This was a moving story of the bonds between family -- a family whose roots start in the Soviet Union and whose path leads them to the U.S. It is a story of an educated husband and wife, trying to make a living for themselves and their three daughters in a time in Russian history that finds most in want for food, shelter and the simple amenities in life that we take for granted. Without spoiling the story, there are circumstances surrounding their need to leave Russia and thus they begin working their way to America where other family members have already fled. They take with them secrets that will follow for years to come.

Fast forward to Antonia, one of the Russian daughters, who now writes crime stories for the local newspaper, and finds herself living on a tugboat along a dock whose neighbors include an aging woman shadowed by dementia, a prostitute, a family with 2 children, two gay women and an uncover police officer. Another sister is a district attorney known for her bullheadedness in the courtroom, married with two children and another sister who finds herself constantly having to breathe in a brown paper bag to avoid hyperventilating when she thinks or talks about her impending marriage.

The sisters share a kindred spirit, secrets they swore not to tell and a special gift inherited from generations before them -- the ability to hear each other in times of danger or despair. I loved all of the bruised souls in this story -- each hiding secrets and fears. I enjoyed watching the story unfold and especially liked the "family nights" when all of the extended family gathered. It was like watching edited scenes from "My Fat Greek Wedding". The broken English segments made me laugh and watching the romance continue to spark between Mom and Dad (at the embarrassment of their daughters) was touching.

Full of humor, tears, intrigue and mystery, this story wove a thread around everyone and bound them together in a sense of devotion, commitment and compassion that is far too often absent in today's family unit.