To Dream of Snow

November 1, 2004
Adult/High School-Marguerite, an expert needlewoman, becomes the personal embroiderer for Empress Elizabeth and makes friends with her daughter-in-law, who will later become Catherine the Great. The political intrigue, unusual royal personalities, and Marguerite's personal life keep the plot moving quickly. She has three male friends; will one become her husband? The period and the Russian winter truly come to life as Laker brings in the setting and the background gradually and painlessly. Although there are many characters, they are all well drawn. Readers get to know the common people through the lives of the seamstresses, and become all too familiar with the excesses of power, drink, and wealth of the royalty. These latter personalities are intriguing; some students may be motivated to do additional research because what seems like fiction is actually true. An excellent choice for students learning about Imperial Russia.-Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2004
Marguerite Laurent's embroidery designs have caught the eye of the Russian empress. Upset that a French countess' dress should outshine her own, the empress decrees that when the countess comes to Russia, she must bring her embroiderer. Although warned that the empress has a cruel temper and that the journey will be long and arduous, Marguerite sets out with several embroiderers. Once there she realizes that the empress is just as temperamental as everyone says, but Marguerite won't be deterred and becomes very successful. Even though she's working herself to the bone, she is noticed and desired by three very different men. Tom is an English gardener who reminds Marguerite of her lost love, Konstantin is a colonel in the Russian army who helps her navigate court life, and Jan is a Dutch art dealer and a dear friend. But Marguerite is extremely independent and need not choose anyone. As her heroine wends her way through perilous times, readers will be swept along with her in Laker's latest compelling tale.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)