The Master Craftsman

Author: Kelli Stuart

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: April 5, 2022

One of the best time-slip novels of the year!  This should be on your summer reading list!

Karl Faberge has been charged with creating some of the most memorable sculptors during his time, many that have become known as the Faberge Eggs, which were produced for the Russian Tsar family during the late 1800s and early 1900s.  But when Karl began to see the effect of the Tsar’s rule over Russia, he created one egg that hardly anyone knew about.  The secret keeper of this egg was none other than Alma Phil, one of the best craftsmen of the House of Faberge. 

Fast forward to present day, Ava Laine learns that her estranged father and famed treasure hunter Nick Laine has developed a fatal illness.  Encouraged by her mother, Ava visits Nick and learns that there is one last treasure that he wants to find and hopes that she will do it for him.  With little to hold her back, Ava, her mother, and her next-door neighbor team together for a wild trip to Russia in hopes of locating the missing egg.  But they get more than they bargained for when they find out they are not the only ones after the egg.

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year!  Not only was the historical fiction portion of the story super interesting, but the present-day mystery and treasure hunting aspect took the whole book to another level.  I couldn’t decide which of the two stories that I wanted to read more and they pretty well blended altogether.  Such a great story for anytime of the year.  I’ll even read it again before this year is up!

I enjoyed getting to watch Ava’s character growth throughout the book.  She went from feeling abandoned with a little self-centeredness to becoming a family member and genuine concern for others.  I don’t know if Stuart has considered making this into a series, but I would be on board for any future installments.  I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher.  The views and opinions expressed within are my own.