“This preternaturally absorbing intergenerational saga seamlessly weaves between two narratives set during peaks of modern Russian history… And in between, a lifetime’s worth of haunting mysteries shrouded in love, betrayal, secrets, danger, and lies.”

“…[A] masterly, unique, gripping novel.”

“A richly detailed first novel that blends passion and romance with the history of Russia… Like the iconic Matryoshka dolls that are an intrinsic part of Russian culture, the stories of Antonina, Katya and Rosie — grandmothers, mothers and daughters — fit one inside the other.”

“…a perfect tapestry of tragedy, romance, and survival…an absolutely mesmerizing read.”

“Historical fiction fans will love this.”

“...[P]owerfully affecting tale.”

“A hugely satisfying read, a sweeping tale of love and survival through the most turbulent years of Russian history...”

“Kristen Loesch masterfully weaves the two timelines together into a rich, compelling, utterly absorbing novel. I adored it!”

“Both propulsive and engaging, I didn’t know whether to speed up to find out what happened next, or slow down and savour the artful prose...”

“...an epic, dual timeline tale that deftly transports you to the Russian revolution and the life-altering crucible that came after it.”

“It reads like a detective story, feels like a fairy tale, and strikes readers like an enduring classic Russian masterpiece.”

“Kristen Loesch has created a lush and dangerous world where the truth is hidden in the strangest places. A gorgeous epic.”