About the Book

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history–an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar’s family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance–and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This modern-day treasure hunt from award-winning author Kelli Stuart transports you into the opulent and treacherous world of the Russian Revolution to unearth mysteries long buried.

Amazon | B&N | BAM! | Book Depository | Christianbook | IndieBound | Goodreads

In My Opinion

When I read the description for The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart, I was intrigued. My knowledge of Faberge eggs is limited to the knockoffs found in some home décor stores today.

Stuart gives readers an education into the original Faberge eggs and the man who manufactured them for the Russian Czar and his family. From the intricate details of design to when they were presented, readers get an education into these pieces of Russian history. Whether described in the historical timeline or the present day one, the descriptions paint a picture of the opulence and artistry in each of these creations.

This book is part history, part treasure hunt. The two timelines are easily discernible from each other, and I enjoyed the modern day one more.

A couple of disappointments in this book were the strange moments of point of view (especially near the end of the book) when we’re hoping from one person’s thoughts to another within paragraphs of each other. As an author, this is something we are told over and over again not to do, so when it happens it really stands out to me. But the most disappointing thing about this book is the complete lack of any faith content. I realize the big Christian publishers are encouraging their authors to tone it down so they can sell books to the general market, but when I purchase a book from them, I want to at least see the characters are Christians (or are wrestling with their faith). It’s discouraging to pick up a book from a publisher you’ve trusted and not know for certain if it’s going to have that thread of hope in it I’ve come to expect.

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.