I zoomed right through this book. While Alix’s story is well known to most, I had not much knowledge of her sisters Elizabeth “Ella” and Victoria. Alix’s lack of “royal” personality was well known, and in time did not endear her to the Russian people she became the empress of, but this book endeavors to bring more heart and depth to her., Victoria, however, I would have liked to seen more of, as her was told rather quickly and she effectively faded into the background. Ella’s character, though starting sad at the beginning of her marriage, shined through and overcame the challenges that faced her. She was given more depth and fleshing out than Victoria was, but I found myself wanting more from both of them. Telling the story of three individual women who are all apart of history is not easy, and for the most part, I enjoyed what Clare McHugh did with her characters. For fans of the author, or Russian/Romanov History, or fans of the entwined history of Queen Victoria”s many descendants, this novel is a must to add to your reading of 2024!

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the E-ARC copy!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Romanovs are one of my favorite historical topics, so anytime I find a book about them, I jump at the chance to read it. And not only did The Romanov Brides promise a new take on the topic, shifting away from the tragic final years and the Russian Revolution, but instead on the courtship of Nicholas and Alexandra, as well as the earlier marriage between Alexandra’s sister, Elisabeth and Nicholas’ uncle, Serge, but it was by an author who I’d previously read a book from about Victoria, the Princess Royal.
McHugh really gets into the nitty-gritty of how the Romanovs, the British Royals, and the different German royal families, from the Prussians to the Hesses, are all connected. While it initially seems daunting, I appreciate how she simplifies it, while also conveying the information in-text. It really provides context for how things would shake out and explode just a few decades later in World War I with cousins fighting each other. I did find it funny that Wilhelm II was portrayed as being on such civil terms with his cousins, but McHugh makes it believable…even having Wilhelm play matchmaker for Nicholas and Alexandra (Alix) when all else seemed to fail (along with a dose of dramatic irony, with him referencing deteriorating German-Russian relations!)
But despite the book being full of characters and shifting perspectives, I liked how the book never forgot the centering of the sisters, mostly Elisabeth, Alix, and Victoria, and their bonds with one another. I admit, despite not knowing a ton about her going in, Elisabeth ended up resonating with me the most. She genuinely did not know what to expect going into her marriage with Serge, and the secrets he was keeping. He’s ultimately a good man, even if he isn’t able to give her the family she thought she’d have.
For Alix’s part, I also felt for her. From the opening chapter, I recognized some of the elements of her childhood, like a hemophiliac sibling and the general dynamic between sisters as mirroring what I had heard of the life her children had, with the main difference being that Alix’s family weren’t of major importance in the grand scheme of things. I truly sympathized with her, as she grappled with her feelings for Nicholas and his for her, and how she tried to reconcile them with her faith. And while, in hindsight, perhaps she and others were right in their reservations, it was obvious that, even if Nicholas wasn’t suited for the role of tsar and Alix wasn’t suitable to be tsarina, he and Alix were truly perfect for one another as husband and wife.
While she’s not as pronounced a character as Elisabeth and Alix are, I really liked also learning a bit more about the woman who would later become Victoria Mountbatten. I particularly enjoyed learning about how she oversaw Elisabeth’s eventual burial after her body had been rescued, not to mention that she was named one of the godparents for Charles III.
This is an engaging read, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction about royalty.

There is much to learn while reading this novel, making it an interesting book. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on Goodreads.

I’ve always had a fascination with the tragic tale of the Romanov family and hoped this book would satisfy my longstanding interests. In addition, THE ROMANOV BRIDES delves into the extended family of Queen Victoria and the various European royalty crisscrossing the continent and their intermarriages. The book spends too much time on imaginary conversations and internal dialog and not enough on actual activities. The book seemed slow moving to me and frankly I lost interest. It felt as though written for a younger reader. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Royal families ruled the pre-WWI world were so intertwined that they were intermarried..and in the book it shows Queen Victoria was the meddling match maker. History shows, as does the book that the Queen never liked or trusted the Russian Royal family (the Romanovs) even though they were family and she was adamant that she did not wish her granddaughters to marry Russians.

The book follows the story of Princess Alix of Hesse—the future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russia and her sister, Princess Ella who both marry into the Romanov royal family. In theory, the marriages should have brought an alliance, but history had something else to say.

I enjoyed the story, I find we don’t have enough historical fiction in Russia or pre-WWI (or WWI) era. The world was volatile then and is ripe with stories. Thank you Clare McHugh for this book!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy!

Thank you to NetGalley for the early reader ebook copy of “The Romanov Brides”! I have had a fascination with Russia’s ill-fated royal family since reading “Nicholas and Alexandra” many years ago, and “The Romanov Brides” gave me an engrossing closer look at the early life of these granddaughters of Queen Victoria, Ali’s and Ella, who despite the Queen’s opposition Alexandra and her sister married in to the Russian royal family. A great read for historical fiction fans, particularly those with an interest in the Russian history. I would definitely recommend! #TheRomanovBrides #NetGalley

Having a story based on real people helps connect readers to this book. Giving little details helps to strengthen the bond of reader and characters. I would have liked the author to have told the characters fate as part of her story instead of the brief history lesson at the end. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and would recommend it to others

This is the story of the marriages of two of Queen Victoria's granddaughters, Ella and Alix, princesses of Hesse, who married Romanovs. Older sister Ella married Grand Duke Sergei, younger brother of the Tsar, and Alix met Nicholas, heir to the throne, at Ella's wedding when she was only 12 and he was 16.

This book focuses on the courtships and marriages of the two women as well as the early years of Ella's marriage. Queen Victoria's strongly opposed any alliance with the Romanov dynasty and attempted to match both girls with other royal suitors but they resisted and all obstacles to both marriages were ultimately overcome.

This is an interesting look at royal and court life at the end of the 19th century in England and throughout Europe. Both women suffered horrific deaths at the hands of the Russian revolutionaries (not covered in this book) so Victoria's opposition was well founded.

Students of history have read accounts of the tragic fate of the Romanovs and historical fiction novels filled with hope and the possibility that some may have survived. The Romanov Brides focuses on two granddaughters of Queen Victoria and their bridal journey to the foot of the Russian Orthodox altar.
The opening pages are thankfully filled with the family trees of English Queen Victoria and Russian Tsar Alexander 11. I referred to these often while reading and have such respect for experts on British and Russian history. Princess Elisabeth, “Ella”, and her younger sister, Alix, “Sunny,” are the central characters, though there is some detail about the lives of the other 5 siblings. Clara McHugh’s extensive research is based on the sisters’ diaries and letters, and those of people closest to them. Readers know the outcome from the title, but the intrigue, manipulation and interference by Queen Victoria and the oversight of the Russian royals, add to the surprising and often maddening plot lines. I felt a closeness to Ella’s fears of the vastness of Russia, the immense palaces, a foreign tongue, the prospect of leaving her family and denouncing her religion. The descriptions and dialogue evoke all the senses and an array of feelings, from grief and despair to giddy first love sensations. Clara McHugh portrays compassionate insights into the contemplations and intense loyalties Alix deals with as she waivers back and forth in deciding whether to wed Nicky and denounce her Lutheran faith for the Orthodox doctrine.
I found myself caring deeply for both sisters and wishing someone would’ve convinced them to make different choices, though certainly not any of Queen Victoria’s suggestions, which were mostly first cousins. To Ella and Alix’s credit they marry for love and devote their short lives to being supportive wives and mothers. Clara McHugh’s The Romanov Brides gave me that curious feeling one gets upon discovering a diary, giving an over the shoulder look to see if anyone’s watching and then opening it up for just a quick peek!

This is historical fiction based around Alexandra, the last Russian Empress and her family. We follow multiple POVs in this story but we mostly follow two main POVs of Alexandra “Alix” and Elizabeth “Ella” her older sister. Both being granddaughters to Queen Victoria they had a lot of pressure on them to marry within the German or English families. Ella ends up being engaged to Grand Duke Sergei Alexandorvich, brother to the tsar of Russia. That’s when Alix meets Nicky the tsarevich, and from then on he wants no one else but her. I was honestly surprised how much they went through to be together, a lot of people didn’t want them to be together including the Tsar and Tsarina, not to mention Queen Victoria. I really enjoyed seeing how their early life unfolded to them finally being together. I did enjoy this one very much, I almost wish there was another book for the continuation.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Fox released the movie Anastasia in 1997, they unlocked an obsession for the Russian Royal family in this reader.

As I am fascinated by this family and tragic story, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are enjoyable and seem to give a deeper view into multiple members of the royal families. The characters are beautifully written and correct for the time period.

As the story revolves around royalty the main characters don’t really do much action. The story progresses with a lot of talking and the drama involved with committing to marriage.

I like this writer’s style and storytelling. I hope she writes a sequel involving the final years of the Romanov empire. I would love more insight into the very dramatic time period.

This compelling narrative delves into the intricate beginnings of the marriages between Ella and Alix and the Romanovs, offering a fresh perspective on well-known historical figures. Rather than focusing on their tragic ends, the story explores the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they faced.

Through vivid storytelling, the author brings to life the times, places, and people involved, immersing readers in the rich tapestry of history. By alternating between the perspectives of Ella, Alix, and other supporting characters, the novel offers a multifaceted portrayal of their experiences and relationships.

Overall, “The Romanov Brides” is a well-crafted and engaging read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction. With its nuanced characterizations and captivating storytelling, it offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of these fascinating women. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing an early read opportunity.

Thank you William Morrow for my free ARC of The Romanov Brides by Clare McHugh — available Mar 12!

Read this if you:
✨ love richly detailed historical characters
🩵 are someone that follows your heart
🪆 enjoy Russian history and culture in the Victorian era

Alix of Hesse and her sister Ella are German princesses with the world at their feet. As beautiful granddaughters of the British Queen Victoria, they are predicted to make exceptional marriage matches to powerful men — the only problem is, they defy all expectations of who those men will be. When both sisters gravitate toward Russian royalty, they will struggle to overcome objections, fears, and former promises in order to end up with the men they love. And getting to the altar is just the start...

MY HEART. I mean, we all know what eventually happens to the Romanov imperial family (ugh), but this book doesn't cover that ground. Instead, it focuses on young Ella and Alix, which I really enjoyed because there are fewer fictional accounts of this time. The ending lines absolutely made me tear up. I really felt for both girls and their struggles, but Ella's situation was particularly rough to read through. They started to lose me a bit with all the religion focus in the last third or so, but this was a pivotal piece of the puzzle so there's no way it could have been skipped.

Overall, this was a beautifully written historical novel with a ton of detail and really well-rendered characters. I highly recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Romanov Brides is a fascinating, incredible, and enjoyable work of historical fiction by Clare McHugh.
The characters were engaging and their stories were compelling. They truly feel like real people.
The story is smart, captivating, and fascinating from start to finish.
Rich in detail, beautifully written and hugely absorbing for those who enjoy good historical fiction.

Thank You NetGalley and William Morrow for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Interesting story of the lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters as they come of age to be married. What goes on in the negotiations of European nations to make the most advantageous marriages.

This is an engrossing, well-written novel about the courtships of two Hessian princesses, Ella and Alix, who respectively become enamored with a Russian grand duke and with the heir to the Russian throne. History tells us that the sisters' choices ended in tragedy, but McHugh nonetheless makes us sympathize with the young women as well-meaning relations, particularly the sisters' maternal grandmother, Queen Victoria, attempt to derail the budding romances. The Romanovs are hardly ignored in historical fiction, but McHugh takes a fresh approach by focusing on the largely neglected Ella and on Alix's early life. Highly recommended.

As someone with very little knowledge of the Romanov period, I was intrigued to learn more. The Romanov Brides, A Novel of the Last Tsarina and Her Sisters, by Clare McHugh, was a good place to start. The book seems well-researched (I am that person who when reading historical fiction, stops to look things up to see if they are part of the historical or the fiction). This book flows like the well-written novel that it is while imparting historical facts in a way that is enjoyable to read.
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook that I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

The Romanov Brides delves into the captivating tale of two sisters from the Grand Duchy of Hesse – a small territory in western Germany - who married into Romanov royal family and altered history.

In 1882, during a visit by their Russian cousins Paul and Serge to Dramstadt, Ella is charmed by Serge, and ten-year-old Alix becomes a fervent advocate for Ella’s marriage to Serge. However, their youth leaves them naïve about live in Russia, and the rest of the family is largely against the union.

With their father’s consent to the marriage, he extracts a promise from Ella to maintain their faith and to support her future husband publicly. Privately, however, he encourages her to be independent and express her own views. Concerned about Ella’s accommodating nature, he fears she may lack the fortitude to assert herself. This worry is echoed by her uncle, who questions the wisdom of raising children in a nation indifferent to its people. Ella’s eldest sister, Victoria, also probes Serge about Russian governance.

In a candid conversation, Serge reveals to Ella his preference for solitude or the company of his regiment, admitting that he had not desired female companionship until meeting her. He vows to respect her innocence and trust, flattering Ella but raising suspicions in her family about his motives.

Approaching seventeen and thus marriageable age, Alix is caught in the plans of her grandmother, the Queen of England. Ella, after a revelation in Jerusalem, argues against letting religious differences impede marriage. This stance irks their father, who views it as disrespectful in light of the wars fought over religion. Alix, smitten with Nicky during her Russian visit, is torn, especially as Nicky faces his own father’s disapproval due to Alix’s minor noble status and reluctance to convert to Orthodoxy.

This enthralling narrative portrays the sisters’ defiance of family and faith to bridge vastly different political realms. The skillfully crafted story weaves intrigue and mystery within a rich historical context, featuring lavish palaces, exquisite gowns, and stunning jewelry. The prose is masterful, evoking awe and immersing the reader in a history that continues to captivate.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

The sad fate of Ella and especially of Alix is well known, but this book was not about endings. It was about beginnings, complicated beginnings. It was appropriately titled as it told the story of how each of these women came to marry a Romanov. For Ella, her storyline also dealt with her finding contentment despite unfulfilled expectations about marriage.

The times, the places, and (most importantly) the people came to life. Most of the chapters were told from the point of view of either Ella or Alix. In this manner, the two main characters were presented sympathetically, since the reader was privy to their thoughts and feelings. Occasionally there were chapters featuring the perspective of minor or supporting characters, though, and these were used brilliantly to show how the women were perceived by others.

This is a well-written book that I recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the early read.

A wonderfully written book about two fantastic women. I've always been fascinated with the Romanov story, and felt that not enough has been written about Ella. Her life was just amazing, the things she encountered, the grief she had to overcome. Her faith kept her strong and kept her going.
Much has been written about the last Tsarina, Alexandra, and her life and death story is fascinating.

This book is very well written and quite interesting. As a lover of Romanov history, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.