I have been rereading parts of The Lost Crown lately, and I just have to say how much I love the relationship between the sisters. It is so heartwarming how they are always there for each other. Makes me wish I had a real-life sister!
Another thing that I am sure all of us Romanov history buffs smile at is how all those little things like the heights of OTMA and Alexei on the classroom wall, the friezes, the toys in Alexei's playroom, which general audience might think are invented, are complete accuracy. Also, the use of letters and quotes written by the Grand Duchesses to enhance the story are so wonderful. The beginning of one of Maria's Ekaterinburg chapters, the one whose opening paragraphs are taken from the letter about the birds, sunshine, the crosses on the domes... I just love that bit, knowing that the real Maria Nicholaevna truly wrote that, if in different wording.
The emotions are so distinct, the present-tense makes their feelings more relatable, in a way. A definite masterpiece of a novel!