'Bold and powerful, filled with emotion, tension and vivid characters in a setting that is rich in historical detail' Kate Furnivall

A Russian princess. An extraordinary sacrifice. A captivating secret...

From the author of The Secret Wife, a gripping journey through decades and across continents, of love, devastating loss and courage against all odds.

1918
With the country they once ruled turned against them, the future of Russia's imperial family hangs in the balance. When middle daughter Maria Romanova captivates two of the guards, it will lead to a fateful choice between right and wrong.

Fifty-five years later . . .
Val rushes to her father's side when she hears of his troubling end-of-life confession: 'I didn't want to kill her.' As she unravels the secrets behind her mother's disappearance when she was twelve years old, she finds herself caught up in one of the world's greatest mysteries.


Readers adore the novels of Gill Paul:

'A brilliantly emotional read' Woman's Own

'As rich in historical detail as it is captivating ****' Heat

'One of my favourite books of this year. Fascinating, glamorous and utterly compelling... historical fiction at its best' Tracy Rees, author of The Hourglass

'A marvellous, perfect read' The Sun

'Cleverly crafted and enthralling. A triumph' Dinah Jeffries

'A wonderful book. Loved the seamless blend of fact and fiction' Kathryn Hughes

'Compelling and full of surprises ****' The Lady

'This engrossing, heart-wrenching novel moves between the decades, combining history with fiction to portray the tragic events of the Russian Revolution' Sunday Express