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lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
This was allegedly a prequel to Lilak Girls. But it had been so long since I’d read that, I could hardly recall characters or linkages. So for me this was basically a totally unrelated book. World War I historical fiction that was enjoyable. It is well researched and based on actual historical families, so I don’t want to belittle their contributions in reality by what I’m about to say. But I find it a bit contrived that the wealthy Americans save the day all the time. I think the US was a bit late to assist in both world wars, and yet we paint ourselves the heroes.
ninasbooks57's review
4.0
It was a slow start but eventually the pace quickened! I did enjoy this much more than the Lilac Girls- but for some reason again- I had trouble connecting with the characters!?! I liked learning about the Russian tsars and the revolts around the Great War. So sad. Worth the read!
szirbel's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the prequel to the Lilac Girls story! I didn’t know much about Russian and US relations during The Great War so enjoyed learning more about The Whites and Reds. Can’t wait for her next book on The Civil War!
katiegilley's review against another edition
5.0
“Sadly, today authority, not truth, makes law,” Father said.
This is the second book in the Lilac Girls series and centers on Eliza Ferriday, the mother of Caroline Ferriday in Lilac Girls. Set in 1914 in New York, Paris, and St. Petersburg, we get up close with the Romanovs before their assassinations and watch the Bolsheviks move in and drastically change life in Russia. Eliza, like her daughter Caroline, has a deep feeling of duty and a responsibility for helping others and does everything she can to help her innocent friends in St. Petersburg escape unharmed. I found the characters and storylines compelling and beautifully drawn and thought this was even better than the first in the series.
It was fun seeing how Lost Roses connected with Lilac Girls – the similar settings at different points in history, a closer look at characters only hinted at previously, a deeper understanding of the Ferriday family history. I’m on the waitlist for the next book in this series, Sunflower Sisters, which is set during the Civil War. I cannot wait!
This is the second book in the Lilac Girls series and centers on Eliza Ferriday, the mother of Caroline Ferriday in Lilac Girls. Set in 1914 in New York, Paris, and St. Petersburg, we get up close with the Romanovs before their assassinations and watch the Bolsheviks move in and drastically change life in Russia. Eliza, like her daughter Caroline, has a deep feeling of duty and a responsibility for helping others and does everything she can to help her innocent friends in St. Petersburg escape unharmed. I found the characters and storylines compelling and beautifully drawn and thought this was even better than the first in the series.
It was fun seeing how Lost Roses connected with Lilac Girls – the similar settings at different points in history, a closer look at characters only hinted at previously, a deeper understanding of the Ferriday family history. I’m on the waitlist for the next book in this series, Sunflower Sisters, which is set during the Civil War. I cannot wait!
serendipity730's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jaymeee's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
panda58's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pam2375's review against another edition
1.0
I am sorry to say that this was just a chore to get through. I really did not like any of the characters and there were many times that I was lost about who was who. For instance, when Eliza is talking in the beginning of the book, we have no idea that she is married with a child. At some point a few pages (or a hundred, who knows) in she is talking about Henry and Caroline. Then, even later, we discover that she is married to Henry and Caroline is her daughter.
Timing is off throughout the book. It seems as if whoever was assisting Ms Kelly edit, they fell asleep while reading.
Because I enjoyed Lilac Girls so much, I really wanted to like this. I just couldn't.
I do thank Netgalley and Ballentine Books for this advanced readers copy.
Timing is off throughout the book. It seems as if whoever was assisting Ms Kelly edit, they fell asleep while reading.
Because I enjoyed Lilac Girls so much, I really wanted to like this. I just couldn't.
I do thank Netgalley and Ballentine Books for this advanced readers copy.
libvin96's review against another edition
5.0
MHK does it again! Loved reading this suspenseful yet satisfying book and filling the gaps in my knowledge about WWI and the Bolshevik Revolution.
bmhbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Lost Roses is a remarkable story about three indomitable women. I feel very lucky to have the chance to read about each of them. What a beautiful book.