Royal Edge

The year is 1971. Blocks away from Princeton University and just days after his graduation, a young Michael meets Ella, an elderly woman living alone and in need of a housemate. Michael cannot refuse her offer of free lodging, since he hopes to stay in town and ride out the Vietnam War draft-a war that has already taken his friend's life.

As their friendship grows, Michael learns of Ella's remarkable past as a Russian countess: Ella is a descendent of Czar Alexander II. Michael finds his guide in Ella. Through her magnificent stories about her royal past, Michael gains a new perspective on his own life's direction.

Royal Edge tells the true story of a cherished friendship that explores themes that readers are sure to embrace-choosing how we want to live our lives no matter what our circumstances, accepting that there is so much we may never know about one another, enjoying life in times of uncertainty. The story of their friendship is one of a connection that has served the author throughout his entire life.

Michael Pepper graduated from Princeton University in 1971 where he majored in Architecture and Urban Planning. Throughout his career he has collaborated with architects, engineers and developers in bringing skyscraper dreams to reality. For many years he also taught Real Estate Development at Kellogg and Booth Graduate Schools of Business.