The Property of a Lady

I really enjoyed this book and really couldn't put it down. The author did a fabulous job of mixing the past with the present in the storytelling. I read A LOT and although I'm not sure why I loved this book, but there was just something about it!

Bravo! a real page turner..this book is one of those must read on your to do list!

Property of a Lady is a twist on the story of Anastasia. It takes place from 1917 to the 1990s and, while I don't normally care for books that jump between decades, this one works. It begins on the eve of the Russian revolution, an Ivanoff princess is fleeing with her two children, Alexei and Xenia; their English teenage nanny, Missie Byron; and a fortune in jewels, including a very famous emerald. The party is attacked by Bolshevik peasants and after losing sight of Alexei and seeing the princess killed, Missie escapes to America with Xenia to live in hiding. There are rumors an Ivanoff child has survived, but no one ever comes forward. Two generations later, the emerald mysteriously reappears at auction listed as "The Property of a Lady." American politician Cal Warrender, Washington reporter Genie Reese and Russian attache Valentin Solovsky set off a chase to find the lady to whom the stone belongs. I first read this book in high school and it remains an all-time favorite. It's part Cold War spy story, part Russian and American history, part romance, glamour and intrigue. And Elizabeth Adler has done a wonderful job of weaving it all together. Five stars.

I am an avid reader and have gone through most of the really big novelists. I like tension, intrigue and all the usual sort of stuff. This book I must confess is not big on tension or suspense but for some funny reason, I consider this the best book I have ever read. It reads as smoothly as fine scotch and is written in one of the most beautiful styles I have ever read. Its touching and absolutely absorbs you. It does what good stories are meant to do, that is it draws you in completely. You go with Adler into these lives she has created and feel everything they feel and share their every pain and joy. ITs a ge! ayone who says otherwise should be prosecuted for complete tastelessness!

The love and intrigue in this one is wonderfully exciting