The Star of Kazan – Eva Ibbotson

Annika was found by Sigrid and Ellie in a church in the mountains while the two were on their annual weekend away from their job as maid and cook for three professors in Vienna. A note asked to take the baby to the nuns in Vienna. But the nuns were under quarantine, and by the time that was lifted, Annika had already enchanted the entire household, and so she stayed.

Annika’s happy in her home, and everyone in the neighborhood adores her as she grows up there. But any girl will dream of meeting her mother, and one day, that mother appeared. Annika was suddenly a member of a noble German family, and was whisked off her mother’s estate. Once there, it’s clear that things aren’t quite what they seem.

There are no real surprises in this story – it’s a tale you’ve heard before. But it’s also a loving tribute to Vienna, and to horses, and asks some interesting questions about who your family really is, or should be. It’s a nice little YA book – I’d give it to my nieces in a heartbeat.