The Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart
3 stars. Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for sending me this book to review.
I’m always amazed at how much I can learn about history via historical fiction. I knew little to nothing about the House of Faberge’, St. Petersburg, Russia. I knew even less about the creative artists and minds that helped Peter Karl Faberge’s eggs be so iconic and priceless.
This story goes between present day and early 1900’s.
I really enjoyed the “past” story. It follows Peter Karl Faberge, his family, and specific employees that were the masterminds behind the House of Faberge’. Specifically it highlights a young girl, Alma Pihl, and her growth as an artist along with her help to hide one of Faberge’s eggs. Bloody Sunday, the fall of the Romanov family, architecture of St. Petersburg, and the hard times for the Russian “common people” are highlighted in this story line
The present day story was not my favorite. Ava Laine and her estranged father, Nick, come together to find the missing Faberge’ egg. The story is too predictable, hard to believe, and I didn’t feel invested in this story line. Hence the 3 star rating.