Tsarina

This is the story of Marta, a lowly peasant woman that rose to the become Empress of the Russian. While out washing clothes with her sister Christina, a Russian came upon the two teenage girls. Marta stood against him with a rock and threatened him. Later, he purchases her as a maid for his home. After a violent incident, she runs away and is found by a pastor and his family. They take her in as a housemaid and she lives with them for being married. War comes to Marienburg and she is found by a Russian field general and taken back to Moscow.

I was impressed with the writing of this book and the descriptions of the people and surroundings. The characters are based on real people during the time of Peter the Great. At times, it was difficult to read about the poor treatment of the peasants and laborers. The Tsar’s friends and family lived luxurious lives while the poor went without food and sometimes housing. If you like Russian history or stories about women coming into power, you will enjoy this book.