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The Secret Vow
Katya – young, beautiful and impoverished – arrives in Paris, hoping to begin a new life. She leaves behind a terrible secret, and her survival in this strange and beautiful new city depends on nobody ever discovering who – and what – she is.
Immediately, Katya is swept up in the city’s glamour – particularly the boutiques on the main boulevard, where glittering gowns are hand-sewn for an exclusive clientele. Dare Katya dream that she may someday wear – or even design – one of these dazzling creations? It feels like an impossible wish, until she meets businessman Harry Morten.
Tall, handsome and well-connected, Harry could give Katya everything she wants and more… but at what price? And should she break the vow she’s made and trust him with her secret when her very survival could be at stake?
Immediately, Katya is swept up in the city’s glamour – particularly the boutiques on the main boulevard, where glittering gowns are hand-sewn for an exclusive clientele. Dare Katya dream that she may someday wear – or even design – one of these dazzling creations? It feels like an impossible wish, until she meets businessman Harry Morten.
Tall, handsome and well-connected, Harry could give Katya everything she wants and more… but at what price? And should she break the vow she’s made and trust him with her secret when her very survival could be at stake?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
935 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Meg Evans
19 books281 followersBeing a published writer has been Natalie Meg Evans’ goal from an early age. Having achieved her dream, she extracts maximum fun from it by writing the kind of books she has always loved reading. Mother to one son and currently guardian to a rescued Labrador and a Malinois (Belgian Shepherd), Natalie lives in rural Suffolk, England’s easternmost county.
In 2012, Natalie won the prestigious Harry Bowling Prize and was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. She was longlisted in the Mslexia new women novelists
competition, and shortlisted for a Daphne du Maurier award for romantic suspense. The Dress Thief won the readers award for the best historical novel at the Festival of Romance and was nominated for a Romance Writers of America RITA.
Her latest novels are The Locket and The Paris Inheritance, both split timeline novels with a wartime theme.
She has achieved another life-goal, as a published author of country house crime. As Kay Blythe, her first novel in this genre comes out in February 2025. Look out for Murder at Merry Beggars Hall.
In 2012, Natalie won the prestigious Harry Bowling Prize and was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. She was longlisted in the Mslexia new women novelists
competition, and shortlisted for a Daphne du Maurier award for romantic suspense. The Dress Thief won the readers award for the best historical novel at the Festival of Romance and was nominated for a Romance Writers of America RITA.
Her latest novels are The Locket and The Paris Inheritance, both split timeline novels with a wartime theme.
She has achieved another life-goal, as a published author of country house crime. As Kay Blythe, her first novel in this genre comes out in February 2025. Look out for Murder at Merry Beggars Hall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 12, 2018
Wow, wow, wow is all I can say, what an epic return to form for Natalie Meg Evans. Little did I think I would find a book so late in the year that would be a strong contender for my book of 2018, The Secret Vow is that book. I say return to form because for me I adored Natalie's first two books but then her last book The Wardrobe Mistress just didn't have the same affect or appeal for me. But this brilliant new wartime love story was historical fiction at its very best with a family story of survival, guts, resilience and love at its centre.
Focusing on an elite Russian family fleeing to Paris, this story reeled me in from the very first line and didn't relinquish its grip until I reluctantly read the last few words. From the writing, the wide range of characters, the setting and the incredible detail of events at the time it was clear a lot of research went into this book. It just read like the author thoroughly enjoyed every minute she spent writing Katya's story and when this comes across in the story it always makes for an incredible and engrossing read that I can't get enough off.
Winter 1918 and Harry Morten is on board a train travelling through the Swedish countryside. There is an air of mystery combined with subtle authority surrounding Harry and instantly the reader's interest is piqued and I definitely wanted to know more about him and what he was up to. As the train makes its way to Gothenbourg he observes a Russian family clearly fleeing from the persecutions and executions being carried out by the Cheka, the secret police who work on behalf of the Russian government. A young girl, a member of the family Harry is observing places herself in danger but Harry steps in and so sets in motion a chain of events that will see innumerable twists and turns, danger, suspicion, quests and love. Their's was a meeting that may very well change the fate of this upper class family whose lives have been torn apart.
We then flash back to a little earlier to Moscow to where Katya Vytenis and her family are preparing to flee the country they have called home for so long. They have titles as in Prince Ulian Vytenis but what use is that to them as life has become unbearable in Russia, fraught with dangers on a daily basis. People are arrested for no obvious reason which then leads to executions or interment in prisons that once you enter you are more than likely never to come out of. Or else another alternative is to be sent away to labour camps to work as slaves and never see ones family again. The family is aiming to go to Paris where they have relatives but what follows is a harrowing scene full of drama, tension, anguish and despair as the family are ripped apart and life will never be the same again. Katya by far the most sensible has to step up and take charge. She promised her father in his last moments that she would protect her mother, sisters and young niece and she will get them to Paris no matter what the costs. With the absence of a male figure and a fellow sister lost to the damp dark cells of the notorious city prison- Lubyanka- there is little else but for Katya to step forward and embark upon a journey to bring her mother, sister and niece to safety.
From the outset Katya was a stand out character. She could have quite easily have followed the route of her mother Irina and sister Tatiana and sunk into misery and become dependent on others but once Katya makes a promise she firmly sticks to it and she became a pillar of strength and maturity. I felt Irina and Tatiana became so reliant on Katya, that they left things to her to sort out and given an awful incident regarding a maid and therefore the family are left without money or jewels it shouldn't have been left to Katya to keep going whilst dragging the other two behind her. But something else apart from the promise she made to her father drove her on and as flashbacks are interspersed here and there throughout the entire story things became a little more clearer. I understood what powered and motivated her to make a new life in Paris despite all the obstacles thrown in her path. That said those flashbacks did give hints but they didn't give too much away so as to detract from the overall story or to allow the reader to guess things far too early on. I had my suspicions but as to the eventual outcome I was left shocked and my mind was blown.
As Harry helps Katya that day on the train in more ways than one she feels a loyalty to him, a connection that cannot be broken but also a duty that she needs to repay him for what he has done both in terms of money and how he helped set them up in Paris. Their's is a friendship that could possibly develop into something more but both are stubborn and obstinate in their various ways. It's like they circle around each other and come to each other when they need help but do so perhaps reluctantly. As more is revealed about Harry one is reminded not take everything and form opinions on first sight of that person. People have many layers and guises and should not be underestimated.
The same could be said for Katya. Her family go from a life of plenty with riches and maids and a sumptuous house to a life of poverty and living in a cramped room. Katya knows her father has looked after them but as access to their safety net is repeatedly denied she questions what is the point of it all? Why should I strive for a family who don't seem to care? But it's her loyalty that keeps her long term goal in sight and she feels deep down that it is achievable. Ensconced with the Russian community in Paris who have also fled, Katya places her faith in people who seemed to me just that little bit too good to be true. I felt I shouldn't doubt their intentions in wanting to help but there was a bit too much of a cloak and dagger feeling pervading throughout the story for me to completely trust everyone. In that sense Katya was gullible and I thought she should have listened and respected Harry more rather than venturing down paths that could prove to be very dangerous.
As Katya is plunged into a new and unknown world, I felt she did become stronger although naturally enough she wavered at times. She wanted to prove to everyone and in particular Harry that she was a fortress of strength and one that would never weaken. But when even bigger games are at a play and you are not aware of this but become the pawn how can this be achievable? Still I admired Katya and as she ventures into the world of dress design and clothing, a similar strand used in the first two books written by this author and one which works very well, I felt she began to find herself more and to follow her passion. In one sense she was playing a waiting game regarding financial security and in another she was pushing that to one side to embark upon a journey that would fulfil a long held desire. The scenes in the fashion house in which she does come to work at were at times difficult to read. That's simply because I loved Katya as a character so much that what she was subjected to was distressing and hard to accept but this is where she steps up to the mark and where Harry comes in handy too.
Over the course of the story Katya becomes a leader, a survivor but at what cost? She is always pushing forward and maintains an optimistic viewpoint whenever possible but how can one sustain this when there are people surrounding you who would love nothing more than to see you fail? Should she put her complete trust in Harry? Should she tell him her secret which if exposed could destroy what she is trying to achieve? I for one would have told Harry anything and that's because of the way his character was written. I felt I could put my absolute trust in him and that he would stand by me and do whatever he could to be helpful and supportive. He had a warm and embracing aura surrounding him when it felt like showing it but when he felt things were not going his way or if he could see Katya being foolish he did shut down and this is where his stubborn side began to show through. Saying all that I did want a positive outcome for the pair and given the nature of the last quarter or so of the book I did question would this even be possible?
Natalie Meg Evans certainly ramped up the tension as we raced towards the conclusion of The Secret Vow, it was tense and the surprises just kept on coming. The author had very successfully pulled the wool over my eyes and some of the characters too and as everything began to be revealed I was kicking myself that I hadn't spotted subtle hints and clues that had been dropped in from the beginning. But on the other hand this made me very excited to see what had actually been going on and how could things be resolved?
Betrayal, drama, passion and suffering all feature strongly in the later chapters and this book turned out to be so brilliantly plotted that it made it a stand out read for me. This is Natalie Meg Evans writing at her very best and The Secret Vow will thrill both old and new readers. That ending though, that very last line god it tore at my heart and a few simple words threw everything on its head. Does it mean we will return to these characters in either a full length book or a shorter novella? I do so hope that will be the case as really it can't be left like that. The words mind blowing twist come to mind, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Secret Vow. It's one of those books that once you finish you will want to go back to the very beginning and start it all over again immediately.
Focusing on an elite Russian family fleeing to Paris, this story reeled me in from the very first line and didn't relinquish its grip until I reluctantly read the last few words. From the writing, the wide range of characters, the setting and the incredible detail of events at the time it was clear a lot of research went into this book. It just read like the author thoroughly enjoyed every minute she spent writing Katya's story and when this comes across in the story it always makes for an incredible and engrossing read that I can't get enough off.
Winter 1918 and Harry Morten is on board a train travelling through the Swedish countryside. There is an air of mystery combined with subtle authority surrounding Harry and instantly the reader's interest is piqued and I definitely wanted to know more about him and what he was up to. As the train makes its way to Gothenbourg he observes a Russian family clearly fleeing from the persecutions and executions being carried out by the Cheka, the secret police who work on behalf of the Russian government. A young girl, a member of the family Harry is observing places herself in danger but Harry steps in and so sets in motion a chain of events that will see innumerable twists and turns, danger, suspicion, quests and love. Their's was a meeting that may very well change the fate of this upper class family whose lives have been torn apart.
We then flash back to a little earlier to Moscow to where Katya Vytenis and her family are preparing to flee the country they have called home for so long. They have titles as in Prince Ulian Vytenis but what use is that to them as life has become unbearable in Russia, fraught with dangers on a daily basis. People are arrested for no obvious reason which then leads to executions or interment in prisons that once you enter you are more than likely never to come out of. Or else another alternative is to be sent away to labour camps to work as slaves and never see ones family again. The family is aiming to go to Paris where they have relatives but what follows is a harrowing scene full of drama, tension, anguish and despair as the family are ripped apart and life will never be the same again. Katya by far the most sensible has to step up and take charge. She promised her father in his last moments that she would protect her mother, sisters and young niece and she will get them to Paris no matter what the costs. With the absence of a male figure and a fellow sister lost to the damp dark cells of the notorious city prison- Lubyanka- there is little else but for Katya to step forward and embark upon a journey to bring her mother, sister and niece to safety.
From the outset Katya was a stand out character. She could have quite easily have followed the route of her mother Irina and sister Tatiana and sunk into misery and become dependent on others but once Katya makes a promise she firmly sticks to it and she became a pillar of strength and maturity. I felt Irina and Tatiana became so reliant on Katya, that they left things to her to sort out and given an awful incident regarding a maid and therefore the family are left without money or jewels it shouldn't have been left to Katya to keep going whilst dragging the other two behind her. But something else apart from the promise she made to her father drove her on and as flashbacks are interspersed here and there throughout the entire story things became a little more clearer. I understood what powered and motivated her to make a new life in Paris despite all the obstacles thrown in her path. That said those flashbacks did give hints but they didn't give too much away so as to detract from the overall story or to allow the reader to guess things far too early on. I had my suspicions but as to the eventual outcome I was left shocked and my mind was blown.
As Harry helps Katya that day on the train in more ways than one she feels a loyalty to him, a connection that cannot be broken but also a duty that she needs to repay him for what he has done both in terms of money and how he helped set them up in Paris. Their's is a friendship that could possibly develop into something more but both are stubborn and obstinate in their various ways. It's like they circle around each other and come to each other when they need help but do so perhaps reluctantly. As more is revealed about Harry one is reminded not take everything and form opinions on first sight of that person. People have many layers and guises and should not be underestimated.
The same could be said for Katya. Her family go from a life of plenty with riches and maids and a sumptuous house to a life of poverty and living in a cramped room. Katya knows her father has looked after them but as access to their safety net is repeatedly denied she questions what is the point of it all? Why should I strive for a family who don't seem to care? But it's her loyalty that keeps her long term goal in sight and she feels deep down that it is achievable. Ensconced with the Russian community in Paris who have also fled, Katya places her faith in people who seemed to me just that little bit too good to be true. I felt I shouldn't doubt their intentions in wanting to help but there was a bit too much of a cloak and dagger feeling pervading throughout the story for me to completely trust everyone. In that sense Katya was gullible and I thought she should have listened and respected Harry more rather than venturing down paths that could prove to be very dangerous.
As Katya is plunged into a new and unknown world, I felt she did become stronger although naturally enough she wavered at times. She wanted to prove to everyone and in particular Harry that she was a fortress of strength and one that would never weaken. But when even bigger games are at a play and you are not aware of this but become the pawn how can this be achievable? Still I admired Katya and as she ventures into the world of dress design and clothing, a similar strand used in the first two books written by this author and one which works very well, I felt she began to find herself more and to follow her passion. In one sense she was playing a waiting game regarding financial security and in another she was pushing that to one side to embark upon a journey that would fulfil a long held desire. The scenes in the fashion house in which she does come to work at were at times difficult to read. That's simply because I loved Katya as a character so much that what she was subjected to was distressing and hard to accept but this is where she steps up to the mark and where Harry comes in handy too.
Over the course of the story Katya becomes a leader, a survivor but at what cost? She is always pushing forward and maintains an optimistic viewpoint whenever possible but how can one sustain this when there are people surrounding you who would love nothing more than to see you fail? Should she put her complete trust in Harry? Should she tell him her secret which if exposed could destroy what she is trying to achieve? I for one would have told Harry anything and that's because of the way his character was written. I felt I could put my absolute trust in him and that he would stand by me and do whatever he could to be helpful and supportive. He had a warm and embracing aura surrounding him when it felt like showing it but when he felt things were not going his way or if he could see Katya being foolish he did shut down and this is where his stubborn side began to show through. Saying all that I did want a positive outcome for the pair and given the nature of the last quarter or so of the book I did question would this even be possible?
Natalie Meg Evans certainly ramped up the tension as we raced towards the conclusion of The Secret Vow, it was tense and the surprises just kept on coming. The author had very successfully pulled the wool over my eyes and some of the characters too and as everything began to be revealed I was kicking myself that I hadn't spotted subtle hints and clues that had been dropped in from the beginning. But on the other hand this made me very excited to see what had actually been going on and how could things be resolved?
Betrayal, drama, passion and suffering all feature strongly in the later chapters and this book turned out to be so brilliantly plotted that it made it a stand out read for me. This is Natalie Meg Evans writing at her very best and The Secret Vow will thrill both old and new readers. That ending though, that very last line god it tore at my heart and a few simple words threw everything on its head. Does it mean we will return to these characters in either a full length book or a shorter novella? I do so hope that will be the case as really it can't be left like that. The words mind blowing twist come to mind, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Secret Vow. It's one of those books that once you finish you will want to go back to the very beginning and start it all over again immediately.
November 30, 2018
3,5 Stars
This was a fast and interesting read. The story was interesting and i enjoyed reading it and it kept me up well into the night to finish it.
Paris, Fashion and Post-war periods. I surely can't resist a book that has them all. And despite the over-dramatisation of some scenes, i found that i enjoyed this story more than i expected. There was a part close to the end that felt really over done/written and it created a rather unpleasant confusion. But that didn't stop me from going on, especially that most of the characters were intriguing and one can't help but like them.
Thank you NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this copy in exchange of an honest review.
This was a fast and interesting read. The story was interesting and i enjoyed reading it and it kept me up well into the night to finish it.
Paris, Fashion and Post-war periods. I surely can't resist a book that has them all. And despite the over-dramatisation of some scenes, i found that i enjoyed this story more than i expected. There was a part close to the end that felt really over done/written and it created a rather unpleasant confusion. But that didn't stop me from going on, especially that most of the characters were intriguing and one can't help but like them.
Thank you NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this copy in exchange of an honest review.
January 17, 2019
I loved this book just as I have with all N M Evans ' books. They were such uncertain times, how stressful it must have been, who to trust? She brings the period so much to life and the characters are great, some of which popped up in an earlier book in Paris. Katya's family drove me mad at times but it all worked out in the end. I just loved Harry. He was drop dead gorgeous I think.l
April 28, 2019
I enjoyed this
March 3, 2019
Natalie Meg Evans returns to Paris and the world of high fashion in The Secret Vow, but this one is set a generation earlier than her previous novels, opening in late 1918 as Katya (Princess Ekaterina Ulianova Vytenis) and her family run from the Russian secret police, targeted as aristocrats and Tsarists. Katya heads for Paris, where some cousins have already emigrated, with her unstable but determinedly aristocratic mother Irina, her angry younger sister Tatiana, and her older sister Vera’s infant daughter Anoushka.
Rescued from total disaster in Sweden by Harry Morten, a British/Swedish businessman, Katya and her family arrive in Paris to find a situation far different from what they expected. The Russian emigres in the city are struggling, the money Katya’s far-sighted father invested in France seems out of reach, and Katya’s mother slips into a drug-hazed depression.
Katya, however, has a spine of steel, not that she recognizes her own strength, and she talks her way into a seamstress position, discovering along the way that Harry Morten runs his textile business from an office in Paris.
Evans makes the reader feel as though she’s actually visiting Paris in the wake of the First World War, as Katya encounters a variety of characters, some inclined to help her, others only out for themselves—and sometimes it’s not easy to tell them apart. If you’ve read Evans’ earlier books (and I urge you to do so), particularly The Dress Thief and The Milliner’s Secret, you may recognize a character or two in The Secret Vow, as their younger selves sneak into the story. The Secret Vow is a great entry into Evans’ world of historical fiction.
Rescued from total disaster in Sweden by Harry Morten, a British/Swedish businessman, Katya and her family arrive in Paris to find a situation far different from what they expected. The Russian emigres in the city are struggling, the money Katya’s far-sighted father invested in France seems out of reach, and Katya’s mother slips into a drug-hazed depression.
Katya, however, has a spine of steel, not that she recognizes her own strength, and she talks her way into a seamstress position, discovering along the way that Harry Morten runs his textile business from an office in Paris.
Evans makes the reader feel as though she’s actually visiting Paris in the wake of the First World War, as Katya encounters a variety of characters, some inclined to help her, others only out for themselves—and sometimes it’s not easy to tell them apart. If you’ve read Evans’ earlier books (and I urge you to do so), particularly The Dress Thief and The Milliner’s Secret, you may recognize a character or two in The Secret Vow, as their younger selves sneak into the story. The Secret Vow is a great entry into Evans’ world of historical fiction.
December 11, 2018
The Secret Vow is billed as an epic wartime romance but I would argue that it should also be labeled as a coming of age novel. We meet our protagonist, Katya, as her family prepares to flee Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution. After a harrowing scene that ends with her father murdered and sister arrested, the remaining family continues forward with the plan to head for Paris. On the train from Stockholm, Katya meets Harry; a handsome, well-connected man involved in textiles. We follow Katya as her family arrives in Paris to discover things are not what they expected. Katya serves as the backbone of her family, dragging them from their new impoverished situation with the help of Harry and his connections. Ms. Evans did a fantastic job of setting the backdrop of a war-torn France trying to rebuild as Katya works to rebuild life not only for her family but to establish her own identity and realize her dreams as a fashion designer.
It was my first time reading a historical romance that referenced Russia and the Bolshevik Revolution and I think Evans did a wonderful job maintaining a balance between the grim realities of war and revolution with the light and hope that accompanies rebuilding. Bottom line is I adored this novel and would be interested to hear about Mikhail and Vera's tale.
Full Review on Dream Come Review
It was my first time reading a historical romance that referenced Russia and the Bolshevik Revolution and I think Evans did a wonderful job maintaining a balance between the grim realities of war and revolution with the light and hope that accompanies rebuilding. Bottom line is I adored this novel and would be interested to hear about Mikhail and Vera's tale.
Full Review on Dream Come Review
December 19, 2018
The Secret Vow by Natalie Meg Evans is an epic historical novel set in 1918 and 1919 at the close of WWI.
The reader is in for a real treat as we travel from Russian palaces to Paris via Sweden. True breeding lasts in spite of circumstances. Once a princess always a princess. Atrocities inflicted on the aristocrats in Russia means trust comes hard. There is always someone willing to betray others for a quick buck.
We witness the strength of character needed to survive. Some Russians are deluded into believing the Czar’s family survived and long to see them restored.
Family matters. Family pull together. Unscrupulous people try to take advantage of grief. Forgiveness needs to be dished out but it is hard.
War changes people. The moral code is distorted. People do what they can to survive.
A truly epic read that will have the reader glued as we travel through a bygone era. Even war torn Paris still has an air of glamour and sophistication. A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The reader is in for a real treat as we travel from Russian palaces to Paris via Sweden. True breeding lasts in spite of circumstances. Once a princess always a princess. Atrocities inflicted on the aristocrats in Russia means trust comes hard. There is always someone willing to betray others for a quick buck.
We witness the strength of character needed to survive. Some Russians are deluded into believing the Czar’s family survived and long to see them restored.
Family matters. Family pull together. Unscrupulous people try to take advantage of grief. Forgiveness needs to be dished out but it is hard.
War changes people. The moral code is distorted. People do what they can to survive.
A truly epic read that will have the reader glued as we travel through a bygone era. Even war torn Paris still has an air of glamour and sophistication. A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 2, 2019
I've read all of Natalie Meg Evan's books, and she is one of the historical fiction authors I really enjoy reading. This book was no exception! It tells the story of Katya, who fled Russia for Paris. She and her family were titled and wealthy but had to leave it all behind. She was expecting some family money in a bank but found there was nothing there. They had to start over to survive, and Katya works hard to become a fashion designer.
This is a well-written book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well-written book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2018
Katya has made it out of Russia to Paris. It's the 1930s and nothing is really secure but she's trying her best to support her family as a seamstress. She's also got a secret related to the death of her sister and this looms over her life. Is Harry a good guy? It's not clear initially but the romance grows. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nice historical fiction about emigres in Paris.
December 17, 2018
This was perfectly written historical fiction! I felt like I was transformed to the time period while reading and the plot made sense for that period, which sometimes doesn't happen with historical fiction. I found the author did a brilliant job of realistically capturing this moment in time and I thoroughly enjoyed the book!
January 5, 2019
Great read
This book has everything, love hate sympathy for a time between wars. Such words make you feel as if you are in the shadows watching the unfolding drama. Loved it.
This book has everything, love hate sympathy for a time between wars. Such words make you feel as if you are in the shadows watching the unfolding drama. Loved it.
February 14, 2020
This is the second book that I have read by this author. She has a mesmerizing style of writing. You just have to keep reading it is so compelling.
December 14, 2018
Winter - 1918
Katya Vytenis is a Russian Princess fleeing with her family from the revolution happening in Russia and the war with Germany. Her father was killed and her sister captured and later died. However, Katya has managed to escape with her sister’s baby, her mother, and another sister. They are on a train headed to Paris when Katya meets Harry Morten, a British businessman, who is also headed to Paris. He commiserates with her over the loss of her father and sister because he has just lost his brother in the war. Harry loans her some money to help her get settled and she wants to pay him back as soon as she can.
When they arrive in Paris, Katya and her family are shocked to find that the cousin they were to stay with only lived in a one room place and not the palatial estate that had been described to them. In addition, her cousin has just passed away from influenza. There are a number of Russian royalty in Paris who have been reduced to much lesser circumstances than they have been used to. Katya is having difficulty with the bank to release funds to them because the documentation she was given had been stolen by a maid along with their jewels.
Katya is working serving food and trying to get her sister to work as well. Their mother claims to be unwell and it’s difficult to get her to help take care of the baby. But, Katya gets with some other women and together they find a way to open their own design shop. As it happens Harry deals in fabrics and helps her. Katya is in love with Harry but he does not seem to feel the same way.
The story continues with how hard Katya works and the difficulties she faces. The greediness of fellow countrymen is disgusting as they steal from others.
This is an OK story. I found it to be interesting with how many Russians were killed and how they suffered during this time, was certainly quite dreadful.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Katya Vytenis is a Russian Princess fleeing with her family from the revolution happening in Russia and the war with Germany. Her father was killed and her sister captured and later died. However, Katya has managed to escape with her sister’s baby, her mother, and another sister. They are on a train headed to Paris when Katya meets Harry Morten, a British businessman, who is also headed to Paris. He commiserates with her over the loss of her father and sister because he has just lost his brother in the war. Harry loans her some money to help her get settled and she wants to pay him back as soon as she can.
When they arrive in Paris, Katya and her family are shocked to find that the cousin they were to stay with only lived in a one room place and not the palatial estate that had been described to them. In addition, her cousin has just passed away from influenza. There are a number of Russian royalty in Paris who have been reduced to much lesser circumstances than they have been used to. Katya is having difficulty with the bank to release funds to them because the documentation she was given had been stolen by a maid along with their jewels.
Katya is working serving food and trying to get her sister to work as well. Their mother claims to be unwell and it’s difficult to get her to help take care of the baby. But, Katya gets with some other women and together they find a way to open their own design shop. As it happens Harry deals in fabrics and helps her. Katya is in love with Harry but he does not seem to feel the same way.
The story continues with how hard Katya works and the difficulties she faces. The greediness of fellow countrymen is disgusting as they steal from others.
This is an OK story. I found it to be interesting with how many Russians were killed and how they suffered during this time, was certainly quite dreadful.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 29, 2018
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was impressed with how well written this novel was and I loved how the author effectively weaves the Russian customs through language, history and fashion. The story and its characters embrace the French lifestyle but stay true to their Russian roots. The mystery behind Katya's sister mysterious death drives the story and I anxiously turning pages to find out what happens to her.
Katya is a strong and vivacious protagonist who suffers greatly after the Russian revolution destroys her family forcing her to re establish herself and her family in Paris. A chance encounter with a handsome soldier not only saves her life but sets her on a new path of self discovery and love. Her love story with Harry is a complicated one but compelling nonetheless.
Loved it! A definite keeper.
I was impressed with how well written this novel was and I loved how the author effectively weaves the Russian customs through language, history and fashion. The story and its characters embrace the French lifestyle but stay true to their Russian roots. The mystery behind Katya's sister mysterious death drives the story and I anxiously turning pages to find out what happens to her.
Katya is a strong and vivacious protagonist who suffers greatly after the Russian revolution destroys her family forcing her to re establish herself and her family in Paris. A chance encounter with a handsome soldier not only saves her life but sets her on a new path of self discovery and love. Her love story with Harry is a complicated one but compelling nonetheless.
Loved it! A definite keeper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2019
Winter 1918. Russia is in chaos. The Czar and his family are dead and the aristocracy are in fear for their lives. Princess Katya knows her family is in danger, and that they must flee before the Cheka comes to take them away. She manages to escape to Paris but not without tragic loss. And in a country where her title and lineage mean little, she must build a new life for her family.
This story was an emotional journey! Major feels fest! There is some romance is this book, but I feel it’s secondary which is totally fine! My heart went out to Katya at every turn. Her development is amazing. There were certain moments between her and her younger sister that hit very close to home.
If you are looking for a historical fiction story with a strong female protagonist, with some romance and mystery, this is it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 🙌🏻
Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture!
🖤Katie
This story was an emotional journey! Major feels fest! There is some romance is this book, but I feel it’s secondary which is totally fine! My heart went out to Katya at every turn. Her development is amazing. There were certain moments between her and her younger sister that hit very close to home.
If you are looking for a historical fiction story with a strong female protagonist, with some romance and mystery, this is it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 🙌🏻
Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture!
🖤Katie
December 11, 2019
Well constructed, tons of details
I've fallen for Natalie Meg Evans wonderful, very real characters. Harry is "a dream" that I hope never turns into a "jackwagon." I absolutely could picture him and all his flaws. Una is a humorous recurring character in NME's novels. She often saves the day for her loyal friends. Well written novel, crafted with style. Start reading this book: full of plot, some sweet sex, action, intrigue, fashion, despicable types, betrayal, and tons of delicious details.
I've fallen for Natalie Meg Evans wonderful, very real characters. Harry is "a dream" that I hope never turns into a "jackwagon." I absolutely could picture him and all his flaws. Una is a humorous recurring character in NME's novels. She often saves the day for her loyal friends. Well written novel, crafted with style. Start reading this book: full of plot, some sweet sex, action, intrigue, fashion, despicable types, betrayal, and tons of delicious details.
February 17, 2019
3.5☆ rounded up. I've read all of Evans's books and enjoyed them. In this one, I wish there had been more fashion and less sleuthing. It's a good story of immigrant struggles and hard work (with a bit of knowing the right person and being in the right place at the right time) but not so strong as a love story. At one point it became a breathless escapade but then pulled back into its comfortable pace. Mysteries all resolved at the end. I will always read a next Natalie Meg Evan's book!
January 25, 2019
Enchanting
Book of one women's struggle and drive to put her family first and bring them out of the depths of poverty and still regain their royal status all the while being deceived by those she trusted and not trusting the one person who is always there for her. Really loved being transported into the world of fashion.
Book of one women's struggle and drive to put her family first and bring them out of the depths of poverty and still regain their royal status all the while being deceived by those she trusted and not trusting the one person who is always there for her. Really loved being transported into the world of fashion.
January 20, 2019
3.5 stars
April 16, 2019
Just ok
It certainly was not a wartime love story. The book was set mostly in Paris. The book had potential but missed the mark by a mile.
It certainly was not a wartime love story. The book was set mostly in Paris. The book had potential but missed the mark by a mile.
March 11, 2020
Great writing.Very enjoyable read.
July 14, 2020
This book kept me staying up later than I planned at night reading! Truly enjoyed it!
October 7, 2021
Loved this book & can't wait to read the next one!!!
February 12, 2022
Good read
A good factual historical story. Interesting to know what the deposed Russian aristocracy experienced following the revolution. A bit of romance and adventure
A good factual historical story. Interesting to know what the deposed Russian aristocracy experienced following the revolution. A bit of romance and adventure
June 18, 2022
It was a slow start but really enjoyed it after getting used to the first few chapters. It's quite complicated at the beginning but very interesting as I've not read much about Russion War history.
June 26, 2022
Young and beautiful in Paris with a secret.
January 8, 2023
a flowing sweet read
What a beautiful and passionate story. Each chapter built and the end came to soon. This is a must read of a woman’s reliance.
What a beautiful and passionate story. Each chapter built and the end came to soon. This is a must read of a woman’s reliance.
June 12, 2023
Great read
The characters were hate able and loveable. Cheering on the princess was a constant throughout the book. The love story is classic
The characters were hate able and loveable. Cheering on the princess was a constant throughout the book. The love story is classic
July 5, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book right to the end.The drama, love story and the mystery surrounding that era of time.
December 18, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The synopsis of the book sounded so intriguing that I knew I had to read it. The hint of a love story between Harry and Katya kept me turning the pages to see what happens. Similarly the story of her missing sister, Vera also kept me hooked and I found the suspense of this storyline particularly gripping! This is definitely a book filled with heartache, suffering, lies and betrayal, although there still is plenty of romance and passion! I found this book to be a captivating and elegant read which is perfect for any historical fan!
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