In the summer of 1918 a tragedy echoed across the world when the Russian Imperial Romanov family was murdered by communists leaving much of the country crying out in mourning. Yet, there was a myth that one daughter, the youngest daughter; the Grand Duchess Anastasia had escaped. Though many disbelieved, for some this would prove to be more than a rumor and it would change their lives forever. Annalisa Peterson, a senior in high school, is dying to get out and move as far away from her family as possible. Not that she has had a rough childhood, but she wants to get away from constantly being expected to be the perfect A student and consistently having to visit her great grandmother who doesn't seem to like her, and oh yeah, doesn't speak a word of English. One final class assignment could change everything that she's ever known, and could literally re-write history. To find out the truth about her family's history, it isn't long before she's digging through old papers, books, photographs, and even travelling to Russia; not to mention getting her heart tangled up with the enemy along the way. As Annalisa finds out more and more, she's quickly discovering that once the real truth is out, her entire life will be turned upside down, and life will become much more dangerous for her, and those around her. Secrets are revealed. Questions are answered. One thing is certain; Annalisa never thought that her senior year would end like this.

Following the Bolshevik Revolution in 20th century Russia, the Romanov family was sent into exile. On July 17, 1918, Tsar Nicholas Romanov and his family were brutally murdered. It is said that there were no survivors, but when the graves were uncovered, a body was reported to be missing. In a remarkable display of survivalism (or maybe just luck), Anastasia Romanov narrowly escaped death. As the sole survivor of her family, and the last remaining member of the Romanov dynasty, she fled to America. Having no belongings but the few jewels and family heirlooms sewn into the corset of her dress, Anastasia now has to maneuver a foreign world. She is no longer a duchess, but a ghost. New York City, an unwelcoming place to lost princesses, is the battleground, and she is the lowly foot soldier. After seeking protection at the estate of a wealthy family, Anastasia quickly develops an entirely new identity. As she builds a life around a person that does not exist, she experiences friendship, first love, betrayal, and uncovers secrets that are best left buried. Just as her new life is unfolding, the man who ordered the execution of her family is nipping at her heels, and he is sure she won't slip through his fingers again. For Anastasia, living the lie will be difficult, but protecting her true identity is even more risky - one mistake, and she'll join her family in the ground. // beautiful cover by @irwinthegod //