A fine observer, the author portrays the intricacies of society, the state of the nation and the army, the political context, and the complexity of diplomatic maneuvers-all woven into a grand fresco, whose steady balance is sustained by the delicate thread of a love story. This love, blossoming and enduring, gives the book a perfectly rounded arc, leaving the reader with a deep sense of optimism-life goes on. Starting from real historical events, real people and public figures, and adding carefully imagined fictional characters, David Kimel, through this book, brings a heartfelt tribute to Queen Marie of Romania-a gesture of respect and gratitude toward those royals who gave more to their subject than what they received.