This Historical Romance included a fascinating look at Russia during the Reign of Tsar Peter the Great. The Tsar was determined to pull his medieval, barbaric country into the Eighteenth-century. To make Russia more European and less Asiatic. To this end, there was a large, skilled, foreign community that were helping to build the new Capital, St Petersburg. Kirsty and her father have left their native England and have settled in the foreign quarter of Archangel. This is a lonely life for Kirsty, with few acquaintances and very little freedom. Her only friends are the Harrows. Young John Harrow, is a particular friend. When her father proposes a suitor, Count Sergei Ivanovich Borodinov, Kirsty, having little choice, accepts him and a marriage is arranged. The marriage between the English Merchant's daughter and a Russian Nobleman is fraught with difficulties and cultural conflict. Sergei is very traditional and is unhappy with his wife's need for independence. Kirsty is dismayed by his inflexibility and determination to dominate her. Ultimately, a reserve grows between them. Surrounding the conflicted couple is the intrigue and danger in the Tsar's Court, as Princes and Nobles struggle to influence the Tsar and Tsaritsa. To offend the Tsar is too risk loss of Estates and possible banishment to Siberia. There is also the ongoing war with Sweden. The question in the Romance is: Can two people from such diverse cultures find love and happiness? Will the influence and opinions of their families and friends separate them? Can Sergei and Kirsty overcome their mutual distrust and fear of rejection? Will Sergei's pride and Kirsty's loneliness prove to be insuperable? This Romance keeps you guessing. There is always the fear that the lovers will be unable to surmount their differences. Recommended.
synopsis
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Count Sergei Borodinov demanded obedience -- from his soldiers, his serfs and his wife. In his household there would be no hint of the westernization ordered by the Tsar. But Kirsty, his beautiful young bride, was English and use to independence -- an independence Sergei was determined to crush. Despite their conflict, Kirsty longed for her husband's tenderness, but his arrogance and her inexperience drove them further apart. At last it seemed not even passion could save their marriage.
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