The Kirilov Star

de Mary Nichols

November 1920. Russia may have endured the Revolution, but a brutal civil war still rages. As even brothers are pitted against each other in battle, thousands of Russians flee for their lives. Distant relatives of the Romanovs, the Kirilov family is never far from suspicion, and closer to danger than most. When tragedy strikes, four-year-old Liydia Kirillova is separated from her family. The only key to her identity is the opulent jewel concealed in her petticoat. Struck by the child's plight, the benevolent diplomat Sir Edward Stoneleigh brings her to England, where she grows up well-educated, wealthy, and surrounded by a loving family. Yet it is not enough. Unable to recall even her own birth date, Lydia yearns to know the truth about her heritage - then one day the charming Nikolay Andropov offers her the perfect opportunity to do so. Invited to join him on a trip to Russia, Lydia jumps at the chance to discover more about the past she finds increasingly difficult to remember. But when reality sets in, is all as it seems? With the Second World War looming, Lydia's situation becomes desperate. Will she ever find a place to finally think of as home? Russia, November 1920. As the civil war rages on and thousands of Russians flee their homeland, the Kirilov family, distant relatives of the royals Romanovs, are closer to danger than most. When tragedy strikes, young Lydia Kirillova is separated from her family and the only key to her identity is the opulent jewel concealed in her petticoat. The famed Kirilov Star. Struck by the child's plight, the diplomat Sir Edward Stoneleigh brings Lydia to England, where she grows up well-educated, wealthy, and surrounded by a loving family. Yet it is not enough. Lydia yearns to know the truth about her heritage but with the Second World War looming, her situation becomes desperate. Will she ever find a place to finally think of as home?