The Last Tiara by M.J. Rose

The Last Tiara by M.J. Rose

Publication Date: February 2, 2021

The Last Tiara was a very enjoyable historical fiction novel set in the years after World War II. The story introduces two main characters Sofiya and her daughter Isobelle. The layout is interesting because each chapter is by either Sofiya, which is a flashback, or Isobelle, which is modern day. The author's use of this story structure kept me interested because each chapter gave a cause and effect type feeling throughout the entirety of the novel that kept the story interesting without any lulls. 

I felt the author's research into art being used as a currency during World War II was spot on, and really gives the reader a feel into how families lost everything they had. Families not only lost family members but precious family heirlooms that to this day still have not been returned to their rightful owners. We all know how horrible World War II was but the emotional aspect of it was just as bad or worse than the physical. M.J. Rose's story gave an example of how families lost touch and how some individuals wanted to erase their whole history during the war and start a completely new life.  

I was very touched by the love that Sofiya had for Isobelle to the point of trying to protect her from the harsh realities of why she had to leave Russia and completely cut off all family ties. Isobelle did not understand her mother's behavior in the beginning but by the end of the story she sees how much her mom endured and how much she tried to protect her from the horror of it all, which gave Isobelle a new respect for the strong woman her mother was.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Blue Box Press for an advanced copy for an honest review. 

For Purchase: The Last Tiara