This reverse order allows us to know what the present concluding circumstances are for this family by the end of the first volume, but we are left with several mysteries and unanswered questions that are gradually revealed with each subsequent volume.


Ekaterina (Kat) Moore, the namesake of the book's title, has come to Russia to discover her family's roots. She also brings along a key which was sent to her by a monk, Brother Timofea, who sent it to her from a monastery near Pskov, Russia. She is hoping that he will be able to direct her in a search for her relatives so that she can discover her family tree and her heritage. She had been orphaned as a child, and had been raised by her grandfather, a retired CIA spy who has also been very secretive over information about their family's past. Unfortunately, as she passes through the metal detector at the customs booth at the airport, the key sets off the alarm, and she gets detained for questioning.


Captain Vadeem Spasonov, a FSB agent (a member of the international security force of Russia, the organization that succeeded the KGB) is at the airport watching out for Ivan Grazovich, an Abkhazian smuggler and terrorist who steals priceless Russian artifacts to finance the purchase of armaments. When he finds Grazovich, he notices that the terrorist has been conversing with Kat, and the FSB agent's suspicions of Kat being a mule are raised when she sets off the alarm. He brings her to an interrogation room, but she escapes when one of Grazovich's moles in customs sets her free before Vadeem clears her.


Vadeem tracks Kat down, intending to deport her, but before he can take her back to the airport, she is mugged and her key is stolen. The longer Vadeem speaks to and interacts with Kat, the more he is convinced that she is just an innocent tourist, although his initial suspicions of her are not entirely quenched. His concern for her safety has been set off by the suspicious events of her "accidental" meeting with Grazovich and the targeted theft of her key. He is right to be concerned; Kat's life is endangered even though she has lost the key. The thieves want more than what they have already taken, but Vadeem cannot convince Kat to leave Russia.


Kat refuses to leave before she finds the answers to her questions about her heritage; she wants to find out who she is, where she comes from, and to whom she belongs to. Vadeem, on the other hand, knows about the risks that come from wanting too much to belong; the mistakes of his youth had led to consequences that have left him too angry and ashamed to be on speaking terms with the Lord. Will Kat be able to find out her family's history and figure out who she is? Why was Kat's key stolen? What connection does the key have with Kat's family? Who is Anton Klassen, and what exactly is his connection to Kat? What material and spiritual legacies did he leave for his descendants and heirs, and how have these affected their lives? Will Vadeem be able to protect Kat from those who are trying to harm her? Will his heart survive Kat's departure if he can get her safely out of Russia? Will Vadeem come to terms with the tragic circumstances of his youth and reconnect with the Lord? As I mentioned before, even though this novel provides many answers that are revealed by the conclusion of "Ekaterina", there are enough hints of mysteries still yet to be unraveled and uncovered in the following volumes of the series.


I know very little about what law enforcement is like in Russia, but "Ekaterina" did not seem too different from other novels that I have read involving characters in law enforcement set in the United States (e.g. some Love Inspired Suspense titles). The way that FSB was depicted seemed similar in tone to stories that I've previously read with characters in the FBI or the U.S. Marshals. What made "Ekaterina" feel a bit different for me are the flashbacks that Vadeem had of his family experiencing persecution for being believers. I feel blessed to live in a country, which, at this present time, allows its citizens the freedom to worship God.


As for the spiritual conflicts in the book, Kat needs to realize that her life only needs to be defined by Christ alone in spite of all the pesky unknown details. Vadeem needs to come to terms with the mistakes that he made in his past, come back to the Lord and identify himself with Him. Personally, I feel very strongly about the point that the author is making about how it is enough to identify ourselves with the Lord. In Him, we discover who we truly are. In Him, we find forgiveness, acceptance, security, belonging, and purpose. In Him, we are beloved children of God.


I enjoyed the romance in "Ekaterina", although one week is a pretty narrow time frame for Vadeem to fall deeply in love. However, it's possible that adrenalin inducing situations can hype up romantic attraction. Vadeem is an interesting romantic figure. For a former special ops soldier, he seemed to be quite a strong yet vulnerable man. I liked Kat for her gutsy determination and faith in the Lord. The novel also tosses in the reunion of two long lost lovers who had been tragically separated for many years, but I won't reveal who they are.


I found "Ekaterina" to be interesting and am looking forward to finding out what happens in the rest of the Heirs of Anton series.



This review also appears on my blog:
http://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca

[Chelsea Garay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little bit of mystery, little bit of thriller, and little bit of romance all wrapped up into one story. It’s the first book in a series of 4, and after finishing it, I am left with unanswered questions which I think is the authors’ intent. On to book #2! The authors’ have written the series in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent character stories and working back into the past. I have read other reviews suggesting reading the series in reverse order: beginning with book #4 (Oksana). I enjoyed the mix of genres and it kept me engaged throughout.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow the history in this book is amazing! I learned quite a bit which made the story start off a little slow for me. But it soon picks up so don't worry!

She is on a quest to find her family, but doesn't realize she holds the key to a $4 million antique lost to time. Can she find out who she is, and who she belongs to, before she is killed by the Mafia out to get that $4 million?

And the hero 😍 oh I so could relate to him and his struggles. It's hard to say much without spoilers, but the trauma, the guilt, the questioning and running from God. Very relatable, esp to those who have endured hard things.

This book could be considered slightly preachy, but overall good. And no the story doesn't end, I'm going to read the rest of the series to go on her journey to finish finding her family. And her history.

[Jessalyn Plant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea for this series is SO GOOD. I just wish it had been executed differently with less extremely cheesy romance fluff. The actual storyline is fascinating, but it is so hard to ignore all the drivel to get to it. For that reason, I cannot give the rating more than three stars, but I do intend to finish the series.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard Susan May Warren's book was out, I knew I would want to devour it. I didn’t waste any time reading this book, and I was captured and taken to another culture and life.
Her books are full of amazing pictures of life in places I’ve never been, and they are always packed with events and adventures I’d never get to experience. But then again, I might not want to experience some of the things she has her characters experience. I’ve said it before, but I don’t think I’d like being one of Susie May Warren’s characters because she has them go through so many things. I was holding my breath the whole book while I was reading. Wow!
Susan May Warren is one of those authors. When I hear she has a new book out, I will climb the highest mountain and forge the deepest valley to get it.
Her books are rich with wonderful life lessons and amazing scenes.
Every book I read of hers has filled me with so many thoughts and personal lessons. They are not just words but profound, touching, relatable examples of what God can do in our lives! They flow with fantastic images so vivid that it’s easy to get swept away and believe it’s real. Even though this story was set in another country and culture, it was still relatable to me.
Whatever Ms. Warren writes, I know I'll be captivated and blessed in a life-changing way.
I highly recommend that you pick this book up.
The publisher gave me this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Susan May Warren's writing. I have been wanting to read her Heirs of Anton series for a while, but I have never gotten around to reading them. Now I have decided to do it. From Russia with Love is a slow starting story, then it picks up pace and tension after about fifty percent into the book. The last half got interesting and moved pretty fast. Just like the way I enjoy my novels. While the series is about one family's journey, I enjoyed seeing the present day Ekaterina and can't wait to read the rest of the family members stories and see how they all connect and what is this item that Ekaterina is being chased about. I can't wait to dive into the next one and learn more about her mysterious parents, and why they didn't raise her. Fans of Warren's writing should pick up this book. If you enjoy historical suspense, then this book might be right up your alley too.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first confusing thing is the Kindle book is titled "From Russia with Love". An unoriginal title that isn't even in GR. I shouldn't have to put so much effort to find a book title in order to rate it. :-). It's an enjoyable suspenseful Christian book although keeping the characters straight was difficult. When I read that in other reviews I thought how hard can that be. Then I got to the end and found that I'm still not sure how everyone relates to each other. Still, it was a nice light read to pass the time in the waiting room.

[R.j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I read this when it was first released. This was an excellent, adrenaline filled read. I did not remember that (or I’m way more sensitive to adrenaline rushes now!) and started reading it way too late to sleep well.
I enjoyed it. I definitely remember book 4 better than this one, so I kind of knew what was coming, but not really. I found it well written and engaging. I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes suspense. It’s not my typical genre, but this was fun.
I received an updated copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Russia with Love had me on the edge of my seat and appreciating my husband's Russian ancestry! I'm not a huge suspense fan so this book is just really good! I love the cat and mouse banter between Kat and Vadeem. I will definitely be reading the other title in this series.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was different from what I normally read but I absolutely love this book. It did get a little confusing at times but overall was a very good read. it had mystery and romance which are two of my favorites. I excited to read the next book in the Heirs of Anton series!

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Vadeem and the setting in Russia.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book tremendously. I can't say enough about how much I loved this book. This story was so unique. Very different than the storylines of most of the Christian Romance novels that I normally read. I really like how the author dealt with both Kat and Vadeem's feeling about family and the desire to connect with them. I liked the strength of character displayed by Kat and her overriding desire to find who she belonged to. To find her roots and to connect with them. I like how she refused to give up. Vadeem's story was also very compelling. How he though of his own family and the guilt he felt regarding them. I like the faith of Kat. She had a strong faith in God. Yes, she questioned her relationship with God; but really there was no wavering. It was really her greatest source of strength and it gave her the ability to have empathy for others. She was able to be a source of strength to Vadeem even when she didn't know she was. I like how Vadeem never stopped believing. He just didn't understand how God could forgive him; especially since he couldn't forgive himself. I like reading about the mighty change that he experienced as he accepted the only forgiveness that can come from God. As a genealogist and a person who helps others research their family history I understand how important it is for people to connect with their history and with those who come before them. I have experienced myself the joy I feel as I learn about my own history and learn about those who came before me. What they looked like and how they lived. I have experienced the joys others have felt when they have connected with their ancestry and history.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the series by someone who wrote the wrong order on the books (face slap), so I actually read Marina before I figured out Ekaterina was supposed to be the first novel. But in some ways, it made my discoveries in Ekaterina all the more intriguing, because I knew many of the answers to the questions she was asking. It seems some people prefer the intended order of the series (from modern day to the last czars), while others prefer to flip it backwards and read chronologically. I think both probably have their merits, depending upon how much suspense you want. Either way, every time I finish another one, I end up flipping through the previous books to fill in the gaps again. It’s quite intriguing how the authors built the series, and I find it brilliant.

I still haven’t read Oksana (the 4th) yet, but so far I love the progression through very intriguing times in Russian history. Ekaterina was special to me, because I lived in Russia in the last 20 years, and it smacked of the reality I knew. Even some of the locations mentioned were familiar too. But also I liked the heroine and hero’s storyline a lot - as Vadeem struggles through processing what happened to his family when the church was forced underground, and as Ekaterina dives through family secrets and national treasures. Both gave fascinating insights into Russia and its people.

All three do seem to have repetitive moments in the romantic progression. As in, the romantic duo of each book struggles with the same misunderstanding and miscommunication multiple times. That gets a little redundant (haven’t you guys already settled this 12 hours ago?!), but otherwise the plot twists and harrowing experiences of the characters had me finish each book in less than 48 hours (and I’m a mom with toddlers so that’s saying something). Good series that really sticks with you!!

[Linda R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of The Prodigal (The Crimson Legacy Book 1) 

For twenty years, Ekaterina "Kat" Moore has longed to find answers about her family heritage despite her grandfather's refusal to divulge his secrets. When she receives a key from a Russian monastery, Kat travels to Moscow, hoping she will finally be able to unlock the mystery. After landing at the airport, Kat is mistaken for the accomplice of a murderous smuggler and taken in for questioning by FSB agent Vadeem Spasonov.

Previously published as Ekaterina and then From Russia With Love in The Heirs Of Anton, Susan May Warren has republished this series with new covers as The Crimson Legacy. Book 1 is now The Prodigal, the story of Kat and Vadeem. I liked this couple's romance. I admired Vadeem's respect for Kat. One of my favorite lines was, "Our darkest moments can be survived if we keep our eyes on God." While I did find the story a bit violent, I'm looking forward to learning more about this family's history.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

FSB agent Captain Vadeem Spasonov is on a case to catch a smuggler, murderer and arms dealer that is operating in Russia when he meets Kat Moore, an American on her first trip to Russia. Together they follow a trial to a mystery that involves her family, a national treasure and a faith that is strong and helps them find the answers that they seek. Vadeem is determined to protect Kat as she gets into one dangerous situation after another.

The adventure takes them to several parts of Russia where they visit a monastery, part of her unknown family as she endures several attacks on her and Vadeem. Kat's faith and Vadeem's lack of faith are another issue that is explored in From Russia with Love as they fight for their lives and to find a happy ending too.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heirs of Anton is an interesting series as you start off with From Russia with Love and work your way backward in time, yet you could start with book 4 Ever in My Heart and work your way forward to From Russia with Love.
From Russia with Love focuses on Kat, who comes to Russia searching for answers to her family history and where she came from. Along with the suspense and mystery during Kat and Vadeem's adventure, there also was danger. While Kate was a believer, Vadeem wasn't and readers will find out the truth why. Looking forward to the second book.

[Trudy Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

suspense, intrigue, romance? yes please!

I loved this story! Loved the nod to James Bond, loved the characters. Loved the redemption story! I re-read at times because I got lost in the pronouns. I didn’t always know who was thinking/speaking — but that could have been all my fault as I get into a story I start skimming instead of actually reading the text as if I can make the action go faster 🤦‍♀️. Looking forward to the other stories.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

"From Russia With Love" is not just a romantic genre book. It can also be categorized as a post-cold war, suspense, and adventure book. Though a good story line, some of the descriptions of locations are a little off that could have been corrected with researching with Google Earth and Apple Maps.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and fast-paced! I don't know enough about modern Russia to rate higher, but it seemed overly Soviet. Maybe Russia still is? Also, I don't think the "believer loves an unbeliever, who eventually comes to Christ" trope should be romanticized. I did enjoy the story though, and there is plenty of mystery left over to explore in another book!

[Ashley Nikole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The slower pace and the sheer amount of information download just didn't keep me...add to that some fairly strong religious bits that rubbed me the wrong way, and I stopped reading this one at the 60-70% mark.

[Angie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story by Susan May Warren

So good! Kat is longing for answers and family yet finds more than she thought possible. Vadeem can't get away from his past until he finds his way.

[Janet Merrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an early novel by one of my favorite authors, and her writing has improved quite a bit over the years. The characters were appealing, and the plot fairly easy to follow. I wasn't expecting a whole lot going in, but enjoyed it, and will move on to the second in the series.