Lost Roses is my second read by Martha Hall Kelly, whose writing & research I adore, following my amazing experience reading Lilac Girls (I have reviewed Lilac Girls previously). Lost Roses is a story tracing the lives of 3 Women from different walks of life, during the WW1 period.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Synopsis->

It is 1914 and the world has been on the brink of war so many times, many New Yorkers 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.

Review->

Eliza is a NY elite, wife of Henry & mother of Caroline. Her friend Sofya is from the Russian Aristocrat family & has a son Max. Varnika leads a poor life in Russia, threatened by officials and her Guardian. These 3 Women cross paths at different times during the narrative, as they strive to survive difficult situations that arise from the WW1 uprisings.

Though all 3 Women have been portrayed as strong, the character that hit me the most is Sofya. Her journey reveals how the WW1 affected not only the Russian common folk , but also the Aristocrats. The common bond between the 3 women in this story is motherhood and it is delivered very effectively. They are shown to place their children above everything & go to extremes to protect their off springs.

Lost Roses is a prequel to Lilac Girls & one of the main protagonists , Eliza, is Caroline’s Mother. The Author is following the Woolsey Women line (based on a real family) & her next book will feature Eliza’s mom. This family of fierce women has contributed heavily to the society for several generations & is a true inspiration. I can’t wait for her next book to come out!