Heirs of Anton: Ekaterina

Rating:
Summary: An intriguing read
Review: Eileen Key, Book Reviewer
American born Ekaterina Moore, an adoption coordinator, travels to Russia in search of her own family history after she receives a package from a monk containing a mysterious key. Kat's grandfather reared her following her parents' death, but kept closely guarded secrets. The key unlocks her determination to find out what lies in the past. However, one step through customs embroils Kat in an adventure of intrigue and danger. The Russian FSB agent Captain Vadeem Spasonov believes her to be entangled with a smuggling group. His decision to oust her from the country makes Kat dig her heels in to stay. Only God and His protection keep Kat from jail and possible death.

This novel contains many twists and turns. Once the reader becomes familiar with the Russian character names it is an interesting story. Romance grows quickly because of the heightened danger and the similar needs of the heroine and her hero. Downs and Warren are familiar with Russia and provide a realistic setting. The plot unfolds in a believable manner to give the reader a real sense of satisfaction. Ekaterina is a book that will hook you and you will not want to put down.

Rating:
Summary: Ekaterina
Review: Ekaterina 'Kat' Moore has come to Russia from America to unlock the secret of her families past. A key, sent to her by a Russian monk that seems to be a friend of the family, is all she has to help her find what she is looking for.

However, Kat doesn't get far into her journey before she is confronted by her first obstacle. Watching a chance meeting between Kat and a known smuggler from an organization that has been stealing from Russia, FSB Agent Vadeem Spasonov believes that she has a connection with the group and takes her in for questioning. Deciding to use her to distract Vadeem, the smuggling group helps Kat to escape so she can continue to search for her families past. Vadeem chases after her, now sure she is part of the illegal group, and finds Kat just in time to save her from an attempt on her life.

I enjoyed this book so much. It has adventure, mystery, and romance. The whole plot was well written and all the characters were well developed. The romance between Kat and Vadeem was especially great. It wasn't overdone to the point of ridiculously sappy, like some books, but was simply sweet. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Nadia, which appears to be about Ekaterina's mother.

Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: Once I started reading Ekaterina, I couldn't put it down! The book is an enticing combination of gripping characters, foreign setting, and an intriguing plot. In short, this book has it all.

Kat Moore, orphan, travels to Russia to search for relatives and uncover the mystery surrounding her heritage. Though raised by her grandfather, Kat has little knowledge of her family history. Whenever the subject came up, the adults in her life became tight-lipped and secretive, telling her she was too young to know or that it was a dangerous subject to discuss.

When a Russian monk she's never even heard of mails her a key with no note of explanation, she decides to visit Russia and search for the answers her family has withheld from her for years. Little does she know that she's become a pawn in an international smuggling operation. From the moment she steps off the plane, she is shadowed by Russian authorities and criminals alike. Only by relying on her faith and her wits can she hope to accomplish her mission and leave Russia alive.

Rating:
Summary: "KAT" STRUGGLES TO FIND HER PAST IN RUSSIA TODAY
Review: Wow! What an intriguing and exciting way to spend two or three days of reading without being able to put a book down! (So only read it if you have the time!) Deeply spiritual in a country (Russia) known for its aethistic past these two protagonists meet and wonder if indeed their future might intersect no matter what reality seems to predict for them. "Kat" is searching for her past heritage while trying to stay alive from terrorists trying to rob Mother Russia of her treasures. Vadeem is an FSB agent (modern day KGB) strugging to keep Kat alive while desperately trying NOT to fall under her charms. Both Ms. Downs (an adoption agent who has traveled extensively through the country,) and Ms. Warren (a former missionary for eight years there,) weave an intriguing and romantically suspenseful tale.