In Person - Historical Fiction Book Club: "The Romanov Brides" by Clare McHugh

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 11:00 AM—12:00 PM Cheever Conference Room Ashland Public Library 66 Front St, Ashland, MA, 01721 Join the conversation as we discuss The Romanov Brides : a novel of the last tsarina and her sisters, "a rich novel about young Princess Alix of Hesse—the future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russia—and her sister, Princess Ella. Their decision to marry into the Romanov royal family changed history. They were granddaughters of Queen Victoria and two of the most beautiful princesses in Europe. Princesses Alix and Ella were destined to wed well and wisely. But while their grandmother wants to join them to the English and German royal families, the sisters fall in love with Russia—and the Romanovs. Defying the Queen’s dire warnings, Ella weds the tsar’s brother, Grand Duke Serge. Cultivated, aloof, and proud, Serge places his young wife on a pedestal for all to admire. Behind palace gates, Ella struggles to secure private happiness. Alix, whisked away to Russia for Ella’s wedding, meets and captivates Nicky—heir apparent to the Russian throne. While loving him deeply, Alix hears a call of conscience, urging her to walk away. Their fateful decisions to marry will lead to tragic consequences for not only themselves and their families, but for millions in Russia and around the globe. The Romanov Brides is a moving and fascinating portrait of two bold and spirited royal sisters, and brings to vivid life imperial Russia—a dazzling, decadent world on the brink of disappearing forever." We'll have copies of the book at the library for you to borrow or you can order it from our online catalog. Sign up for our Ashland Public Library Newsletters! Return to Main Calendar Register online between 7/24/2026 9:00 AM and 11/10/2026 11:00 AM.