Queen of Someday by Sherry Ficklin

 

Blurb from Goodreads:
ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

I love any book that makes me scramble for my history book. At first I didn't know this was about Catherine the Great. So I researched and found out some really cool and interesting things. This book did a fantastic job of showing how a young, confused teenager could grow into one of the most famous Empresses in Russian history. My only complaint is that the books was too short. There could have been a lot more court intrigue and delving into the background of Empress Elizabeth (who also had a fascinating road to the throne). In a time when women were not treated as equals, it is refreshing to see a female character who takes charge of her own destiny rather than allowing circumstances and other people to decide for her. I don't know if this book was historically accurate - no one can know for sure - but things could have unfolded in this manner.

I hated the cover. It seemed more like an adult romance cover. I almost didn't pick this one up because of it. I hope the next one more accurately reflects the book.

I will definitely be looking forward to the next one (especially to see Peter get his comeuppance).