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Historical Fiction
Destinies is a compelling, multi-layered story
of power, love, deceit and betrayal, and the extraordinary strength and determination
of the human spirit in common people thrown into uncommon situations.
Catherine II seizes the crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy’s life changes forever.
Uprooted from his home near the Rhine River and taken to a hostile land on the Russian steppes, Christian comes up against adversity and setbacks as he attempts to make a new life for himself and his family. His efforts at enlisting a blacksmith and Gypsies to help a Russian girl sold into servitude put all their lives in deadly peril.
Meanwhile, Catherine, in her new role as empress, is surrounded by court intrigue and secret plots to overthrow her; rumors of her lover’s infidelity; an army of wild Cossacks and escaped serfs thundering down on Saratov intent on burning the city, sacking Moscow and locking the empress in a convent.
Now Catherine must find a solution to the challenges she faces at court – as Christian must find his own solutions in the colonies.
KARLEENE MORROW grew up in an ethnic family and is a descendant of the German colonists whose history was the inspiration for this historical fiction novel, Destinies.
She holds a B.S. Honors, Sociology and M.S. Educational Psychology. With the first as the study of cultures, group social behavior and the latter addressing the mind and personal behavior, these disciplines proved beneficial in the writing and understanding of another people in another time.
Karleene shares her home at the beach in the Pacific Northwest with her Pomeranian dogs, Champion Raz Berrie, International Champion Rozzer, SoSo, Moxie, Poppi and Coco. She looks forward to receiving messages from her readers while she is at work on her next novel set in 18th century Virginia.
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5 Star Reviews
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The Kindle Book Review
This historical novel is written with such grace, compassion and attention to detail that it is like no other I have read before. The story is expressed from two viewpoints, Katherine II, Empress of Russia and Christian Kehler a young boy who departs Germany with his family for a better life in Russia. — Marilou George – The Kindle Book Review
Katherine II, Empress of Russia, offers free land and homes to those who come to Russia. She is a strong, complex woman who wishes to populate Russia’s Eastern frontier. Her personal love exploits provide a glimpse into her frailties and insecurities.
Christian Kehler is the main character in this story as he comes of age throughout the course of the book. Christian travels from Germany across the Rhine River with his family and neighboring families full of hope and determination. His journey is long and arduous as he encounters obstacles beyond his imagination. He is a strong, insightful and intelligent boy whose contribution to the journey and the eventual settlement of the people is invaluable.
The additional characters are rich in description and extremely well defined. They play an integral part is this story and add to its complexity. Each one experiences their own personal tragedies and triumphs. Each character has a personal story of their own which is portrayed with clarity, compassion and resolve.
The descriptive writing of the journey itself and the landscapes that are encountered are vividly drawn in such a way that you will make the journey as well. This story is very fast paced and surprises you at every turn of the page. I felt a great sense of compassion and trepidation for the characters in this story which is a direct result of the tremendous writing in this book.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. It is not merely a book of historical fiction but a book of families, hardships, love and determination. It portrays the best and worst of human nature and their struggle for survival.
Destinies by Karleene Morrow is truly a MUST READ.
Early Reviews
This extraordinary novel Destinies strikes a perfect balance between historical facts
and easy to read fiction. An enjoyable journey!
. . . Ulrike Bremer, Nye Beach Book House.
. . . in Destinies, whether she’s writing about the Empress of a great nation or a simple Rhineland lad,
Karleene Morrow puts the two together brilliantly.
. . . Mariah Matthews, author
