Intriguing, but ends suddenly. ( )

The story centers around Karena Peshkova. Her dream is to attend medical school. Each year she is disappointed when her acceptance doesn't come. She has to be content to work along side her mother who is also a midwife.

Then Karena and Natalia go to visit her wealthy cousin Tatiana. That is where Karena meets Colonel Aleksandr Kronstadt (Alex). They are immediately attracted to one another but can't act on those feelings as he is promised to Tatiana (it's not a love match but a political one).

After they return home Karena continues to see images of Alex, though she trys hard to push them aside.

This is the year she hopes for an opening in the school. Her brother Sergei is in love with Ivanna Lenski. Ivanna and her mother both work at the college that Karena wants to attend. In hopes of making contact with Ivanna she goes with her brother to a Bolshevik meeting. It gets out of hand and a Russian offical is killed. While fleeing the meeting so as not to be caught she is picked up by Dr. Kinnovy. He gives her an alibi. She feels she can trust him but she wonders why he would help her. (you find out later in the story).

They investigate her brother who is very vocal against his countries ways. They blame Sergei and Ivanna's brother for the Russians death. To avoid Sergei going to prison, Sergei's father confesses to be the Bolshevik leader.

From that point on much trouble comes to the Peshkova family. All the while from afar Alex is looking out for them especially Karena. Many family secrets arise and danger is knocking on the door. Will Alex and Karena ever get to declare their feelings for one another?

This book was rich in historical content as well as rich in characters. You fall in love with Karena's spirit and determination and loyality. You fall in love with Alex who is a wonderful hero. You feel as if you are part of the family as you're drawn into the story and go through each trial with them. ( )