Zinaida Natasha Romanova > Recent Status Updates

I am committed to finishing this book, but I am r ally exhausted of the authors gossip like conjecture about Count Fersen and Marie Antoinette. She states her belief as fact, such as blatantly saying Count Fersen was sleeping in Marie's bed when the mob attacked Versailles. It lowers the quality of story, and reads like a Philippa Gregory novel.

Goldstone has a habit of stating her theory as fact. Her notes on pg. 350 declare that Fersen and Antoinette were definitely loves and Louis Charles was his son. A few chapters back she declared that Maria Christina told Emperor Joseph she had an affair was his wife Isabel to disuade his devotion to the later. Both statements lack any proof or supporting clues.

The previous chapter made me dislike Peter of Russia more than I have before.

On pg. 149: So Elizabeth did contemplate overturning some legislation pertaining to her mother's marriage and death. I idolized her as being too far beyond that, turns out she sought advice from Sir Nicholas Bacon.

Wolsey is dead. I go back and forth with Katharine of Aragon. Half the time I sympathy with her, the other half I yell HE DOESN'T WANT YOU!!!

Goodness Katherine is such a fool. There is no question of her guilt in this story.

The Cardinal is presumptuous, sneaky, arrogant and manipulative. Can't wait for him to go down. Man if the Boleyn faction joined with Katharine of Aragon against him, it would have been epic.

Chapter 20: I never thought a story could make me sympathize with Francis Dereham, Thomas Culpeper (who is indeed a rapist in this novel) and even Henry VIII. She is sly, sneaky, and using these men for attention.

There have been 3 important meetings addressed with no new dialogue or input. The latest is the Queen's first interaction with Camilla in 2000, a few pages ago it was Camilla meeting William. The author says nothing new and gives no new insight. Camilla saying she needs gin and tonic is 2 decades old.

First few chapters are a chore, they don't really grab you. I became interested when learning about Camilla's grandparents and parents, especially poor Bruce being abandoned by his father. So far nothing but the basics about Camilla and Andrew, and Diana is a footnote, thankfully.

Quite shallow and obvious errors present. I am continuously stunned that it was published in 2003 and not 1953.

I find it hard to follow this book and the authors train of thought. He seems to jump around. I think it's my failing

Before this, Douglass states that Covey had broken him and that he reverted to a brute. This experience reminded his soul he was a man. Not only did he resist a beating, win against his white master, but the master couldn't say anything for fear of losing his reputation.

Hahahahaha! Mr. Douglas beat up the slave breaker!!! Cheering reading this book.

Maria's final goodbye to Nicholas. It is painful to read. He made so many mistakes, listened to the wrong people. But in this final interaction you can't help but to feel sorry for him. The way Gortner describes his walk and body language is heartbreaking. What's worse that even now he is resigned to date and is putting off fighting for his families safety.

Miechen is the books voice of reason. Or Meichen and Minnie together. WWI is here, the way these people are running to war reminds me of the US during the build up to Iraq. This book is a literature and history lesson. Though the build up to WWI is as confusing in here as it is in real life.

Haha. Every chapter i have to pull out the dictionary. I have never read some of these words Maria uses to describe people countenance.
Bloody Sunday has just occurred. Within the context of the story Nicholas needs to be ousted by his family, the man is inept. Again this is within the story not real life.

Alexei was just born. The countdown has officially started. I know Alexandra was a disaster Empress but I wonder if she was this horrible. And Nicholas reminds me of Prince Harry.

Has anyone noticed the constant swipes and snide remarks towards the Middleton's especially Carole? Tina Brown really dislikes them. Everything they do is someone part of a calculated strategy.

Ugh. Nicholas is marrying Alexandra. The doom of the Romanovs is upon us.

Yes the attempt to blow up the palace did happen. Never heard about that one, only the last one that took poor Alexander III's life. Such a harrowing read. The author has the Czar, Czarevich, and other Grand Dukes digging in the rubble to save people who are trapped.

Was the event that happened in the previous chapter real? I've never heard of it. Poor Romanovs.