Happy Monday! Welcome to my stop on the Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly blog tour sponsored by Suzy Approved Book Tours! Lost Roses will be published on April 9, 2019 via Random House/Ballantine Books! Kelly’s debut, Lilac Girls, is on my favorites’ list and will forever be one of the best works of historical fiction I’ve read, so you can imagine I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for her newest work…and to find out it’s a prequel to Lilac Girls- ah-may-zing news! Please read on to see what I thought!
My Thoughts:
Lilac Girls is one of my favorite historical fiction reads, and HF is my favorite genre. In Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly gave us Caroline Ferriday as a real life heroine of her time during World War II. Lost Roses is Caroline’s mother’s story, along with two other women affected by World War I.
In 1914, Germany is gaining power and war is possibly on the horizon. Eliza Ferriday travels to St. Petersburg, Russia with Sofya Streshnayva, a Romanov cousin. Eliza and Sofya’s close friendship is formed years prior while the pair lived in Paris.
While Eliza’s in Russia, Austria declares war on Serbia, and Russia’s tsar is likely to fall. She flees safely to the United States but wishes she could have brought Sofya and her family with her.
Sofya’s family must flee the city to the family’s country manor because a revolution is on the brink. They hire Varinka, a young peasant girl, to serve in their household, but she brings danger along with her.
Across the world, Eliza is doing everything she can to help Russians escape the revolution, when suddenly she stops hearing from Sofya.
The book travels between the US, St. Petersburg, and Paris, and illuminates the places and their people during this time of strife, violence, and uncertainty.
Martha Hall Kelly’s storytelling is just as captivating and alluring as it was with Lilac Girls. Eliza Ferriday is a strong, formidable character, and Sofya and Varinka’s stories will break your heart for different reasons.
There was a poignant moment when Sofya looked down at her young son Max after seeing a starving peasant baby, and she reflected on Max’s luck of being born to her into her family of wealth. The tables are turned on Sofya and her family, and I think about that all the time- the luck one has to be born in whatever country- one that has freedoms, or one that is filled with every day war and danger.
Lost Roses is the glorious story of the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka. Even though Eliza and Sofya are born privileged, they never lose sight of how they can help others, and there is unequivocal beauty in that and honesty in how Kelly depicts it. This is the perfect book to get lost in. The storytelling grabs you and won’t let go.
Thanks to Suzy Approved Book Tours, the author, and publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
The runaway bestseller Lilac Girls introduced the real-life heroine Caroline Ferriday. This sweeping new novel, set a generation earlier and also inspired by true events, features Caroline’s mother, Eliza, and follows three equally indomitable women from St. Petersburg to Paris under the shadow of World War I.
It is 1914 and the world has been on the brink of war so many times, many New Yorker’s treat the subject with only passing interest. Eliza Ferriday is thrilled to be traveling to St. Petersburg with Sofya Streshnayva, a cousin of the Romanov’s. The two met years ago one summer in Paris and became close confidantes. Now Eliza embarks on the trip of a lifetime, home with Sofya to see the splendors of Russia. But when Austria declares war on Serbia and Russia’s Imperial dynasty begins to fall, Eliza escapes back to America, while Sofya and her family flee to their country estate. In need of domestic help, they hire the local fortuneteller’s daughter, Varinka, unknowingly bringing intense danger into their household. On the other side of the Atlantic, Eliza is doing her part to help the White Russian families find safety as they escape the revolution. But when Sofya’s letters suddenly stop coming she fears the worst for her best friend.
From the turbulent streets of St. Petersburg to the avenues of Paris and the society of fallen Russian emigre’s who live there, the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka will intersect in profound ways, taking readers on a breathtaking ride through a momentous time in history. (less)
Have you read The Lost Roses, or is it on your TBR? Have you read Lilac Girls? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Im so eager to begin my ARC of Lost Roses! Thanks for the inspiring review! I loved Caroline in Lilac Girls because it reminded me that we can all be committed to doing our small part to help others. Sometimes those small thing turn out to have a huge impact. I loved her determination.
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I can’t wait for you to read it, Carol! Eliza is much the same way as Caroline and is committed to her causes. She’s a determined and loyal friend, too.
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I can’t wait to start this one! 🙂 I loved Lilac Girls so much…
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Genevieve, I’m so excited for you to read it! I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as Lilac Girls! 🌹
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Awesome picture and wonderful blog tour and review. I read Lilac Girls and enjoyed it. Cannot wait to read this HF by MH Kelly. Thanks, Jennifer and Happy Monday to you. ❤️🌹🌹🌹📚
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Thank you, Virginia! 🌹 If you enjoyed Lilac Girls, you are certain to love this one too. Happy Monday and happy reading! 🌹 💗 🥀
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Not my genre, but you have reviewed it so beautifully wow.. I loved your pic.. The roses are awesome
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Thanks, Shalini! I went a little wild with the roses, but it was a fun pic to take! This book deserves the praise, too. Such a lovely read. ♥️
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Amazing review Jenn! Can’t wait to read this!!!! 💜💙❤️
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Thanks, Lindsay! I’m super excited for you to read it! Oh-so-good! 💗
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Great review, Jennifer! I would love to discover more historical fiction reads and this one (and Lilac Girls) sound very good.
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Thanks, Stephen! Oh, yes, this is a great place to start, along with Lilac Girls, if you want to read top notch historicals. Engaging storytelling at its best.
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I just was approved for this book. Yay! It sounds like it will be a wonderful read. Jan and I are going to buddy up for this one. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! Yes, I have a good feeling about you and Jan reading this. It’s a spectacular historical!
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What a beautiful story and review, Jennifer! I’m loving the novels coming out set in WWII, but with a unique story of what it was like to live around that time. Being influenced by the war but not a part of it fully, I guess is what I mean? Sounds like a great book!
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Thanks, Mack! I loved this book! It was actually set during WWI, which not enough books are set during- a fascinating time in its own right. I adored this book! Lilac Girls, the author’s debut novel, took place during WWII, and was equally fascinating.
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Ooh I misread!!! I have been enjoying Hist Fic! I’ll have to give one this author’s books a try!
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Nice to hear you liked Lost Roses. I have it coming up, I loved The Lilac Girls, so am eager to read the story of Caroline’s mother.
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Thanks, Susie! I hope you enjoy this one, too. Eliza is such an endearing character- I have no doubt you will love her, too.
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Great Review
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Thanks, Priyasha! ♥️
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I had no idea Caroline’s mother is one of the central characters in this story. I just shelved the title as soon as it was announced based on my love of Lilac Girls. Your thoughts on this story captivated me, Jennifer. When I saw the title of your post I got excited. This is going to be another fascinating story.
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You are really in for a wonderful read, Jonetta. I wish I could start all over with it. You are going to love Eliza just as much as Caroline. Can’t wait for your thoughts!
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Beautiful review! I will be reading this in February or March? I can’t remember my date on the tour! But now I’m even more excited! 🌹
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Glad to hear how much love you have for this one! Great review ❤
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Thanks, Holls! It was terrific, and I hope you love it too! ♥️
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I am approved for this one Jennifer, so I’ll be reading it sometime soon. Your review has me really excited!
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I’m so excited for you, DeAnn! Yay! I think you’ll love it, too!
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I have yet to read The Lilac Girls although it’s on my bookshelf and TBR, and this is an anticipated read! I know I’ll love both. Your review is lovely and makes me want to read it even more! Xoxo ❤
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Thanks, Steph! Oh, yes, both are a must for you! I can’t wait for your thoughts. I would get hardcopies of both. They are gorgeous! ♥️ xoxo
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You’re welcome! I know I’ll love them although I’m refusing to request the ARC for Lost Roses since April is fuller than I want it to be and that’s the start of final exam month! I really want to request it though, but I have pre-ordered it so it’s all good!! ❤ I'll read both it and The Lilac Girls over the summer! I do have own that one as a hardcopy, so I just need this one beside it! ♥ xoxo
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Great review, this book is on my TBR list. I haven’t read one bad review about this book. Can’t wait to read it myself.
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Thank you, Alina! I haven’t seen any bad reviews of it either. I hope you love it and look forward to what you think!
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I will keep you posted! 🙂
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I do really need to read The Lilac Girls. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Yes, Chrissi! You definitely do! ♥️
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Awesome review Jen! I really need to read more books set in this time period! Happy Monday my friend!😊💜
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Thanks, Sus! I am surprised you haven’t read Lilac Girls? These are definitely two wonderful books. I hope you had a lovely Monday! ♥️
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I’ve always felt that historical fiction wasn’t really for me but I’ve read some great books in the genre recently and have realised it all depends on the book. You’ve definitely persuaded me to give Lost Roses a go so I’m adding it to my wish list now. Fab review as always! 🙂
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Thanks, Hayley! This book and Lilac Girls are unforgettable. I’ve not met anyone who has read Lilac Girls and hasn’t put it on her favorites list. It’s that good. I hope you love the book, too! ♥️
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I haven’t read either but they certainly sound like I should!
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Oh, yes, Gemma! You should! 🌹
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I love historical fiction, but admittedly I tend to read more books that take place during WWII. This sounds like it was a truly wonderful book and I’ve already taken a screenshot to add TBR!
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Oh, yes, LP! This is a terrific one to add, and you should also add Lilac Girls to get your WWII fix. 😉 Really, though, everyone I know who has read Lilac Girls has put it on their favorites list, and I know as more people read Lost Roses, the same thing will happen. It’s certainly on my list. ♥️
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I fell in love with The Lilac Girls when I read it so I’m actually embarrassed that I didn’t realize Martha Hall Kelly had another book coming out this year. I’m thrilled to hear that it’s a prequel and that it’s another wonderful read. Thanks so much for the head’s up and for sharing your thoughts on this book.
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Thank you, Suzanne, for reading. The book slipped up on me, too, even though I had been waiting for it. I believe her next book goes back to another relative and the Civil War. What a family!
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I am adding both to my list, I’ve been meaning to read Lilac Girls since last year but didn’t manage to. I love a good HF book.
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You are in for two exceptional reads, Shell. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
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Sounds great! For some reason I’m always more interested in stories about WW1 than WW2, maybe because WW2 was still the recent past when I was growing up so I heard way too much about it from parents, uncles, teachers, etc. And of course anything with a Russian connection tempts me after all my Russian Revolution reading last year… Great review! 😀
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Thanks, FF! I can definitely understand that. I’ve been drawn into WWII fiction so much because my grandparents were young then and didn’t talk to me much about the times. It helps me to recreate what life may have been like for them. The scenes in Russia are so good. A different perspective than I remember experiencing.
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Wonderful review Jen! Can’t wait to read this one, I love HF.
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Thanks, Rose! It was such a good read! 🌹And it matches your name!
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You’re welcome😊 Yes🌹 😊
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Oh, that picture! ❤ I love pink and yellow-ish (whatever colour that is) roses!
Not my sort of book, but you wrote such a lovely review 🙂
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Thanks, Norrie! Do you mean the lipstick roses with the pretty tinged edges? I love them too. I love them all! 😂 🌹 ♥️
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I agree Jennifer, I though Lilac Girls was one of the best Historical Fiction stories I read last year. I am looking forward to this one and your review has reinforced that I need to read this one.
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Aw, thanks, Carla, and I don’t think you’ll regret your choice knowing you enjoyed Lilac Girls. Martha Hall Kelly is amazing at what she does!
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She is a wonderful author.
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Love this review, Jen. Really looking forward to this book.
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Thanks, Myndi. This one is definitely going on my top favorites list. I hope you love it too. 💗
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