Set as the prequel to “Lilac Girls.” “Lost Roses” takes place during the tumultuous time of World War I, and explores three women as they weave their way through the trials and tribulations of war, while also navigating their personal lives. Sofya, related to the Russian tzar, and Eliza, her American friend who loves traveling, must figure out how to reconnect when Sofya is forced out of Russia and her family is in danger. Varinka, a Russian housemaid, weaves her way into Sofyas life and each woman plays an important role, both good and bad, in the lives of each other. As their lives intertwine and they must figure out how to make it out of war time alive, the story unfolds and the women must do whatever it takes to survive.

A deeply felt and meticulously researched look into the lives of real women facing World War I and the Bolshevik revolution.

Interesting historical novel set in 1916 and thereafter, during the Russian revolution and World War I. Perspective shifts between 3 characters - Sofya, a young Russian woman of noble birth; Varinka, a young Russian peasant woman; and Eliza, a New York socialite. I haven’t read much fiction set in or around the Russian revolution so that was definitely very interesting. Eliza is based on a real person and is the mother of Caroline, one of the 3 main characters of Hall’s previous novel, “Lilac Girls.” However, it’s not really a prequel - you could definitely read this book without reading that one. For me, this book wasn’t quite as special as “Lilac Girls,” but was still very good.

Loved the alternating storylines. They all built together to create suspense and added to the overall story. Very well done.

Excellent book. Held my interest throughout. The story, characters and writing were all excellent.

A beautify written historical fiction that is the prequel to the Lilac Girls. A book that does not gloss over the brutality of war but also shines a spotlight on the hope and courage to books leading ladies. I do recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and the time periods of the first and second world wars.

Amazing book. Great prequel to Lilac Girls. A must read! Martha Hall Kelly is a fantastic write and I look forward to reading her next book.

A prequel to Kelly’s Lilac Girls, Lost Roses is a startling story written by Martha Hall Kelly, that takes place across Russia, Paris, and Long Island, throughout World War I as the Russian imperial dynasty falls from power, and Germany marches through Europe.

Friends and francophiles Eliza Ferriday and Sofya Streshnayva and their families navigate turbulent days and suffer terrible losses in this well-researched story based Eliza Ferriday, mother to Caroline Ferriday of Lilac Girls. It’s a heartbreaking story of loss, survival and friendship, one that can be read either before or after Lilac Girls. Either way you choose, I'll bet when you pick this book up, you won't want to put it down.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy.

Lost Roses was a little difficult for me to get through. I did enjoy reading historical fiction that wasn't World War 2. It was very well researched but I did not connect with all the characters.

This one took me a while to get into, but I'm glad I pushed through a finished reading it. I read Lilac Girls in a book club when it came out and loved it but definitely enjoyed it more than this one. It took me a while to learn who everyone was and it didn't really get "exciting" until about halfway through. It's pretty good, though, and a different era of historical fiction than I normally read.

The author delivers again in this prequel to “Lilac Girls”. Although I liked “Lilac Girls” better than “Lost Roses”, this was still an enjoyable work of historical fiction. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
*3.5 stars*

I loved this book!! This is the second book I read from this author and loved! Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this book is one reason why!!

Disappointing. I enjoyed Lilac Girls a lot & was really looking forward to this prequel. The first part of the book moved smoothly and I was enjoying the way the story was unfolding. Then about half way through the writing and storyline just started a downward spiral. The situations and the characters reactions were not believable at all... almost to the point of absurdity. Example: A love interest is finally found (after not being heard from in years) injured in a Paris military hospital and the first reaction is to turn to the doctor and ask about his prognosis? Seriously? All of the ‘coincidental’ reunions were also veryunbelievable written to me too. Overall, it really did not work for me and I came really close to not finishing. Sadly, only 2.5 stars.

Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly is an excellent novel set during World War I in Russia, Paris, and New York. The plot of Lost Roses involves three main characters Varinka , Eliza, and Sofya. Their lives are connected in many ways. Sofya and Eliza are close friends who communicate regularly throughout the novel. Varinka is a character who starts off as a servant and then has a change in life once many of the Russian estates are taken over during the war. Varinka takes care of Sofya’s son named Max. In what appears to be a heartfelt gesture Varinka protects Max when his mother and her entire family are captured by the opposition party. What happens as the novel progresses is both suspenseful, romantic, heroic and disheartening . All of these scenarios occur behind the backdrop of a grueling war. While reading the novel you will come to care about certain characters. Not only was this an interesting read it was also educational . I learned many things about war and the countries of Russia, France, and the United States. This novel reminded me in many ways of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Martha Hall Kelly did a wonderful job researching and writing Lost Roses!! I am thankful to the publishers and net galley for allowing me to read this novel in return for a fair and honest review.

The Lilac Girls was one of the most heartbreaking and memorable books that I have read in quite some time. This novel brings back the real life heroine Caroline Ferriday. Though it is set a generation before it follows her life and ties back into The Lilac Girls. This features her mother Eliza, Sofya and Varinka and their lives as they intertwine throughout the years. It is a moving book and one that leaves you wanting more. The setting is 1914 and the details are well researched and spun together to make a moving book.

It has been awhile since I've read a historical fiction novel, and this one was a great one to read. I have not read Lilac Girls, but now it's at the top of my TBR so I can follow Caroline's story. Lost Roses was at times hard to follow which storyline I was reading because of all the information and events happening, but overall it was a great read.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Author delivers another winning historical fiction tale with 'Lost Roses'
By Sandy Mahaffey For The Free Lance–Star May 18, 2019
“Lost Roses” is another winner for author Mary Hall Kelly, author of the wildly popular “Lilac Girls.” The settings and periods are totally different. This one takes place in the United States, St. Petersburg, Russia and Paris, before World War I, as Germany is gaining power, and during the Bolshevik Revolution. The time frame is 1914 to 1940. But there is one strong link between the two books: Eliza Ferriday. Fans of “Lilac Girls” will fondly remember her daughter, Caroline, as a woman who worked tirelessly to assist a group of concentration camp survivors. Both characters are based on real people.

Eliza is one of three strong and courageous women caught in the midst of the horror and uncertainty of the revolution. Eliza, a member of an influential New York family, befriends Sofya Streshnayva, an aristocrat and cousin of the Romanov family, years ago in Paris. Sofya and her family support the Tzar and, against Eliza’s advice, remain in Russia instead of escaping to America with her. It is a mistake she will pay dearly for.
Like her previous novel, “Lost Roses” is a compelling read, well-researched and well-written. It also follows the path of revealing a part of world history that many know little about, bringing it to life with three-dimensional characters whom you will come to truly care for, or dislike intensely. They truly show that whether you were a peasant or an aristocrat in Russia at that time, you were in constant danger. Both sides committed atrocious acts against humanity.

Much as her daughter worked so hard to aid women, Eliza does everything she can to locate and assist Sofya, who is frantic to locate her young son. Varinka tries desperately to get her mother and herself away from their captor. All this is taking place with the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the threat of Germany.

This is a perfect example of why I love good historical fiction. It puts the reader right into the scene, bringing it all to li, good and bad, joy and sorrow.
Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor for The Free Lance–Star.

I was lucky to read this ARC from NetGalley. It was an engaging read.

Enjoyable in places, it was hard to read in others. After all, the author tried to give us a bit of a history lesson, while helping the reader to see what it might have been like for the Russians as the Red Party took over and the current royalty was killed or escaped the country.

There seemed to be a bit of repetitive information. As this was my go-to-sleep book, it was okay. It did its job. At least I caught it before the Kindle broke my head as I dropped it. But it wasn't dull information. And that is a hard call. Sometimes you have to remind the reader about people or moments they may have forgotten chapters ago.

What I most liked is that this is a prequel for a book I read earlier, Lilac Girls. The book follows the family back in time and how they helped the Russian immigrants fleeing the tortures and possible murders of their home country.

I look forward to reading the next book that goes back further into the Civil War.

I should have read this one first. I was getting confused trying to link Lilac Girls story with Lost Roses or maybe I have read too many "women war" books and need to back off a bit. Nice writing but lost me half way through.

I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed Lilac Girls. It was interesting seeing this time period, but the characters did not resonate with me. Varinka's story especially bothered me. I did not understand many of the choices she made. The writing is good, but I just did not find this story as riveting as Lilac Girls. I do appreciate the advance copy from NetGalley.