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The Last Tiara
From New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller M.J. Rose comes a provocative and moving story of a young female architect in post-World War II Manhattan, who stumbles upon a hidden treasure and begins a journey to discovering her mother’s life during the fall of the Romanovs.
Sophia Moon had always been reticent about her life in Russia and when she dies, suspiciously, on a wintry New York evening, Isobelle despairs that her mother’s secrets have died with her. But while renovating the apartment they shared, Isobelle discovers something among her mother’s effects—a stunning silver tiara, stripped of its jewels.
Isobelle’s research into the tiara’s provenance draws her closer to her mother’s past—including the story of what became of her father back in Russia, a man she has never known. The facts elude her until she meets a young jeweler, who wants to help her but is conflicted by his loyalty to the Midas Society, a covert international organization whose mission is to return lost and stolen antiques, jewels, and artwork to their original owners.
Told in alternating points of view, the stories of the two young women unfurl as each struggles to find their way during two separate wars. In 1915, young Sofiya Petrovitch, favorite of the royal household and best friend of Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, tends to wounded soldiers in a makeshift hospital within the grounds of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg and finds the love of her life. In 1948 New York, Isobelle Moon works to break through the rampant sexism of the age as one of very few women working in a male-dominated profession and discovers far more about love and family than she ever hoped for.
In M.J. Rose’s deftly constructed narrative, the secrets of Sofiya’s early life are revealed incrementally, even as Isobelle herself works to solve the mystery of the historic Romanov tiara (which is based on an actual Romanov artifact that is, to this day, still missing)—and how it is that her mother came to possess it. The two strands play off each other in finely-tuned counterpoint, building to a series of surprising and deeply satisfying revelations.
Sophia Moon had always been reticent about her life in Russia and when she dies, suspiciously, on a wintry New York evening, Isobelle despairs that her mother’s secrets have died with her. But while renovating the apartment they shared, Isobelle discovers something among her mother’s effects—a stunning silver tiara, stripped of its jewels.
Isobelle’s research into the tiara’s provenance draws her closer to her mother’s past—including the story of what became of her father back in Russia, a man she has never known. The facts elude her until she meets a young jeweler, who wants to help her but is conflicted by his loyalty to the Midas Society, a covert international organization whose mission is to return lost and stolen antiques, jewels, and artwork to their original owners.
Told in alternating points of view, the stories of the two young women unfurl as each struggles to find their way during two separate wars. In 1915, young Sofiya Petrovitch, favorite of the royal household and best friend of Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, tends to wounded soldiers in a makeshift hospital within the grounds of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg and finds the love of her life. In 1948 New York, Isobelle Moon works to break through the rampant sexism of the age as one of very few women working in a male-dominated profession and discovers far more about love and family than she ever hoped for.
In M.J. Rose’s deftly constructed narrative, the secrets of Sofiya’s early life are revealed incrementally, even as Isobelle herself works to solve the mystery of the historic Romanov tiara (which is based on an actual Romanov artifact that is, to this day, still missing)—and how it is that her mother came to possess it. The two strands play off each other in finely-tuned counterpoint, building to a series of surprising and deeply satisfying revelations.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2021
About the author
M.J. Rose
78 books2,259 followersNew York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.
Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021
Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com
The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 605 reviews
October 19, 2020
It is striking from the very beginning that there is so much telling. The telling is so overwhelming. And due to lack of character development, I struggled from the beginning to connect with both characters, mother and daughter.
When it comes to the plot, I was interested in the history of the tiara. Once the daughter finds the tiara after the death of her mother, she tries to unravel its story. In the process we learn about the world of jewelers and that’s the part I enjoyed. However, at the end it turns out to be a very small part of this story.
The story alternates between daughter and mother and between two timelines. Mother, as a young woman, is a nurse at a hospital where she meets a wounded soldier, who has amnesia. And later turns out to be involved with jewelry and there is more to his story. For those who like mystery, then this part might be one of those hooks in the story.
There is also an issue of unnecessary descriptions, which don’t necessarily enforce the plot. I appreciate stories rich in historical details, but this story seems to be out of balance. It seems as tiny bits of information are thrown here and there just for the sake of history and not the plot.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When it comes to the plot, I was interested in the history of the tiara. Once the daughter finds the tiara after the death of her mother, she tries to unravel its story. In the process we learn about the world of jewelers and that’s the part I enjoyed. However, at the end it turns out to be a very small part of this story.
The story alternates between daughter and mother and between two timelines. Mother, as a young woman, is a nurse at a hospital where she meets a wounded soldier, who has amnesia. And later turns out to be involved with jewelry and there is more to his story. For those who like mystery, then this part might be one of those hooks in the story.
There is also an issue of unnecessary descriptions, which don’t necessarily enforce the plot. I appreciate stories rich in historical details, but this story seems to be out of balance. It seems as tiny bits of information are thrown here and there just for the sake of history and not the plot.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
The Last Tiara is a wonderful blend of historical fiction, romance, and mystery. Set across different timelines and locations: New York City and Russia, the mystery of this tiara is at the heart of the story. It also appealed to my love of art and royal family history.
When my mom and I traveled to London several years ago, we saw the crown jewels’ exhibit, and this story brought those memories back to me. The unexpected ending of the story is not to be missed!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
When my mom and I traveled to London several years ago, we saw the crown jewels’ exhibit, and this story brought those memories back to me. The unexpected ending of the story is not to be missed!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
November 7, 2020
"The Last Tiara" by M.J. Rose is a beautifully written Historical Fiction novel!
In 1915 Russia, Sofiya Petrovitch and best friend Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, volunteer to help wounded soldiers at the makeshift hospital at the St. Petersburg Winter Palace. It is here that Sofiya meets a wounded soldier, the attraction between them is magnetic and they soon fall in love. Through the years, although their love remains strong, their relationship is plagued by a country in turmoil that tragically separates them time after time.
In 1922, Sofiya's father, knowing she is pregnant and fearing for her future in Russia, is able to arrange for her safe travel to America. As Sofiya departs, she leaves with few possessions. Her most precious is a sapphire and diamond tiara given to her by her dear friend Grand Duchess Olga shortly before the Tsar's fall from power and the disappearance of the Romanov family. Once in America, Sofiya changes her name to Sofia Moon, only speaks English never Russian, does not date or marry. She refuses to respond to her daughter's questions concerning her life in Russia or answer the constant curiosities she has about the father she never knew.
In 1948, Isobelle Moon is an architect living in New York City in the apartment she always shared with her mother, Sophia. After her mother's death, Isobelle starts renovating the apartment beginning with her mother's bedroom, when she discovers a blue leather box hidden in the wall. Inside the box is a silver tiara, all stones are missing, along with two receipts, dated 1930, from Alford Reed, a jeweler in New York City. Why did her mother have this tiara and where did it come from? Isobelle knows little about her mother. Always denied any entry to her mother's past, often telling Isobelle, "America is our present and our future. The past needs to stay there."
The chapters alternating between mother and daughter, reveal Sofiya's life in Russia from 1915 through 1922, and in 1948, Isobelle's describes her journey of discovery linking the tiara to her mother's past. Their lives together are complicated by Sofia's intentional secrets. Isobelle only knows denial when attempting to learn about her family in Russia. The outcome for Isobelle is overwhelming insecurities about herself, her relationships and her hopes for the future.
My favorite genre is Historical Fiction and when it's mixed with Romance and Mystery, it becomes that 'over-the-top' read for me! The historical aspects in this book are well researched and transport me instantly to the various locations in this story. The romance is written with tenderness and passion. The mystery held my interest and kept me guessing, but not knowing, until the end! I also learned a few historical facts, and that's always a good thing! I highly recommend this book!
________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In 1915 Russia, Sofiya Petrovitch and best friend Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, volunteer to help wounded soldiers at the makeshift hospital at the St. Petersburg Winter Palace. It is here that Sofiya meets a wounded soldier, the attraction between them is magnetic and they soon fall in love. Through the years, although their love remains strong, their relationship is plagued by a country in turmoil that tragically separates them time after time.
In 1922, Sofiya's father, knowing she is pregnant and fearing for her future in Russia, is able to arrange for her safe travel to America. As Sofiya departs, she leaves with few possessions. Her most precious is a sapphire and diamond tiara given to her by her dear friend Grand Duchess Olga shortly before the Tsar's fall from power and the disappearance of the Romanov family. Once in America, Sofiya changes her name to Sofia Moon, only speaks English never Russian, does not date or marry. She refuses to respond to her daughter's questions concerning her life in Russia or answer the constant curiosities she has about the father she never knew.
In 1948, Isobelle Moon is an architect living in New York City in the apartment she always shared with her mother, Sophia. After her mother's death, Isobelle starts renovating the apartment beginning with her mother's bedroom, when she discovers a blue leather box hidden in the wall. Inside the box is a silver tiara, all stones are missing, along with two receipts, dated 1930, from Alford Reed, a jeweler in New York City. Why did her mother have this tiara and where did it come from? Isobelle knows little about her mother. Always denied any entry to her mother's past, often telling Isobelle, "America is our present and our future. The past needs to stay there."
The chapters alternating between mother and daughter, reveal Sofiya's life in Russia from 1915 through 1922, and in 1948, Isobelle's describes her journey of discovery linking the tiara to her mother's past. Their lives together are complicated by Sofia's intentional secrets. Isobelle only knows denial when attempting to learn about her family in Russia. The outcome for Isobelle is overwhelming insecurities about herself, her relationships and her hopes for the future.
My favorite genre is Historical Fiction and when it's mixed with Romance and Mystery, it becomes that 'over-the-top' read for me! The historical aspects in this book are well researched and transport me instantly to the various locations in this story. The romance is written with tenderness and passion. The mystery held my interest and kept me guessing, but not knowing, until the end! I also learned a few historical facts, and that's always a good thing! I highly recommend this book!
________________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2021
This story is all over timewise. In fact, time travel is mentioned. I prefer my time traveler be named Doctor Who. Back and forth between parents, plots, treachery, and boyfriend gets this story convoluted. Not too thrilled with the end as well. 3 of 10 stars
January 9, 2021
History, mystery, and a little bit of romance combine to make this historical novel engrossing!
In 1947 Isobelle Moon, a young architect, was working on a government job in Tennessee when she was called home to New York. Her mother had been struck by a car and died shortly afterward. After completing her assignment in Tennessee, Isobelle returned to New York and moved back in to her childhood apartment.
A year passed by and Isobelle began having dreams about her mother. Sofiya Moon had immigrated to New York from Russia in 1922 when life became desperate after the revolution. Whenever Isobelle asked about her father or about her mother’s life in Russia, Sofiya would always tell Isobelle a few stories. But then she would say that their future was in New York and the past was past.
However, when she began to remodel her mother’s apartment, Isobelle made a startling discovery which would change her life forever.
Isobelle and Sofiya’s stories are told in alternating chapters, as the story slowly unfolds to a surprising climax.
Well written with much historical detail and a vivid sense of place, this book is hard to put down. Thank you to Net Galley, Blue Box Press, and author M.J. Rose for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
In 1947 Isobelle Moon, a young architect, was working on a government job in Tennessee when she was called home to New York. Her mother had been struck by a car and died shortly afterward. After completing her assignment in Tennessee, Isobelle returned to New York and moved back in to her childhood apartment.
A year passed by and Isobelle began having dreams about her mother. Sofiya Moon had immigrated to New York from Russia in 1922 when life became desperate after the revolution. Whenever Isobelle asked about her father or about her mother’s life in Russia, Sofiya would always tell Isobelle a few stories. But then she would say that their future was in New York and the past was past.
However, when she began to remodel her mother’s apartment, Isobelle made a startling discovery which would change her life forever.
Isobelle and Sofiya’s stories are told in alternating chapters, as the story slowly unfolds to a surprising climax.
Well written with much historical detail and a vivid sense of place, this book is hard to put down. Thank you to Net Galley, Blue Box Press, and author M.J. Rose for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
January 19, 2021
The jewels that once adorned the tiara have been gone for almost two decades, but the frame has remained hidden behind the wallpaper of her mother's bedroom. Isobelle begins following the clues left behind to find out more about her mother. In a dual timeline, her mother Sofiya is helping out as a nurse in St. Petersburg during WW I. How does the tiara come into her possession? What really happened to Isobelle's father? Can Isobelle trust the handsome, young jeweler who is helping her follow the clues? Or does he have ulterior motives? I enjoyed this mystery and found that the last few chapters were well worth the read. It took a bit longer to get there, though, so not a 5-star read for me.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2021
In 1948, Isobelle Moon has returned to New York City after the loss of her mother Sophia, formerly Sofiya, a woman who kept her former life in Russia a secret. Isobelle is a talented architect trying to work her way up the ladder in a male-dominated profession. In 1915, Sofiya Petrovich and her best friend, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaeyna help wounded soldiers in a hospital set up in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Sofiya finds herself drawn to a young, wounded soldier who has no memory. She decides to call him Carpathian and they soon fall deeply in love.
This lovely book alternates between Isobelle and Sofiya’s stories. As Isobelle starts to renovate her mother’s home, she find a silver tiara and receipts for the sale of its gems, which helped her mother and Isobelle start their life in America. Hoping this discovery will help her learn more about her mother and the father she never met, Isobelle searches for answers. As the chapters alternate in time periods, we learn that the tiara was a gift to Sofiya from the Grand Dutchess as the Romanovs prepared to go into hiding to escape the Bolsheviks.
I enjoyed author M.J. Rose’s last book Cartier’s Hope and I was very excited to read The Last Tiara. It was a very satisfying read and swept me away into the lives of these characters. Both the period of the Russian Revolution as well as life in New York City, when women started to seek some level of equality, held my interest as did the mystery of the tiara. Author Rose has done a great amount of research to bring this story to life and anyone who loves Historical Fiction, as well as fine jewelry and art, should check this book out.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Blue Box Press and Ms. Rose for the opportunity to read The Last Tiara in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
This lovely book alternates between Isobelle and Sofiya’s stories. As Isobelle starts to renovate her mother’s home, she find a silver tiara and receipts for the sale of its gems, which helped her mother and Isobelle start their life in America. Hoping this discovery will help her learn more about her mother and the father she never met, Isobelle searches for answers. As the chapters alternate in time periods, we learn that the tiara was a gift to Sofiya from the Grand Dutchess as the Romanovs prepared to go into hiding to escape the Bolsheviks.
I enjoyed author M.J. Rose’s last book Cartier’s Hope and I was very excited to read The Last Tiara. It was a very satisfying read and swept me away into the lives of these characters. Both the period of the Russian Revolution as well as life in New York City, when women started to seek some level of equality, held my interest as did the mystery of the tiara. Author Rose has done a great amount of research to bring this story to life and anyone who loves Historical Fiction, as well as fine jewelry and art, should check this book out.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Blue Box Press and Ms. Rose for the opportunity to read The Last Tiara in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
February 5, 2021
What is the mystery behind a tiara obtained in Russia?
This mystery is the main focus of the book.
We meet mother and daughter in different years.
Sofiya is a nurse in an infirmary for wounded soldiers during the war in Russia in 1915. She takes care of one of the soldiers and falls in love. She also has many secrets her daughter, Isobelle, wants to find the answers to.
Her daughter, Isobelle, finds a tiara hidden in the wall of her mother’s bedroom, and Isobelle's curiosity begins the search for answers of why and how it got there.
THE LAST TIARA goes back and forth with background information of Isobelle’s mother and Isobelle’s present-day search in 1948.
I wasn’t really thrilled with the mother’s story. It was difficult to get interested in even though it was this background information that was needed to solve the tiara’s mystery.
I did enjoy Isobelle’s search for the mystery of the tiara.
My only complaint is that even though THE LAST TIARA had a good story line, it was quite wordy.
I struggled through some of the chapters, but the ending brought my rating from a 3/5 to a 4/5.
The unraveling of the mystery is worth wading through the extra wordy chapters.
Fans of art, the history of Russia and its royal family, and their jewels will enjoy this book.
And how about that gorgeous cover? 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This mystery is the main focus of the book.
We meet mother and daughter in different years.
Sofiya is a nurse in an infirmary for wounded soldiers during the war in Russia in 1915. She takes care of one of the soldiers and falls in love. She also has many secrets her daughter, Isobelle, wants to find the answers to.
Her daughter, Isobelle, finds a tiara hidden in the wall of her mother’s bedroom, and Isobelle's curiosity begins the search for answers of why and how it got there.
THE LAST TIARA goes back and forth with background information of Isobelle’s mother and Isobelle’s present-day search in 1948.
I wasn’t really thrilled with the mother’s story. It was difficult to get interested in even though it was this background information that was needed to solve the tiara’s mystery.
I did enjoy Isobelle’s search for the mystery of the tiara.
My only complaint is that even though THE LAST TIARA had a good story line, it was quite wordy.
I struggled through some of the chapters, but the ending brought my rating from a 3/5 to a 4/5.
The unraveling of the mystery is worth wading through the extra wordy chapters.
Fans of art, the history of Russia and its royal family, and their jewels will enjoy this book.
And how about that gorgeous cover? 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
As seen on mysteryandsuspensemagazine.com
Expected publication date: Feb 2, 2021
“The Last Tiara” by best-selling novelist M.J Rose is a historical fiction novel, chock full of emotion, romance, history and intrigue.
When Isobelle Moon discovers the remnants of a tiara, hidden in the wall of her mother’s room, she is immediately enthralled. Her mother, Sophia, had always been very secretive about her past in Russia, refusing to talk about her life before coming to American when Isobel was an infant. Desperate to find answers, Isobelle enlists the help of Jules Reed, the grandson of the jeweler who was responsible for the design of the tiara. However, Isobelle realizes that Jules is a member of an underground, secret historical society whose primary goal is returning lost items to their owners. Can Isobelle trust Jules to help her uncover the tiara’s history, also revealing some of Sophia’s own secrets? Or will he betray her, and use the tiara for his own purposes?
“The Last Tiara” is narrated in two time periods, from the perspective of both Isobelle and her mother, Sophia, with each segment clearly marked and dated. I thoroughly enjoyed learning of the Moon women this way, understanding their individual struggles, and eventually bringing their struggles together to a satisfying conclusion. Both Isobelle and Sophia are brave and powerful women, determined to make it on their own- Sophia, desperate to raise her child in a free world, and Isobelle, trying to garner success as an architect in a strictly-male dominated field. Everything about these women is worth cheering for and I was eager to see how their stories would play out.
Ms. Rose has a magical way of retelling history, and using her descriptive language she is able to portray the desolation of Russia, as well as the beautiful up-and-coming New York City, in a way that completely immerses the reader in history. Not only is the romantic endeavours of Sophia and Isobelle at the forefront of this novel, but I also learned a little bit about the Boleshvik’s, the Russian crown jewels, and the disappearance of the Tsar and his family. “The Last Tiara” is a story that will provide a reader with page-turning entertainment, while at the same time providing a reader with knowledge and information. This is not an easy thing to do, and bonus points to Rose for managing this task impeccably.
The unexpected ending of “The Last Tiara” delighted me. Not only was it believable but it came out of nowhere, and provided the perfect ending (even though it wasn’t what I was expecting! ). All of the characters got exactly what they deserved, and I was left feeling completely satisfied.
“The Last Tiara” is an absolute historical-fiction gem, and I cannot wait to enjoy MJ Rose’s past and future works!
Expected publication date: Feb 2, 2021
“The Last Tiara” by best-selling novelist M.J Rose is a historical fiction novel, chock full of emotion, romance, history and intrigue.
When Isobelle Moon discovers the remnants of a tiara, hidden in the wall of her mother’s room, she is immediately enthralled. Her mother, Sophia, had always been very secretive about her past in Russia, refusing to talk about her life before coming to American when Isobel was an infant. Desperate to find answers, Isobelle enlists the help of Jules Reed, the grandson of the jeweler who was responsible for the design of the tiara. However, Isobelle realizes that Jules is a member of an underground, secret historical society whose primary goal is returning lost items to their owners. Can Isobelle trust Jules to help her uncover the tiara’s history, also revealing some of Sophia’s own secrets? Or will he betray her, and use the tiara for his own purposes?
“The Last Tiara” is narrated in two time periods, from the perspective of both Isobelle and her mother, Sophia, with each segment clearly marked and dated. I thoroughly enjoyed learning of the Moon women this way, understanding their individual struggles, and eventually bringing their struggles together to a satisfying conclusion. Both Isobelle and Sophia are brave and powerful women, determined to make it on their own- Sophia, desperate to raise her child in a free world, and Isobelle, trying to garner success as an architect in a strictly-male dominated field. Everything about these women is worth cheering for and I was eager to see how their stories would play out.
Ms. Rose has a magical way of retelling history, and using her descriptive language she is able to portray the desolation of Russia, as well as the beautiful up-and-coming New York City, in a way that completely immerses the reader in history. Not only is the romantic endeavours of Sophia and Isobelle at the forefront of this novel, but I also learned a little bit about the Boleshvik’s, the Russian crown jewels, and the disappearance of the Tsar and his family. “The Last Tiara” is a story that will provide a reader with page-turning entertainment, while at the same time providing a reader with knowledge and information. This is not an easy thing to do, and bonus points to Rose for managing this task impeccably.
The unexpected ending of “The Last Tiara” delighted me. Not only was it believable but it came out of nowhere, and provided the perfect ending (even though it wasn’t what I was expecting! ). All of the characters got exactly what they deserved, and I was left feeling completely satisfied.
“The Last Tiara” is an absolute historical-fiction gem, and I cannot wait to enjoy MJ Rose’s past and future works!
March 1, 2021
The Last Tiara by M. J. Rose is a historical fiction novel and a moving story of a young female architect in post-World War II Manhattan, who stumbles upon a hidden treasure and begins a journey to discovering her mother’s life during the fall of the Romanovs, set in World War II.
Sophia Moon, mother of Isobelle dies in New York and Isobelle is in despair that her mother's life secrets have died with her and her life in Russia. Over the course of finding the truth about her mother's past he also discovers some truths about her father, whom she never knew.
The story is told between two different time frames, but handled so well. I liked the 1915, Winter Palace in St. Petersburg as well as the later 1948 New York. I was in awe and wanted to visit both the places and dive right into this era and timeline. The Romanov artifact - Tiara in this story is actually based on the real missing artifact till date.
The book at many places does have information loaded for readers and they is turning the extremely mysterious plot very boring and slow. I wanted more romance elements in the book instead of unwanted information. No doubt the writing style of the author and the climax of the book does hold some promising aspects of the book for me.
______
Thank You NetGalley & Publisher for the eARC in exchange of a honest opinion.
Sophia Moon, mother of Isobelle dies in New York and Isobelle is in despair that her mother's life secrets have died with her and her life in Russia. Over the course of finding the truth about her mother's past he also discovers some truths about her father, whom she never knew.
The story is told between two different time frames, but handled so well. I liked the 1915, Winter Palace in St. Petersburg as well as the later 1948 New York. I was in awe and wanted to visit both the places and dive right into this era and timeline. The Romanov artifact - Tiara in this story is actually based on the real missing artifact till date.
The book at many places does have information loaded for readers and they is turning the extremely mysterious plot very boring and slow. I wanted more romance elements in the book instead of unwanted information. No doubt the writing style of the author and the climax of the book does hold some promising aspects of the book for me.
______
Thank You NetGalley & Publisher for the eARC in exchange of a honest opinion.
February 4, 2021
Master historical storyteller Rose returns this week with an incredible book about an architect in 1948 Manhattan who finds among her mother's possessions a tiara stripped of its jewels and is thrown into a mystery from statist Russia. Do not miss!
February 1, 2021
*3-3.5 stars. A lovely new work of romantic historical fiction from M. J. Rose and what a gorgeous cover design to go with it!
The last tiara was given to the youngest daughter of the Russian tsar for her birthday and, in this story, she makes a gift of it to her best friend, Sofiya Petrovich. In 1915, Sofiya and the Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana volunteer to work as nurses with the Sisters of Mercy in the former staterooms of the Winter Palace in Petrograd, which have been turned into hospital suites. There, Sofiya meets the man who will change her life--a soldier whose wounds have caused amnesia.
The story actually has two alternating timelines and two main characters--the second set in Manhattan in 1948 and is the story of Sofiya's daughter, Isobelle Moon. Isobelle, a young architect, has recently lost her mother in a tragic accident and laments that she knows so little about her mother's past. When Isobelle would ask questions as a child, her mother would tell her 'if she didn't keep the past buried, the memories would bury her alive.' All Isobelle knows is that Sofiya brought her baby to NYC from Russia in the 20s and that Isobelle's father died in a Siberian prison camp.
Now, as Isobelle begins some renovations on her mother's apartment, she finds a hidden niche which contains a tiara sworn of its jewels and the receipts for the sale of said jewels. This launches her on a quest to learn more.
The historical elements in the story are fascinating but I found it hard to get to know these two female characters. There seemed little character development. The mysteries the story contains are only thinly veiled. All in all, for me this was a pleasant read but not one of Rose's best.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
The last tiara was given to the youngest daughter of the Russian tsar for her birthday and, in this story, she makes a gift of it to her best friend, Sofiya Petrovich. In 1915, Sofiya and the Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana volunteer to work as nurses with the Sisters of Mercy in the former staterooms of the Winter Palace in Petrograd, which have been turned into hospital suites. There, Sofiya meets the man who will change her life--a soldier whose wounds have caused amnesia.
The story actually has two alternating timelines and two main characters--the second set in Manhattan in 1948 and is the story of Sofiya's daughter, Isobelle Moon. Isobelle, a young architect, has recently lost her mother in a tragic accident and laments that she knows so little about her mother's past. When Isobelle would ask questions as a child, her mother would tell her 'if she didn't keep the past buried, the memories would bury her alive.' All Isobelle knows is that Sofiya brought her baby to NYC from Russia in the 20s and that Isobelle's father died in a Siberian prison camp.
Now, as Isobelle begins some renovations on her mother's apartment, she finds a hidden niche which contains a tiara sworn of its jewels and the receipts for the sale of said jewels. This launches her on a quest to learn more.
The historical elements in the story are fascinating but I found it hard to get to know these two female characters. There seemed little character development. The mysteries the story contains are only thinly veiled. All in all, for me this was a pleasant read but not one of Rose's best.
I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks for the opportunity.
February 1, 2021
Author M.J. Rose takes the reader down two paths at once in this historical fiction, allowing two female protagonists to each tell us their story.
“The Last Tiara” was my first M.J. Rose novel, and I found it to be a very polished tale told by the two women, each contributing their part in a story that takes decades to fully evolve.
Sofiya’s tale begins in Russia in 1917. She is returning to the Winter Palace, once home to the Tsar and now a hospital for wounded Russian soldiers. Sofiya is joined by the Tsar’s daughters, childhood friends due to her mother being a private tutor for the princesses.
Isobelle is Sofiya’s daughter and lives in America. Her story begins in the 1940s. Isobelle is an architect, a woman struggling to find her place in what is predominantly a man’s world. Her mother has passed, and Isobelle decides to renovate the home which is now hers. Behind the wallpaper she discovers a box with a tiara inside. Thus begins the mystery.
Sofiya did not share much information with her daughter, not about the tiara and very little about Isobelle’s father. Isobelle has little choice but to pursue the few clues she has, which could easily lead to dead ends. Both women have a love interest, allowing the author to inject a romantic element into the story. There is enough romance to satisfy those who enjoy that as part of a story, but not enough to chase away someone like myself who usually steers clear of romance novels. The two stories had enough excitement to keep my interest through the entire book.
Ms. Rose has based the premise of her book on fact, lending an air of reality to the story. The novel addresses some of the issues of the day and how they affect the characters. I found the tale to be woven with care, tightly knit and never allowing any of the dangling threads to go unanswered. Highly recommended. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this novel.
“The Last Tiara” was my first M.J. Rose novel, and I found it to be a very polished tale told by the two women, each contributing their part in a story that takes decades to fully evolve.
Sofiya’s tale begins in Russia in 1917. She is returning to the Winter Palace, once home to the Tsar and now a hospital for wounded Russian soldiers. Sofiya is joined by the Tsar’s daughters, childhood friends due to her mother being a private tutor for the princesses.
Isobelle is Sofiya’s daughter and lives in America. Her story begins in the 1940s. Isobelle is an architect, a woman struggling to find her place in what is predominantly a man’s world. Her mother has passed, and Isobelle decides to renovate the home which is now hers. Behind the wallpaper she discovers a box with a tiara inside. Thus begins the mystery.
Sofiya did not share much information with her daughter, not about the tiara and very little about Isobelle’s father. Isobelle has little choice but to pursue the few clues she has, which could easily lead to dead ends. Both women have a love interest, allowing the author to inject a romantic element into the story. There is enough romance to satisfy those who enjoy that as part of a story, but not enough to chase away someone like myself who usually steers clear of romance novels. The two stories had enough excitement to keep my interest through the entire book.
Ms. Rose has based the premise of her book on fact, lending an air of reality to the story. The novel addresses some of the issues of the day and how they affect the characters. I found the tale to be woven with care, tightly knit and never allowing any of the dangling threads to go unanswered. Highly recommended. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this novel.
May 23, 2021
The cover is very striking and makes me think of a fantasy book.
Beautifully blended work of history,mystery and romance.
Dual story line connecting a mother and daughter. Set during the Russian Revolution and 1940's post war New York. The story revolves around a hidden tiara and the secrets her mother kept .
The writing is vivid and very descriptive and I found the book hard to put down.
Pub Date 02 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Beautifully blended work of history,mystery and romance.
Dual story line connecting a mother and daughter. Set during the Russian Revolution and 1940's post war New York. The story revolves around a hidden tiara and the secrets her mother kept .
The writing is vivid and very descriptive and I found the book hard to put down.
Pub Date 02 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 17, 2020
The chapters alternate between Sofiya's time in revolutionary Russia in 1917 and her daughter Isobelle's life in 1948 New York City. Isobelle is an architect, and she knows her mother emigrated from Russia and her father is dead, but little else. When her mother dies, she finds a tiara hidden in their apartment, and takes it to the jeweler who has worked on it years before to try and find out more. We learn the history of the tiara, how it came to Sofiya through the Romanov family, and its relation to Isobelle's parents. If you enjoy historical fiction, especially about revolutionary Russia or the Romanovs, this novel would be a good choice. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 7, 2021
This was such an engrossing read I really enjoyed!
This historical fiction read is full of lush and rich historical detail that immersed and transported me to 1915 Russia and then also 1948 New York.
The mystery and hidden treasure was enough for me to get lost in the story.
Really enjoyed this one!
This historical fiction read is full of lush and rich historical detail that immersed and transported me to 1915 Russia and then also 1948 New York.
The mystery and hidden treasure was enough for me to get lost in the story.
Really enjoyed this one!
January 31, 2021
The Russian Romanov family has always interested me, so I was happy to be able to read MJ Rose’s newest novel, The Last Tiara. Told in two timelines, 1915 and 1948, the story centers around Sofiya, the daughter of the Romanov’s teacher.
Sofiya and the Grand Duchess Olga were close friends, but when it became clear that the Romanov’s were to go into hiding, Olga gave her tiara to Sofiya as a token of their friendship.
Also during this time, Sofiya met and fell in love with a jeweler who had worked at Faberge before the war.
During this time of instability in Russia, Sofiya and her lover become separated and her father decides to send her to New York for a better life. Once in New York, Sophia manages to run a business and raise a daughter, Isobelle.
Readers meet Isobelle as a young woman who has recently lost her mother and ended a doomed love affair. She is a successful architect, but as the only woman in the firm, she feels destined to play second fiddle to the men in her office.
When Isobelle decides to remodel her apartment, she begins by removing the wallpaper in her mother’s bedroom, only to discover a box hidden in the wall. Inside the box, is a tiara that has been stripped of jewels. Isobelle’s curiosity leads her on a mission to discover the story behind the tiara and why her mother had hidden it away.
As she uncovers the clues to the past, Isabelle finds love, a new family member and a better understanding of her mother’s past.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
September 20, 2021
M.J. Rose very quickly endeared herself to me as one of my favorite authors, so it really isn't a surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Tiara. I have always found Russia so interesting, especially anything to do with the Romanovs and I loved the fact that the tiara Rose talks about in this book is real. There is even a picture of it in the front of the book along with more of the Romanov jewels, and I loved being able to see that piece of history right when I opened the book. I really enjoyed the two different viewpoints and timelines, and they were woven together quite seamlessly, and in a way it was never confusing. I especially liked Sofiya's POV in the early 1900s but I loved the way Rose brought both New York and Russia to life. Sofiya was interesting because of her hospital work and helping a man who can't remember who he is, and I loved Isobelle's POV for the mystery of her mother's tiara.
I have been listening to all of Rose's past few novels on audio and that is what I did with The Last Tiara as well. The audio is narrated by Tavia Gilbert who has also narrated a few of this author's other books and of course I absolutely loved it. Gilbert has taken her place as one of my favorite narrators and it is for good reason. She is so great, especially with voicing historical fiction, and I am always so happy to see her as the narrator. I usually prefer different narrators for each viewpoint, but I thought Gilbert did a wonderful job of bringing both Sofiya and Isobelle to life for the listener. I was intrigued by the characters and the mystery, but this book also had me in tears by the end and completely surprised me. I love the way Rose slowly unravels every secret the characters have and that is exactly what happened in The Last Tiara. But don't worry because it is never boring! I love this author and can't wait for more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and Get Red PR for my free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have been listening to all of Rose's past few novels on audio and that is what I did with The Last Tiara as well. The audio is narrated by Tavia Gilbert who has also narrated a few of this author's other books and of course I absolutely loved it. Gilbert has taken her place as one of my favorite narrators and it is for good reason. She is so great, especially with voicing historical fiction, and I am always so happy to see her as the narrator. I usually prefer different narrators for each viewpoint, but I thought Gilbert did a wonderful job of bringing both Sofiya and Isobelle to life for the listener. I was intrigued by the characters and the mystery, but this book also had me in tears by the end and completely surprised me. I love the way Rose slowly unravels every secret the characters have and that is exactly what happened in The Last Tiara. But don't worry because it is never boring! I love this author and can't wait for more from her.
Thank you to the publisher and Get Red PR for my free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2021
Thank you to GetRed PR for the chance to read and review this book. This is the second book by M.J. Rose that I have read. The Last Tiara is told from alternating perspectives. One perspective is that of Sofiya Petrovitch, is who works in the royal household of the Romanovs. The other perspective is that of Isobelle Moon, who is working in a male-dominated profession while trying to uncover secrets of her mother's past. The part of the story that I found the most interesting is when Sofiya was working in a makeshift hospital for wounded soldiers. I thought this was interesting as Sofiya navigated her life during the war, from living in a grand palace to seeing the ugliness of way up close. As is common in these historical stories, Sofiya meets and falls in love with a wounded solider. I also really like when books explore the dynamic of mother-daughter relationships, and this one was no exception. I always think it is interesting when daughters find out secrets about the people their mothers were before they have children. It just goes to show you that we often don't understand our parents until we are older. I also enjoyed learning the story of The Last Tiara. When the story of the tiara is finally revealed and uncovered, it provided a great deal of satisfaction for all of the loss and hardships the characters endured over the course of the novel. There were a handful of parts that I found to be a little tedious; I thought some of the lengthy descriptions were unnecessary, as they did little to advance the plot. I thought a few parts of this story felt like they dragged out, and I found myself skimming some passages. This novel is definitely heavy in historical knowledge, and if you are a fan of the Romanovs/Russia, you would definitely find this book to be very interesting. There were definitely plenty of profound quotes, and I was surprised at some of the steam in this book. I haven't read too many historical fiction books that contained the level of romance that this one did.
January 30, 2021
When Isobelle Moon discovers a tarnished tiara missing all its jewels hidden inside her mother’s wall after her mother’s death, she is determined to finally get to the truth of her past. MJ Rose has long been an author touted for her rich way of blending history and suspense into a riveting story that I was glad to finally get the chance to pick up one of her books. There is no coincidence that I latched onto the latest that has a mystery connected to a piece of jewelry made by Faberge’ and associated with the last of the Romanovs in the time of the Russian Revolution and it was a bonus that the split story was during post-WWII with an American female architect working on the mystery of the past. I love both time periods.
As I mentioned, this is a split story of Isobelle Moon in the ‘40s and her mother, Sofiya Petrovich in the early ‘20’s. The story was slow going at first because it has to establish the groundwork for two stories- two settings, two backdrops, and two cast of characters with their plots. The author did every other chapter for the two timelines and this worked well enough for me.
Usually when this happens, I am more interested in one timeline or the other, but this time, I had things to interest me in both. Isobelle is something of a mess even if she is a talented woman architect in the time when few women were in the field. She got tangled up with a man who used her and it really socked it to her self-esteem so that when another man is interested, she did her level best to sabotage her own happiness. I was cheering her on to get out of her own way. And, then we had the mysterious Russian enter the picture to really make things interested. Meanwhile, Sofiya was living out her fleeting moments of happiness with her soldier and helping him restore his memories and receiving her friend, Princess Olga’s parting gift, neither knowing what was coming with the Bolshevik Revolution. Sofiya’s tragic life made me understand why she kept it from Isobelle even though I also felt sorry that Isobelle was told nothing and had to learn her parents’ story after the fact.
I’d not read anything from this author before and enjoyed her writing. I appreciated the work she put into the historical details and didn’t mind the side trails throughout when she shared bits of related history as the story progressed. The characters were engaging and I really enjoyed Isobelle’s love interest. He was miffed when she was at her worst, but he stuck by her anyway and tried to be understanding even though he had just as much reason to be standoffish toward women after what his ex did to him.
All in all, it was a lavish, deeply moving story set within an engaging historical mystery. I definitely need to pick up more of her books and I can recommend them to those who like a slow build story and relationships, soft suspense and heavier dose of historical fiction.
I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
As I mentioned, this is a split story of Isobelle Moon in the ‘40s and her mother, Sofiya Petrovich in the early ‘20’s. The story was slow going at first because it has to establish the groundwork for two stories- two settings, two backdrops, and two cast of characters with their plots. The author did every other chapter for the two timelines and this worked well enough for me.
Usually when this happens, I am more interested in one timeline or the other, but this time, I had things to interest me in both. Isobelle is something of a mess even if she is a talented woman architect in the time when few women were in the field. She got tangled up with a man who used her and it really socked it to her self-esteem so that when another man is interested, she did her level best to sabotage her own happiness. I was cheering her on to get out of her own way. And, then we had the mysterious Russian enter the picture to really make things interested. Meanwhile, Sofiya was living out her fleeting moments of happiness with her soldier and helping him restore his memories and receiving her friend, Princess Olga’s parting gift, neither knowing what was coming with the Bolshevik Revolution. Sofiya’s tragic life made me understand why she kept it from Isobelle even though I also felt sorry that Isobelle was told nothing and had to learn her parents’ story after the fact.
I’d not read anything from this author before and enjoyed her writing. I appreciated the work she put into the historical details and didn’t mind the side trails throughout when she shared bits of related history as the story progressed. The characters were engaging and I really enjoyed Isobelle’s love interest. He was miffed when she was at her worst, but he stuck by her anyway and tried to be understanding even though he had just as much reason to be standoffish toward women after what his ex did to him.
All in all, it was a lavish, deeply moving story set within an engaging historical mystery. I definitely need to pick up more of her books and I can recommend them to those who like a slow build story and relationships, soft suspense and heavier dose of historical fiction.
I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
The Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond had a display of Faberge eggs years ago and they were stunning.
And I couldn't have been the only one thinking Isobelle's mother was a future Joan Rivers wearing her egg charm necklace.
I enjoyed the bits here about jewelry making, the Russian royal family and even Oak Ridge...but they zipped by right at the beginning. Then the action picked up at the end and was really rushed. Rose could have taken out 100 pages from the middle and put that towards the ending!
I'll make my usual distinction here between historical fiction and historical romance. This was certainly historical romance. I understand there has to be some romance--you need future babies after all--but this was too much female dithering. And again with the duel timelines! When is this plot device going to end?
This was an advance reader's copy from Netgallery.
And I couldn't have been the only one thinking Isobelle's mother was a future Joan Rivers wearing her egg charm necklace.
I enjoyed the bits here about jewelry making, the Russian royal family and even Oak Ridge...but they zipped by right at the beginning. Then the action picked up at the end and was really rushed. Rose could have taken out 100 pages from the middle and put that towards the ending!
I'll make my usual distinction here between historical fiction and historical romance. This was certainly historical romance. I understand there has to be some romance--you need future babies after all--but this was too much female dithering. And again with the duel timelines! When is this plot device going to end?
This was an advance reader's copy from Netgallery.
February 7, 2021
A gem of a read, M. J. Rose's 'The Last Tiara' provides a stunning account of the Romanov's Russia and 1950's NYC. Working in a male-dominated industry, architect Isobelle Moon is at the crossroads of her life. Coming to terms with her mother's death and routinely demeaned at work, she decides to construct a new future.
Remodeling her mother's apartment, she discovers a skeleton of a tiara missing its jeweled ornament. Mustering a rare display of courage, Isobelle unleashes a mystery that will reawaken the past and piece together the puzzling gaps, her mother left behind.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for an honest review. It was my first time reading an M. J. Rose novel but it won't be the last. Penning the perfect blend of history and mystery, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats until the final chapter.
Remodeling her mother's apartment, she discovers a skeleton of a tiara missing its jeweled ornament. Mustering a rare display of courage, Isobelle unleashes a mystery that will reawaken the past and piece together the puzzling gaps, her mother left behind.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read in exchange for an honest review. It was my first time reading an M. J. Rose novel but it won't be the last. Penning the perfect blend of history and mystery, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats until the final chapter.
November 8, 2020
I was really intrigued by the synopsis of this book. It sounded really interesting and I was eager and invested in the beginning of this story. However, it began to get repetitive, there was no real progress in the mystery until the end, I was bored and skimming by the end. I so wish there was more character development in the beginning. I wasn’t able to connect enough to the characters to care about the outcome of the book. The unnecessary details to random thoughts or objects were distracting and insignificant. I wanted to enjoy this book, but I guess it just wasn’t for me.
October 22, 2020
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Can I just say how much I loved this story? It’s full of Art, history mystery and romance. What an enjoyable read.
The story is told of two time lines: Sofiya as a teenager in 1915 Petrograd Russia, before and during the the fall of the Russian empire. Sofiya’s mother was a teacher to the czar’s young daughters and she grew to be close friends with them. When the Winter palace is made into a hospital, Sofiya and the young duchesses volunteer to tend to the men returning from the Crimea war. While there, Sofya falls in love with a wounded soldier who has lost his memory. Having no knowledge of his name, she calls him Carpathian after the area he was found. As he heals and his memory begins to return they learn that prior to the war he was a jeweler for the famous house of Faberge. As their love blossoms Sofiya leaves the hospital work to continue her studies with one of the great masters of the Hermitage learning the painstaking process of Art restoration.
The Russian political climate continues to deteriorate and the young duchess realizes she will need to go into exile and leave her friend Sofiya soon. She gifts Sofiya with a bejeweled tiara as a token of their friendship and perhaps a way for Sofiya to buy her safety if the situation turns dire..
Alternately is the story of Sofiya’s 24 year old daughter Isobel in 1948 New York. Isobel has channeled her parents artistic streak into a career as an architect. Of course being a woman in that field in the 1940s had it’s own challenges which lent the story a “yup, cant believe we are still dealing with this crap” feeling.
Her mother emegrated to NY while pregnant, and built a successful art and furniture restoration business. When she emigrated she left her old life behind and refused to talk about anything from the old world, leaving Isobel with more questions than answers.
At the start of the story we learn that Sofiya has died in a tragic accident. After mourning the loss of her mother, Isobel decide to renovate her mother’s room and finds the tiara, of which she knows nothing about. Such begins the mystery of uncovering what it means and perhaps finding her own true love.
I really found the time periods of the story really interesting. This is a well researched book and I was constantly looking up information in Wikipedia. The book cover the creation of Faberge eggs, the fall of the Russian Empire , the Manhattan project’ OakRidge development, and the ghost Army of WW2.
This is a story full of passion, love, hope and separation. All the ingredients for a great romance. Highly recommend
Can I just say how much I loved this story? It’s full of Art, history mystery and romance. What an enjoyable read.
The story is told of two time lines: Sofiya as a teenager in 1915 Petrograd Russia, before and during the the fall of the Russian empire. Sofiya’s mother was a teacher to the czar’s young daughters and she grew to be close friends with them. When the Winter palace is made into a hospital, Sofiya and the young duchesses volunteer to tend to the men returning from the Crimea war. While there, Sofya falls in love with a wounded soldier who has lost his memory. Having no knowledge of his name, she calls him Carpathian after the area he was found. As he heals and his memory begins to return they learn that prior to the war he was a jeweler for the famous house of Faberge. As their love blossoms Sofiya leaves the hospital work to continue her studies with one of the great masters of the Hermitage learning the painstaking process of Art restoration.
The Russian political climate continues to deteriorate and the young duchess realizes she will need to go into exile and leave her friend Sofiya soon. She gifts Sofiya with a bejeweled tiara as a token of their friendship and perhaps a way for Sofiya to buy her safety if the situation turns dire..
Alternately is the story of Sofiya’s 24 year old daughter Isobel in 1948 New York. Isobel has channeled her parents artistic streak into a career as an architect. Of course being a woman in that field in the 1940s had it’s own challenges which lent the story a “yup, cant believe we are still dealing with this crap” feeling.
Her mother emegrated to NY while pregnant, and built a successful art and furniture restoration business. When she emigrated she left her old life behind and refused to talk about anything from the old world, leaving Isobel with more questions than answers.
At the start of the story we learn that Sofiya has died in a tragic accident. After mourning the loss of her mother, Isobel decide to renovate her mother’s room and finds the tiara, of which she knows nothing about. Such begins the mystery of uncovering what it means and perhaps finding her own true love.
I really found the time periods of the story really interesting. This is a well researched book and I was constantly looking up information in Wikipedia. The book cover the creation of Faberge eggs, the fall of the Russian Empire , the Manhattan project’ OakRidge development, and the ghost Army of WW2.
This is a story full of passion, love, hope and separation. All the ingredients for a great romance. Highly recommend
February 1, 2021
This is a historical fiction novel about a mother and daughter. Their stories running parallel uncovering new details of the history of a tiara the daughter found while starting a renovation in present day.
Her mother like many in her generation who lived through an occupation didn't tell her daughter about it or thought she would have more time. Her mother was a skilled art restorer but worked as a nurse during the war in Russia.
Sophiya had fallen in love with a soldier she was nursing and this man is also a mystery to Isobelle since her mother didn't talk too much of her father just that he died in a prison in Siberia.
Isobelle's mother Sophie (Sophiya) was able to escape Russia with her, where Isobelle was able to get an education and become an architect. Her first position working out at Oak Ridge was very intriguing and in hindsight for her quite horrible.
The history of Faberge was very interesting as Faberge was a character in the book. Russian politics at the time of Rasputin and the Romanovs has always fascinated me probably because of the animated movie Anastasia. It's also extremely tragic.
Isobelle adopted her mother's cautiousness towards men or maybe a few bad choices (as what happens) does it. But in her search for the truth in the past she has a bit of a romance with a handsome jeweler.
I enjoy novels that go from present day to past uncovering layers and details to help form the narrative and show you where the mystery is heading. I love when actual events get woven in with fiction to create an event that could have happened since it's still a mystery.
Not everyone is as they seem, I was surprised a few times and really didn't know until the last chapter what was going on.
Also, I love this gorgeous cover, the blue is my favorite shade and the tiara is so pretty!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her mother like many in her generation who lived through an occupation didn't tell her daughter about it or thought she would have more time. Her mother was a skilled art restorer but worked as a nurse during the war in Russia.
Sophiya had fallen in love with a soldier she was nursing and this man is also a mystery to Isobelle since her mother didn't talk too much of her father just that he died in a prison in Siberia.
Isobelle's mother Sophie (Sophiya) was able to escape Russia with her, where Isobelle was able to get an education and become an architect. Her first position working out at Oak Ridge was very intriguing and in hindsight for her quite horrible.
The history of Faberge was very interesting as Faberge was a character in the book. Russian politics at the time of Rasputin and the Romanovs has always fascinated me probably because of the animated movie Anastasia. It's also extremely tragic.
Isobelle adopted her mother's cautiousness towards men or maybe a few bad choices (as what happens) does it. But in her search for the truth in the past she has a bit of a romance with a handsome jeweler.
I enjoy novels that go from present day to past uncovering layers and details to help form the narrative and show you where the mystery is heading. I love when actual events get woven in with fiction to create an event that could have happened since it's still a mystery.
Not everyone is as they seem, I was surprised a few times and really didn't know until the last chapter what was going on.
Also, I love this gorgeous cover, the blue is my favorite shade and the tiara is so pretty!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 10, 2021
M.J. Rose books are part fabulous and part flop for me. I LOVE her passion for art, jewelry & history. It's readily apparent she's a connoisseur of all fine things & those three in particular. I appreciate that. She also seems to have a decided interest in Tsarist Russia, as do I. The combination of jewelry that belonged to one of the last grand duchesses and the mystery of what might have become of the actual real tiara had me from the cover blurb. Where could it be?? It couldn't have been easy to "lose" such a thing, encrusted as it was with sapphires and diamonds. It's one of those wonders that's tantalizing to ponder... Herein the author presented a potential answer that's definitely more than plausible. The mystery of that tiara is what kept me reading.
The "flop" part of the book was the forced romance between Isobelle Moon and Jules. ugh. Two more awkward characters could not be written. Isobelle was supposedly curious and determined (likened to her biological father) but she seemed insecure, tentative and just downright tepid as a woman. The mystery of the tiara would never have gotten anywhere without Jules but tho he was described as suave and sophisticated, it must have been surface only. The interactions we read about were anything but. There was very little chemistry between them and a lot of bad communication.
Very easy read. A piece of missing jewelry I never knew about before but very intriguing to think about and interesting ending involving the tiara and its design. I think I can say that without giving anything away? Every book I read about the last Tsar and his family, I wish for a different ending for their lives. It makes no sense to me that I would root for an Autocrat that definitely contributed to the demise of Romanov's but I do. It's inexplicable. Imperial Russia for the nobility and their families seemed like the stuff of fairytales. A life every exile wants to return to... Not so much for the regular person. But it sucks me in EVERY time.
3.5 stars for primarily those elements and the cover is to die for (but M.J. Rose books are always good for that.)
The "flop" part of the book was the forced romance between Isobelle Moon and Jules. ugh. Two more awkward characters could not be written. Isobelle was supposedly curious and determined (likened to her biological father) but she seemed insecure, tentative and just downright tepid as a woman. The mystery of the tiara would never have gotten anywhere without Jules but tho he was described as suave and sophisticated, it must have been surface only. The interactions we read about were anything but. There was very little chemistry between them and a lot of bad communication.
Very easy read. A piece of missing jewelry I never knew about before but very intriguing to think about and interesting ending involving the tiara and its design. I think I can say that without giving anything away? Every book I read about the last Tsar and his family, I wish for a different ending for their lives. It makes no sense to me that I would root for an Autocrat that definitely contributed to the demise of Romanov's but I do. It's inexplicable. Imperial Russia for the nobility and their families seemed like the stuff of fairytales. A life every exile wants to return to... Not so much for the regular person. But it sucks me in EVERY time.
3.5 stars for primarily those elements and the cover is to die for (but M.J. Rose books are always good for that.)
January 31, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an opportunity to read this story
Book Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Cover rating : 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I really enjoyed this story told from the perspective of a mother and daughter - Sofia during and right after the First World War in Russia, and Isobelle right after World War II in NYC, as she tries to piece together her mother’s past ...
What I liked :
✔️ strong female characters - both forging careers for themselves in male dominated careers
✔️ I’ve always been fascinated by Russian history, and I loved those aspects of this story - the little tidbits of the last years of the Tsar and his family
✔️ the insights into Oak Ridge - a town that was built in the middle of the desert for the scientist that built the atomic bombs used during WWII ; and the Ghost Army !
✔️ a beautiful love story and a mystery to solve
✔️All the Agatha Christie love in this book 💜
✔️ That gorgeous cover which is what made me request this book
Book Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Cover rating : 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I really enjoyed this story told from the perspective of a mother and daughter - Sofia during and right after the First World War in Russia, and Isobelle right after World War II in NYC, as she tries to piece together her mother’s past ...
What I liked :
✔️ strong female characters - both forging careers for themselves in male dominated careers
✔️ I’ve always been fascinated by Russian history, and I loved those aspects of this story - the little tidbits of the last years of the Tsar and his family
✔️ the insights into Oak Ridge - a town that was built in the middle of the desert for the scientist that built the atomic bombs used during WWII ; and the Ghost Army !
✔️ a beautiful love story and a mystery to solve
✔️All the Agatha Christie love in this book 💜
✔️ That gorgeous cover which is what made me request this book
February 12, 2021
“Every heart has its own skeletons.”
Special thanks to NetGalley and blue box press for providing me with ARC.
It's been awhile since i read a novel about Russia, the last one was *Anna Karenina*
This is the first novel to me by M.J.Rose but i loved it so much, it's heartwarming, i loved the history in this novel, the Russian Revolution and WWll.
Special thanks to NetGalley and blue box press for providing me with ARC.
It's been awhile since i read a novel about Russia, the last one was *Anna Karenina*
This is the first novel to me by M.J.Rose but i loved it so much, it's heartwarming, i loved the history in this novel, the Russian Revolution and WWll.
January 11, 2021
A book that involves lost jewelry, the Romanovs, Russia, and mystery? I am all in! The Last Tiara is a fabulous read. It’s fast paced, switching from 1915-1949 intermittently to tell Sophia’s story as Isobelle attempts to solve the riddles of her mother’s past. I loved the mystery and all the intricacies of the story, including the last big twist, which I had actually caught earlier by something a character said, but only realized it later. I do have two things to nitpick about. It’s historical fiction butGD Olga would never have said that her father was thinking of abdicating in 1915 and the author writes the family was in Ekaterinburg by Dec. 1917. Actually they were still in Tobolsk. Other than those easily remedied mistakes, it’s well worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the early copy.
December 23, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
There seems to be a theme in the last couple of books my M.J. Rose - Cartier's Hope, Tiffany Blues and now The Last Tiara. It's an interesting theme and rather catchy.
As with her previous books this is a dual time period story, told by a mother and her daughter. Both era's aren't always friendly to women which played out here. Both independent, one strong as she lives during turbulent times and the other who is constantly obsessing about being good enough - which was repeated too many times. I get being insecure, especially in the 1940's for ambitious women and understand that is an issue but it just seemed over done.
This is very much a tell book, sometime it works just fine but other times not so much. It's obvious the author knows the era with the history being well researched, though a couple info drops disrupted the flow. I enjoyed learning about Faberge and the historical details both in Russia and the US. I would have loved author notes just to clarify what was fact vs fiction.
The mystery side of the story revolving around this tiara played out nicely. Lots of clues, twist and turns with a fitting conclusion.
My thanks to the publisher, Blue Box Press (via Netgalley) for an advanced e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
There seems to be a theme in the last couple of books my M.J. Rose - Cartier's Hope, Tiffany Blues and now The Last Tiara. It's an interesting theme and rather catchy.
As with her previous books this is a dual time period story, told by a mother and her daughter. Both era's aren't always friendly to women which played out here. Both independent, one strong as she lives during turbulent times and the other who is constantly obsessing about being good enough - which was repeated too many times. I get being insecure, especially in the 1940's for ambitious women and understand that is an issue but it just seemed over done.
This is very much a tell book, sometime it works just fine but other times not so much. It's obvious the author knows the era with the history being well researched, though a couple info drops disrupted the flow. I enjoyed learning about Faberge and the historical details both in Russia and the US. I would have loved author notes just to clarify what was fact vs fiction.
The mystery side of the story revolving around this tiara played out nicely. Lots of clues, twist and turns with a fitting conclusion.
My thanks to the publisher, Blue Box Press (via Netgalley) for an advanced e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
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