The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart ~ a book review

 

This book is one of those books that once you start, you won’t want to put it down.  That being said, I have to say , if you are looking for a Christian, historical romance, this may not be for you.  There is no mention of Scriptural, spiritual or Biblical things.  This is what I like to call a clean, historical “almost” romance.  The romance takes a back seat to the mystery, that is the main focus.  The author very cleverly switches between present day and the past. 

The story is mostly staged in Russia.  It is very evident that the author is very knowledgeable in Russian history and culture.

The mystery and suspense grabs your attention from the first page.  The main character, Ava, is drawn into a treasure hunt by her estranged father.  I have to admit, I didn’t like her at the beginning.  She had to grow on me and she seemed to mellow as the story progressed.  I hope this author writes more of her story and sends her on another treasure hunt!

This is from the publisher’s website:

“In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.”

If you are looking for a story steeped in intrique and suspense, this will not disappoint.  It is not overly romantic, and not at all “churchey”, but definitely clean.  The focus is on the mystery and on Ava’s disfunctional family dynamics.

Go HERE to read an excerpt... 

 

 

Go HERE to learn more about Kelli Stuart...

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”