The Storyteller by Kathryn Williams as published on January 11, 2022. “It’s not every day that you find out you’re connected to Anastasia… or that the sad princess actually survived her assassination attempt and is now known as Aunt Anna,” is how the story begins. Her aunt was potentially the missing Russian princess Anastasia Romanov, and the main character, Jess Morgan is out to discover the truth.

Holly, a reviewer on Amazon.com, shared her opinion of this book:

In this reimagining of Anastasia: Jess comes across her late great-great-aunt Anna’s diaries that are written in Russian. Hiring an interpreter, Jess and Evan realize that Aunt Anna’s diaries may be holding secrets that are much more valuable than the typical end-of-night kiss and tell. Could Aunt Anna really have been a Romanov princess who escaped death or is this some elaborate hoax? And what will Jess learn about herself as she looks into Aunt Anna’s past?

Oh man – how hopeful this book makes you feel! Despite the probability that it was unlikely, the possibility that Anastasia Romanov could have survived the same fate as her family and made a life for herself was enough for me. Williams creates a perfect blend of history and fiction. And the character development! It was like watching baby grow up but in a way, readers are blessed with two tales of self-actualization. Two storylines – one a young girl fleeing a past and running into an uncertain future; and generations later, another young girl looking to the past to help guide her future; both unsure of who they want to be but most importantly, who they truly are. The back and forth between timelines and use of diary entries was captivating. And if you like descriptive scenes – check! ✔︎ The details Williams uses to illustrate each scene is impeccable! Kathryn Williams is truly an astounding storyteller and one can’t help but feel both transported to another time and captivated by the story. A must read!

According to her own website, https://www.kathrynwilliamsbooks.com/, the author has written “four young adult novels, a handful of bestselling Disney junior novelizations, and a humorous guide to living with roommates. “

She shared on her website that she “finds inspiration in the woods, by the water, in antique stores full of old stuff, and at The Telling Room, a nonprofit creative writing center where she helps kids and teens write and publish their own stories.”

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