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Ever After Mysteries #8
Slashed Canvas
Held prisoner by all she’s lost, Katarina’s about to lose all she has.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova barely escaped the Russian revolution, arriving in Paris just before the birth of her twin daughters. With her heart still captive in her homeland, she haunts the Louvre each day, spending hours gazing at one painting, lost in her pain.
Not the man he once was, Timothy Smythe never returned home to England after the Great War. Instead, he hides himself away doing maintenance in the Louvre and watching the beautiful woman whose pain seems riveted on one painting.
When Katarina returns home to find her daughters and their nanny missing, the loss opens her eyes to all she has to lose now.
Frantic to find her girls, her distress causes Timothy to offer his assistance. Together they put together clues to a puzzle they must complete before the kidnapper ensures Katarina and her daughters are never reunited.
Slashed Canvas offers a retelling of The Lost Princess that mingles self-centered grief, spoiled little girls, and proof that nothing will stop a mother from saving her children.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova barely escaped the Russian revolution, arriving in Paris just before the birth of her twin daughters. With her heart still captive in her homeland, she haunts the Louvre each day, spending hours gazing at one painting, lost in her pain.
Not the man he once was, Timothy Smythe never returned home to England after the Great War. Instead, he hides himself away doing maintenance in the Louvre and watching the beautiful woman whose pain seems riveted on one painting.
When Katarina returns home to find her daughters and their nanny missing, the loss opens her eyes to all she has to lose now.
Frantic to find her girls, her distress causes Timothy to offer his assistance. Together they put together clues to a puzzle they must complete before the kidnapper ensures Katarina and her daughters are never reunited.
Slashed Canvas offers a retelling of The Lost Princess that mingles self-centered grief, spoiled little girls, and proof that nothing will stop a mother from saving her children.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Liz Tolsma
40 books1,779 followersLiz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a recent college graduate. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 8, 2022
This is book number eight in the Ever After Mysteries series.
Once I started this book I was very intrigued and had a hard time putting it down.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova never expected her life to turn out the way it did when she was a child. I guess you could say that about all of us.
Barely escaping the Russian revolution she arrives in Paris to give birth to twins.
She is not a strong woman having been coddled her whole life.
Her past haunts her, how she misses her husband and years to return to her homeland.
Spending her days at the Louvre each day she pays particular attention to one painting in particular. What is the significance of this painting and why does it draw her in?
I'd have to say my favorite character is Timothy Smythe, a maintenance worker in the Louvre. The war left him with one leg. He sees how the Princess suffers every day at the painting.
He is a wonderful and gives the perfect example of why you should never judge a book by it's cover.
A kidnapping has Katarina devastated and it forces her to reexamine who she is and who she wants to become. It makes her a stronger person both mentally and spiritually giving her the wake up call she needs.
I enjoyed this book a lot because I always feel immersed in this author's work when I read it. It's very authentic.
Publish date Feb 1 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Once I started this book I was very intrigued and had a hard time putting it down.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova never expected her life to turn out the way it did when she was a child. I guess you could say that about all of us.
Barely escaping the Russian revolution she arrives in Paris to give birth to twins.
She is not a strong woman having been coddled her whole life.
Her past haunts her, how she misses her husband and years to return to her homeland.
Spending her days at the Louvre each day she pays particular attention to one painting in particular. What is the significance of this painting and why does it draw her in?
I'd have to say my favorite character is Timothy Smythe, a maintenance worker in the Louvre. The war left him with one leg. He sees how the Princess suffers every day at the painting.
He is a wonderful and gives the perfect example of why you should never judge a book by it's cover.
A kidnapping has Katarina devastated and it forces her to reexamine who she is and who she wants to become. It makes her a stronger person both mentally and spiritually giving her the wake up call she needs.
I enjoyed this book a lot because I always feel immersed in this author's work when I read it. It's very authentic.
Publish date Feb 1 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 7, 2022
This is a wonderful historical with not your usual fairytale princess. Katarina is a Russian princess who had to flee to France after her beloved husband was killed in the Revolution. She had her twin girls only after she fled Russia to settle in an apartment in Paris. She sits daily in the Louvre, staring at a painting that has special significance.
This story was so interesting that it had me searching for information on Katarina and the painting. What a pleasant surprise to find both were the result of the active imagination of the author. Ms. Tolsma makes her characters and setting seem so authentic. I sat right there with Katarina and gazed at that painting. You could feel her despair and longing for her lost love and home country.
Georges, a neighbor who has lost his leg in the war, befriends Katarina. He is a perfect but flawed hero. He shows compassion to her and lends his godly wisdom. Together, they go through scary times. During a catastrophe, Katarina regains the faith that she has buried because of her grief.
A refreshing tale based on The Lost Princess.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This story was so interesting that it had me searching for information on Katarina and the painting. What a pleasant surprise to find both were the result of the active imagination of the author. Ms. Tolsma makes her characters and setting seem so authentic. I sat right there with Katarina and gazed at that painting. You could feel her despair and longing for her lost love and home country.
Georges, a neighbor who has lost his leg in the war, befriends Katarina. He is a perfect but flawed hero. He shows compassion to her and lends his godly wisdom. Together, they go through scary times. During a catastrophe, Katarina regains the faith that she has buried because of her grief.
A refreshing tale based on The Lost Princess.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
March 14, 2022
This story has a lot of interesting things going on to hold your interest. So much mystery surrounding the events taking place. I wanted to keep reading to see what was really going on and who was behind the mystery.
I will say I had trouble connecting with the book overall. Even though the premise was interesting the style didn’t resonate with me. I have read many books by Liz and love them all but for some reason this was different for me and I can’t even put my finger on why. It was still interesting just a different style then what I am used to.
If you like a good mystery this might be a book you want to tryout. It was a quick read.
A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I will say I had trouble connecting with the book overall. Even though the premise was interesting the style didn’t resonate with me. I have read many books by Liz and love them all but for some reason this was different for me and I can’t even put my finger on why. It was still interesting just a different style then what I am used to.
If you like a good mystery this might be a book you want to tryout. It was a quick read.
A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2022
This was my first book by the author. I enjoyed the idea of a Russian refugee in France after the First World War and the painting aspects. However, it wasn’t my favourite read. I found Katarina hard to sympathise with, and I called the culprit halfway through the story. Georges was a sweet guy…probably my favourite part of the book!
March 15, 2022
This is an intriguing novella that is loosely based on The Lost Princess fairytale and author Liz Tolsma has filled it with historical details and life lessons that are important to remember. Princess Katerina lives with her six-year-old twin daughters in Paris, but she's still caught up in the tragic events that claimed her husband's life and forced her to flee Russia. To say that she's spoiled her children is an understatement, and I couldn't believe that an adult had absolutely no control over her small children. It is when her daughters are kidnapped, and she fears that she'll never see them again, that she finally understands that good parenting includes instruction and discipline. Will she be able to put her new knowledge into practice, or are her daughters gone forever?
I enjoyed being introduced to this famous fairytale and also learning more about the Russian Revolution. It's apparent that Tolsma thoroughly researched Russian nobility, their culture, and the revolution for her creation of this fascinating tale. Believable characters, dangerous circumstances, and lots of suspense and mystery make Slashed Canvas a novella that you don't want to miss!
I received a copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
I enjoyed being introduced to this famous fairytale and also learning more about the Russian Revolution. It's apparent that Tolsma thoroughly researched Russian nobility, their culture, and the revolution for her creation of this fascinating tale. Believable characters, dangerous circumstances, and lots of suspense and mystery make Slashed Canvas a novella that you don't want to miss!
I received a copy from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
February 7, 2022
No one’s life ever turns out like they planned when they were a child.
Princess Katarina Volstova learned this lesson as a young woman - never expecting to live her life without her husband, Alexander and certainly not as a single mother to twins. The fingers of grief for a life long lost found her at the Louvre every day, gazing at a picture of life in Russia. Lack of training for motherhood, left her young daughters without discipline and respect for those around them.
Kidnapping and the mystery of the painting will keep you trying to figure out what is really going on in this story. Why is this painting so important and who slashed that canvas as it hung in this most prestigious art gallery? Why a kidnapping?
This digital copy was received through BookFunnel and Celebrate Lit Publishing. These comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
Princess Katarina Volstova learned this lesson as a young woman - never expecting to live her life without her husband, Alexander and certainly not as a single mother to twins. The fingers of grief for a life long lost found her at the Louvre every day, gazing at a picture of life in Russia. Lack of training for motherhood, left her young daughters without discipline and respect for those around them.
Kidnapping and the mystery of the painting will keep you trying to figure out what is really going on in this story. Why is this painting so important and who slashed that canvas as it hung in this most prestigious art gallery? Why a kidnapping?
This digital copy was received through BookFunnel and Celebrate Lit Publishing. These comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
February 27, 2022
A wonderful retelling of George MacDonald's The lost Princess. Katarina, a Russian princess, has fled to Paris during the Russian Revolution. Her grief for the loss of her husband and life in Russia has her living a life withdrawn from her daughters. After her twin daughters are kidnapped, she receives help from a most unexpected person.
I love the many twists this story takes. In true MacDonald fashion, the moral of the fairytale is prevalent throughout. I also loved the mystery surrounding a painting in the Louvre and the role it takes in the story. As she searches for her daughters, Katarina rethinks her priorities and discovers what is most important in life.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love the many twists this story takes. In true MacDonald fashion, the moral of the fairytale is prevalent throughout. I also loved the mystery surrounding a painting in the Louvre and the role it takes in the story. As she searches for her daughters, Katarina rethinks her priorities and discovers what is most important in life.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 14, 2022
Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma is a fairytale retelling of a tale that I am frankly, unfamiliar with. But very timely, since it involves Russian refugees, fleeing the Bolshevik revolution, who are in exile, and desiring to go return to the homeland.
The character development of Princess Katerina Volstova is a joy to see, as she evolves from a totally self-absorbed, vain, woe-is-me-persona. Only the presence of God, whose name is often called upon for help, and that of a good friend, perhaps “God with skin on” can help. We meet two very dissimilar people, who discover that they can help each other if they can put aside society’s expectations and view each other through the Father’s eyes.
However, Tolsma has twists up her sleeve. Several, that she tosses out like red steaks to a chasing dog, making it difficult to ferret out the evil from the good. I wasn’t sure of the true culprit until almost the last page.
A romance, a happily-ever-after, a tragedy, a fairytale, an inspiration. Like swirls of a paintbrush on a canvas, the elements are so well plotted that they combine to create a picture that I will be musing in my mind for some time to come.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
The character development of Princess Katerina Volstova is a joy to see, as she evolves from a totally self-absorbed, vain, woe-is-me-persona. Only the presence of God, whose name is often called upon for help, and that of a good friend, perhaps “God with skin on” can help. We meet two very dissimilar people, who discover that they can help each other if they can put aside society’s expectations and view each other through the Father’s eyes.
However, Tolsma has twists up her sleeve. Several, that she tosses out like red steaks to a chasing dog, making it difficult to ferret out the evil from the good. I wasn’t sure of the true culprit until almost the last page.
A romance, a happily-ever-after, a tragedy, a fairytale, an inspiration. Like swirls of a paintbrush on a canvas, the elements are so well plotted that they combine to create a picture that I will be musing in my mind for some time to come.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
March 8, 2022
Slashed Canvas, by Liz Tolsma, is a one-of-a-kind and distinctive reiteration of The Lost Princess. It's also the eighth installment of the "Ever After Mysteries." It may, however, easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
After the death of her husband in the Russian revolution and just before the birth of her twins, Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova fled to Paris, France. She never felt at ease among the strangers and does very little to try and fit in. However, she goes to the Louvre daily, spending many hours in quiet reflection.
Every day, Georges Velvey, a disabled military veteran, works at the Louvre and sees Katarina there every day. Naturally, his curiosity is piqued when it comes to this lovely and mysterious woman.
From the start, the plot is engrossing and intriguing. The story is interesting, but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, it didn't quite click with me. This is the only Tolsma story I've read that wasn't part of an historical or romance anthology. Nonetheless, if I had been more interested in murder mysteries and intrigue, I would have appreciated and enjoyed the tale more. Don’t let my reservations stop you from reading Slashed Canvas. I believe I went into the novel expecting one thing and receiving another, which is entirely my mistake and not the author’s.
Slashed Canvas is an absorbing book to spend an afternoon or evening perusing.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
After the death of her husband in the Russian revolution and just before the birth of her twins, Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova fled to Paris, France. She never felt at ease among the strangers and does very little to try and fit in. However, she goes to the Louvre daily, spending many hours in quiet reflection.
Every day, Georges Velvey, a disabled military veteran, works at the Louvre and sees Katarina there every day. Naturally, his curiosity is piqued when it comes to this lovely and mysterious woman.
From the start, the plot is engrossing and intriguing. The story is interesting, but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, it didn't quite click with me. This is the only Tolsma story I've read that wasn't part of an historical or romance anthology. Nonetheless, if I had been more interested in murder mysteries and intrigue, I would have appreciated and enjoyed the tale more. Don’t let my reservations stop you from reading Slashed Canvas. I believe I went into the novel expecting one thing and receiving another, which is entirely my mistake and not the author’s.
Slashed Canvas is an absorbing book to spend an afternoon or evening perusing.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
March 4, 2022
The is a novella loosely based on the fairy tale, The Lost Princess. The original tale included two very spoiled children from different families. In this novella, both children are in the same family but, my goodness, they are spoiled. So the details of the tale might be different but the major lesson on responsible parenting is the same. I like how Tolsma chose a setting of Paris with the irresponsible parent being a Russian princess who escaped the revolution.
That this is a fairy tale is evident in that Katarina, the exiled Russian princess, had plenty of money to sustain her in Paris. As Tolsma reveals in her Author's Note, that was not the case for most Russian nobles who escaped the 1917 revolution. I certainly appreciate Tolsma's attention to historical and cultural detail. It made reading this novella an informative as well as entertaining experience.
There are other important lessons beside the parenting one in this fairy tale. One is that we cannot live in the past. There is a time we must go forward and let the past go. Another is not to discount a person because of a disability. I like the good life lessons, good historical setting and skilled writing by Tolsma.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novella through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
That this is a fairy tale is evident in that Katarina, the exiled Russian princess, had plenty of money to sustain her in Paris. As Tolsma reveals in her Author's Note, that was not the case for most Russian nobles who escaped the 1917 revolution. I certainly appreciate Tolsma's attention to historical and cultural detail. It made reading this novella an informative as well as entertaining experience.
There are other important lessons beside the parenting one in this fairy tale. One is that we cannot live in the past. There is a time we must go forward and let the past go. Another is not to discount a person because of a disability. I like the good life lessons, good historical setting and skilled writing by Tolsma.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novella through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 22, 2022
This book slipped into the spot of one of my favorites. Why you ask? It contains so many elements that resonate and hold my interest. I’m invested in the outcome on page one. Paris, a princess, a painting, and a deep sadness. Since I’ve been to the Louvre Museum many times, I can imagine myself sitting in a gallery, studying a painting. I walk the streets with Katarina, the heroine, as she lives a ghost of a life.
What a hard life to flee your birth country during a revolution and watch life drain from loved ones. How would I mange such bloodshed? Would I cling to what I do have? Search for purpose and meaning in a new country? Everyone needs someone to love and someone who loves back. Life is hard enough without those two things. But what if even that is yanked away?
Journey with a forgotten princess in Paris, a city of romance, danger, hope, love, and light. Bravo Liz Tolsma.
What a hard life to flee your birth country during a revolution and watch life drain from loved ones. How would I mange such bloodshed? Would I cling to what I do have? Search for purpose and meaning in a new country? Everyone needs someone to love and someone who loves back. Life is hard enough without those two things. But what if even that is yanked away?
Journey with a forgotten princess in Paris, a city of romance, danger, hope, love, and light. Bravo Liz Tolsma.
March 24, 2022
I’ve grown to love the books in this series and look forward to them. They are fairy tale retellings but not blatant or direct. The characters here really well written and I like the flow of the story. There is also the 'don't judge a book by it's cover' in the story and I loved that character. :)
Katarina never expected to live her life the way she is or where she is. A single mother of twins without her husband. There is a lot that goes on in the book and I was pulled in quickly. This was a book that once I started, I got into it and truly didn’t want to put it down I enjoyed it from start to finish.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Katarina never expected to live her life the way she is or where she is. A single mother of twins without her husband. There is a lot that goes on in the book and I was pulled in quickly. This was a book that once I started, I got into it and truly didn’t want to put it down I enjoyed it from start to finish.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
March 22, 2022
I wanted to read this book because I’ve enjoyed other books by this author. I didn’t realize this was book eight in the Ever After Mystery series. Each book stands alone and takes readers on mysterious adventures.
I enjoyed this gripping tale that is a retelling of The Lost Princess. I enjoyed many lines in this novel touched my heart, this is one of them, “No one’s life ever turns out like they planned when they were a child.” Both main characters grapple with this truth.
I liked how the author allows readers to walk in Katarina shoes. She was a Russian princess who narrowly escaped from France during the Revolution, where her husband was killed. She has two beautiful girls to take care. Furthermore, she lives in an apartment in Paris near the Louvre. Not only that, she visits the Louvre daily. She seeks the comfort in a special painting, it depicts her homeland. I loved how the author took readers into the Louvre with Katarina. I liked her appreciation and love of art. I also liked how the author used this painting to uncover clues to the unthinkable mystery Katarina and Georges try to unravel.
I liked Georges, inner struggle as he deals with navigating life with one leg that he lost in the war. He is struggling with flashbacks of war and his perspective on himself. He reaches out to Katarina as she visits the art museum where he works. She is stuck emotionally, too. I enjoyed how these two characters learn what true love is as they work past their pain to help those that need them most. It’s a gripping tale you won’t soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
I enjoyed this gripping tale that is a retelling of The Lost Princess. I enjoyed many lines in this novel touched my heart, this is one of them, “No one’s life ever turns out like they planned when they were a child.” Both main characters grapple with this truth.
I liked how the author allows readers to walk in Katarina shoes. She was a Russian princess who narrowly escaped from France during the Revolution, where her husband was killed. She has two beautiful girls to take care. Furthermore, she lives in an apartment in Paris near the Louvre. Not only that, she visits the Louvre daily. She seeks the comfort in a special painting, it depicts her homeland. I loved how the author took readers into the Louvre with Katarina. I liked her appreciation and love of art. I also liked how the author used this painting to uncover clues to the unthinkable mystery Katarina and Georges try to unravel.
I liked Georges, inner struggle as he deals with navigating life with one leg that he lost in the war. He is struggling with flashbacks of war and his perspective on himself. He reaches out to Katarina as she visits the art museum where he works. She is stuck emotionally, too. I enjoyed how these two characters learn what true love is as they work past their pain to help those that need them most. It’s a gripping tale you won’t soon forget.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
February 9, 2022
I really loved this story and could not put this book down. A Princess and her twin daughters flee Russia to escape after her husband is killed.She is in Paris France where she feels safe and then her children are kidnapped and their Nanny
dissappears.Katarina receives notes and clues in a painting but with no sign of her children
A man named Georges a janitor in a museum befriends her and tries to help.Will they find the children alive.
dissappears.Katarina receives notes and clues in a painting but with no sign of her children
A man named Georges a janitor in a museum befriends her and tries to help.Will they find the children alive.
March 8, 2022
The book is written so well I never put it down till I was finished. The details are exquisite as the author describes Russia. It was easy to picture the place where Grand Duchess Katarina was born. She never wanted for anything and as a child she was pretty spoiled. Her parents did spend quality time with her and she was disciplined when needed. All this is important as we delve deeper into her life.
After leaving her homeland she finds herself in Paris with identical twin girls to raise on her own. Her husband’s death is a tragedy that she may never get over. Her daughters were very spoiled, rude and prideful. Katarina doted on them but never disciplined them at all. How odd that she would not correct her children’s behavior when she wasn’t raised that why. Her heart is so broken that all she thinks about is a painting on display at the Louvre. Why does she go there everyday? It is said, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so what was this painting trying to tell her? The painting starts to become like an idol to her and her children are left at home with a nanny most of the time.
Georges is the highlight for me in the story. This man is humbled and never complains about the injury he got while in service to his country. His disability never slows him down and I admired how much he wanted to help Katarina. Seeing her everyday staring at a painting makes him curious. I loved how the author brings these two characters together.
The story is emotional and has lessons on loss, letting go of the past and finding peace. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have till we lose it. Katarina discovers that it is time to lay the memory of her husband to rest. My heart ached for her as she has this moment with God that is honest and inspiring. Saying goodbye to a loved one you have lost has to be one of the hardest things anyone has to endure.
The mystery of who kidnapped Katarina’s children is masterfully written as clues pop up throughout the story. I did think that perhaps it was somehow connected to teaching Katarina a lesson, but I couldn’t figure out who was behind the kidnapping. The story is filled with suspense, murder and an unlikely person who wants to teach Katarina a lesson.
I did have to refresh my memory of the fairy tale this book was based on. I love how the author took her own creative outlook and produced a story that far outshines the original fairy tale. Thank you for reminding me to never forget the people I have lost but to also be thankful for the lessons I have learned to become stronger and that you are always there in my weakest moments.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
After leaving her homeland she finds herself in Paris with identical twin girls to raise on her own. Her husband’s death is a tragedy that she may never get over. Her daughters were very spoiled, rude and prideful. Katarina doted on them but never disciplined them at all. How odd that she would not correct her children’s behavior when she wasn’t raised that why. Her heart is so broken that all she thinks about is a painting on display at the Louvre. Why does she go there everyday? It is said, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so what was this painting trying to tell her? The painting starts to become like an idol to her and her children are left at home with a nanny most of the time.
Georges is the highlight for me in the story. This man is humbled and never complains about the injury he got while in service to his country. His disability never slows him down and I admired how much he wanted to help Katarina. Seeing her everyday staring at a painting makes him curious. I loved how the author brings these two characters together.
The story is emotional and has lessons on loss, letting go of the past and finding peace. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have till we lose it. Katarina discovers that it is time to lay the memory of her husband to rest. My heart ached for her as she has this moment with God that is honest and inspiring. Saying goodbye to a loved one you have lost has to be one of the hardest things anyone has to endure.
The mystery of who kidnapped Katarina’s children is masterfully written as clues pop up throughout the story. I did think that perhaps it was somehow connected to teaching Katarina a lesson, but I couldn’t figure out who was behind the kidnapping. The story is filled with suspense, murder and an unlikely person who wants to teach Katarina a lesson.
I did have to refresh my memory of the fairy tale this book was based on. I love how the author took her own creative outlook and produced a story that far outshines the original fairy tale. Thank you for reminding me to never forget the people I have lost but to also be thankful for the lessons I have learned to become stronger and that you are always there in my weakest moments.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
March 11, 2022
Slashed Canvas is book 8 in the Ever After Mysteries series. The series is written by different authors but is tied together by the retelling of fairy tale themes. This story is based off the Lost Princess. One of my favorite things about this author is her ability to teach history through her story.
Princess Katarina had to flee Russia during the Russian Revolution. Her husband has been killed and she is in a foreign land pregnant with twin girls. The story opens up on the girls 6th birthday. Katarina goes to the Louvre every day and stares at a painting. Then goes home to relieve the nanny. The girls are full of energy. The nanny and the cook both tell Katarina that they need discipline and their mother. However, Katarina does not know how to be a mother. She was raised in royalty.
Suddenly the girls disappear. The police do not take her seriously. Her only ally is the new janitor, Georges. He sees the pain in her eyes and they form a friendship and he assists her in looking for clues and a sign of her daughter. Will Katarina be able to find her girls, or has someone from her previous life made them disappear.
I learned a lot about the Russian Revolution. The author did careful research to ensure that the book was as real feeling as possible. In the end of the book she separates fact from fiction. The story is 162 pages long and I was able to read the book within a few hours. The characters are well written and the story flows off the page.
I have truly enjoyed the Ever After Mysteries series. I have enjoyed seeing familiar stories retold and finding some new fairy tales.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read this story.
Princess Katarina had to flee Russia during the Russian Revolution. Her husband has been killed and she is in a foreign land pregnant with twin girls. The story opens up on the girls 6th birthday. Katarina goes to the Louvre every day and stares at a painting. Then goes home to relieve the nanny. The girls are full of energy. The nanny and the cook both tell Katarina that they need discipline and their mother. However, Katarina does not know how to be a mother. She was raised in royalty.
Suddenly the girls disappear. The police do not take her seriously. Her only ally is the new janitor, Georges. He sees the pain in her eyes and they form a friendship and he assists her in looking for clues and a sign of her daughter. Will Katarina be able to find her girls, or has someone from her previous life made them disappear.
I learned a lot about the Russian Revolution. The author did careful research to ensure that the book was as real feeling as possible. In the end of the book she separates fact from fiction. The story is 162 pages long and I was able to read the book within a few hours. The characters are well written and the story flows off the page.
I have truly enjoyed the Ever After Mysteries series. I have enjoyed seeing familiar stories retold and finding some new fairy tales.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read this story.
March 25, 2022
What a fun story. This is very unique and full of mystery and suspense that keeps you reading. Not the suspense of murders galore and a killer on the loose, but the suspense of a kidnapping and a displaced “princess”.
I’ve never read The Lost Princess but now I think I’m going to have to search for a copy.
I loved meeting Katarina. She was a grand duchess. But now she’s without a country due to the Russian Revolution. As she makes a new life in Paris she is still caught in the past. She hasn’t been able to move forward despite the birth of her twins.
When her twins are kidnapped she finally sees what the life around her was like and what she will be missing if she can’t find her twins.
Add in one good maintenance man who has been watching her and knows she has faced hardship, who also wants to help her find her missing daughters and their nanny.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it and the entire series to you. This author is amazing and all of her books have the ability to draw me in and trap me within the pages. Too bad I don’t have unlimited time to read! She has some amazing WWII historical fiction that I have loved so make sure to check that out too.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I’ve never read The Lost Princess but now I think I’m going to have to search for a copy.
I loved meeting Katarina. She was a grand duchess. But now she’s without a country due to the Russian Revolution. As she makes a new life in Paris she is still caught in the past. She hasn’t been able to move forward despite the birth of her twins.
When her twins are kidnapped she finally sees what the life around her was like and what she will be missing if she can’t find her twins.
Add in one good maintenance man who has been watching her and knows she has faced hardship, who also wants to help her find her missing daughters and their nanny.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it and the entire series to you. This author is amazing and all of her books have the ability to draw me in and trap me within the pages. Too bad I don’t have unlimited time to read! She has some amazing WWII historical fiction that I have loved so make sure to check that out too.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
February 8, 2022
I found this story gripping right from the start. A Princess who had escaped from Russia when her husband was killed in front of her ran to Paris, where her husband had previously set things up for them to flee to. She gave birth to twin girls right after she got to Paris. She was pretty much still in shock 6 years later. She always been taken care of, had not been brought up to do anything, including take care of her girls. It wasn't done in Nobility. To feel more secure, she spent her days at the Louvre where a painting from her country hung, just looking at it. It was the only peace that she had in her life. Even though they lived in the same building, Georges got to know her there when he took over the job as janitor at the Louvre. He was a wounded war Vet on crutches, this a better job than he was able to find before. When her children are kidnapped, they become closer as they look for clues. Through it all she is brought to reality and begins to learn and change. She also brought him strength. Great story straight through. Quick read.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LisTolsma #SlashedCanvas #ChristianHistoricalFiction
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LisTolsma #SlashedCanvas #ChristianHistoricalFiction
March 15, 2022
What I think you should know:
Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma is part of the Ever After Mysteries. The series consists of standalone novels set in the 1920s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story is set in 1920’s Paris and is based on The Lost Princess.
What you might need to know:
Katarina’s husband was murdered during the Russian Revolution, she struggles not only with losing him, but also with losing her beloved homeland.
Georges lost his leg during WWI.
What I think about this book:
This was a very different take on The Lost Princess than I have seen before, instead of a little girl who is smuggled out of Russia Katarina was already married and expecting a child of her own when she had to flee her homeland. I found Katrina’s character very difficult to connect with at the beginning of the story. She was so lost in her grief that she failed to see what she still had. It was interesting to see how Tolsma used Olga and Anna’s kidnapping to open Katarina’s eyes. Georges was easier for me to connect with, I appreciated his character from the beginning. At times I wanted more of the mystery and clues than was given.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma is part of the Ever After Mysteries. The series consists of standalone novels set in the 1920s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story is set in 1920’s Paris and is based on The Lost Princess.
What you might need to know:
Katarina’s husband was murdered during the Russian Revolution, she struggles not only with losing him, but also with losing her beloved homeland.
Georges lost his leg during WWI.
What I think about this book:
This was a very different take on The Lost Princess than I have seen before, instead of a little girl who is smuggled out of Russia Katarina was already married and expecting a child of her own when she had to flee her homeland. I found Katrina’s character very difficult to connect with at the beginning of the story. She was so lost in her grief that she failed to see what she still had. It was interesting to see how Tolsma used Olga and Anna’s kidnapping to open Katarina’s eyes. Georges was easier for me to connect with, I appreciated his character from the beginning. At times I wanted more of the mystery and clues than was given.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2022
Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma is a compelling Christian historical mystery that intrigued me from the start. It is the eighth book in the Ever After Mysteries but can be read as a stand-alone.
World War I robbed many people of their loved ones. Those who returned were battle scarred, sometimes physically, normally emotionally. The city of Paris refused to see past damaged bodies, leaving war heroes no choice but to take the menial jobs.
Paris was a sanctuary for those fleeing the crumbling Russia of Czar Nicholas II. Lives were traumatized by visions experienced due to circumstances of birth as the people rose up against the nobility.
The characters were well drawn and likable. The two lead characters were damaged goods who needed love and re-ordered priorities.
There is a mystery to solve. Try as I might, I could not guess the perpetrator.
Family is important. There may be squabbles but blood unites.
Slashed Canvas was cleverly constructed, engaging me from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Celebrate Lit. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
World War I robbed many people of their loved ones. Those who returned were battle scarred, sometimes physically, normally emotionally. The city of Paris refused to see past damaged bodies, leaving war heroes no choice but to take the menial jobs.
Paris was a sanctuary for those fleeing the crumbling Russia of Czar Nicholas II. Lives were traumatized by visions experienced due to circumstances of birth as the people rose up against the nobility.
The characters were well drawn and likable. The two lead characters were damaged goods who needed love and re-ordered priorities.
There is a mystery to solve. Try as I might, I could not guess the perpetrator.
Family is important. There may be squabbles but blood unites.
Slashed Canvas was cleverly constructed, engaging me from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from Celebrate Lit. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 16, 2022
The Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova has had her entire world up-ended. Losing the love of her life, her husband she is rather on the run. Now she's in what we know as the City of Love, Paris. She gets to spend time in the world renowned Louvre, enjoying art and contemplating her life and loss, and the two babies she's carrying.
In an awful twist of events, her daughters and their nanny are kidnapped. But how much of a life can she put together while trying to solve the mysteries of what's happened to her, her family, and why? With the help of a man who's watched over her, she might find answers, and her children. Can she overcome her pride, her spoiled attitudes and became a much different woman? God is willing to change lives, but are these lives willing to change?
This is an excellent re-work of a lesser known fairytale and I feel that the author did a superior job of this, and gave us some twist, turns, and a good mystery as well.
A bit thank you to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains my thoughts about this book. A positive review is never required.
In an awful twist of events, her daughters and their nanny are kidnapped. But how much of a life can she put together while trying to solve the mysteries of what's happened to her, her family, and why? With the help of a man who's watched over her, she might find answers, and her children. Can she overcome her pride, her spoiled attitudes and became a much different woman? God is willing to change lives, but are these lives willing to change?
This is an excellent re-work of a lesser known fairytale and I feel that the author did a superior job of this, and gave us some twist, turns, and a good mystery as well.
A bit thank you to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains my thoughts about this book. A positive review is never required.
February 14, 2022
Slashed Canvas the eighth installment from the multi author series, Ever After Mysteries. I have enjoyed the previous books in the series and as a huge fan of Liz Tolsma, I could not wait to read it. I was far from being disappointed. It is probably my favorite of the eight I have read. I like how it is the retelling of The Lost Princess. I have always been fascinated by the Russian Revolution and was instantly intrigued with the character, Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova. The historical details of the book made me feel as though I was part of her world and travelled to Paris along with her. I just feel her heartache she experienced. As if she has gone through enough, she gets involved into more heart break. I thought that she and Georges made a perfect team together while they try to solve the mystery. I was hooked from the start, wanted to keep reading to see how it would all end for them and how it would be solved. Great way to spend a few hours. I loved it!
I am giving Slashed Canvas a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I hope there will be more books from the Ever After Mysteries series to be released in the future. As always, I will be looking more by Liz Tolsma.
I received a digital copy of Slashed Canvas from the publisher, but was not required a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Slashed Canvas a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I hope there will be more books from the Ever After Mysteries series to be released in the future. As always, I will be looking more by Liz Tolsma.
I received a digital copy of Slashed Canvas from the publisher, but was not required a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 19, 2022
Slashed Canvas was the perfect thing for a rainy, almost spring day while I wrapped myself in a blanket and nursed the sniffles. Liz Tolsma weave an excellent and intriguing story of a refugee heiress and a wounded soldier.
Their lives hadn’t turned out the way they hoped it would, circumstances leaving them both bitter and barely hanging on something that resembled security. The way they worked together, with out question, to solve a mystery was ingenious. Of course, I have now read several books by Liz Tolsma and have found her to be an amazing storyteller.
With the current state of our world in concerns to Russia, I found myself reflecting on how life in 1923 would be for someone who expected it to always remain the same. How much of our world today is the result of hopeful visionaries of the past? How far off the path have we gone? If only walls could talk…right?
***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher to read. The views expressed are my own. A glowing review was not required but freely given.
Their lives hadn’t turned out the way they hoped it would, circumstances leaving them both bitter and barely hanging on something that resembled security. The way they worked together, with out question, to solve a mystery was ingenious. Of course, I have now read several books by Liz Tolsma and have found her to be an amazing storyteller.
With the current state of our world in concerns to Russia, I found myself reflecting on how life in 1923 would be for someone who expected it to always remain the same. How much of our world today is the result of hopeful visionaries of the past? How far off the path have we gone? If only walls could talk…right?
***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher to read. The views expressed are my own. A glowing review was not required but freely given.
March 18, 2022
An intriguing plot and compelling tale, this historical story captured my mind and kept me engaged throughout. Of course, a foreign setting (Paris) with a royal Russian refugee can’t help but pique readers’ interest. Widowed Princess Katarina Volstova escaped the Russian Revolution, seeking shelter in France. Her spoiled young twin daughters also play an important role in this story. Although I suspected the actual guilty person, I had to read to the end to find out for sure. Transport yourself to 1920s Paris, visit the Louvre, and help solve this mystery. Along the way, your life may be transformed along with the characters, and you might learn some helpful life lessons. The author presented realistic details to help readers picture the setting and the events as they unfold. I didn’t even realized this was based on a fairy tale until after I read it—the story is exciting on its own. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
Imagine losing all your home and husband in Russia due to war. Then imagine having 6-year old twin daughters who constantly act up. Katarina lives such a life. Olga and Anna fail to respect those around them.
Katarina hides from her pain by visiting the Louvre Art Museum in order to look at art her deceased husband created. When her daughters disappear, she finds herself searching for God and relying on a janitor named Timothy to help her find her daughters.
This novel set in the 1920s and based around a fairytale captured my attention. I feel the author did an excellent job of character building and story building. So if you enjoy stories set in the past that involve tremendous growth in faith, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Katarina hides from her pain by visiting the Louvre Art Museum in order to look at art her deceased husband created. When her daughters disappear, she finds herself searching for God and relying on a janitor named Timothy to help her find her daughters.
This novel set in the 1920s and based around a fairytale captured my attention. I feel the author did an excellent job of character building and story building. So if you enjoy stories set in the past that involve tremendous growth in faith, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma is the eighth book in the Ever After Mysteries series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical fiction with suspense thrown in.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova is living in the past after barely surviving the Russian revolution. Living her daily life stuck in her grief she spends hours in the Louvre gazing at one painting in particular that reminds her of her home while missing all that she has lost already she is missing out on what is most important and right in front of her.
When Katarina's girls go missing Timothy Smythe offers his assistance in finding them. They work together solving the clues that will eventually reunite her with her daughters.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Grand Duchess Katarina Volstova is living in the past after barely surviving the Russian revolution. Living her daily life stuck in her grief she spends hours in the Louvre gazing at one painting in particular that reminds her of her home while missing all that she has lost already she is missing out on what is most important and right in front of her.
When Katarina's girls go missing Timothy Smythe offers his assistance in finding them. They work together solving the clues that will eventually reunite her with her daughters.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
March 8, 2022
I love Liz Tolsma’s historical fiction. She has a gift for putting readers right in the middle of a long-passed time and creating characters that evoke our emotions. I would have liked this story to be a full-length novel so that Tolsma could work her literary magic and transport me to 1920’s Paris. As it was, there just wasn’t enough time to build those characters and create believable conflict. It was a quick read with plenty of mystery and a dash of romance, and I enjoyed it, but it left me wanting more. I wanted to delve deeper into Katarina’s wounds and really experience her growth. I give this one 3.5/5 stars. I received a complimentary e-book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 14, 2022
This the story of a real Princes, Princess Katarina Volstova, a Russian Princess that fled during the Revolution, loosing her husband. She fled to France, where she gave birth to her twin daughters, but she is broken from all that has happened and the loss of her beloved husband and Country.
Then we are given a man that is broken, he has lost his leg in the great war, and Georges Velvey is working as a janitor at the Louvre.
I loved how these two hurting souls messed together in a desperate attempt to find Katarina’s kidnapped twins.
There are a lot of twists and turns here, and I enjoyed this fictional historical read!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
Then we are given a man that is broken, he has lost his leg in the great war, and Georges Velvey is working as a janitor at the Louvre.
I loved how these two hurting souls messed together in a desperate attempt to find Katarina’s kidnapped twins.
There are a lot of twists and turns here, and I enjoyed this fictional historical read!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 20, 2022
A rather enjoyable read by the wonderful Liz Tolsma. Her writing style works perfectly for this story and brings the reader along to a Russian wonderland full of drama, mystery, and faith. I've enjoyed all of the Ever After Mysteries, and this one is no exception. I loved how the author brought in aspects of the original fairy tale while making it new and fresh. What mother wouldn't risk it all to save her children? Seeing the world through Katarina's eyes created vivid details that enhanced the tale and ensured I did not want to leave anytime soon. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 23, 2022
This is a quick and good historical romance with some mystery added in. Katarina is depressed since she lost her husband and had to leave Russia. She is hard to like at first since she seems spoiled and she does not spend time with her twin daughters while she stares at a piece of art in the museum all day long. The twins are hard to like since they are spoiled and never told no. Both Katharine and Georges learn how to let their depression go during this short tale. I really enjoyed the ending. This is an emotional roller coaster. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
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