Not bad for a first novel and I hope to read more from this author in the years to come. She brings two Russian Immigrant family stories to life with Brighton Beach as the back drop. Complicated adult characters and the innocent boy and girl of the title, keep you guessing an turning the pages to find out what becomes of them. The author has a beautiful, poignant way of describing rooms and settings that bode well for future novels from Haley Turner. Give it a try...

It\\\'s a bit slow to start, our book group concluded, but then it really grabs you. The chapter headings were fascinating. We all loved Vaclav and felt bad for Lena and her horrid childhood. The author\'s personal story during the writing of the book brought us all to tears and amazement at her strength. We\\\'re very happy for her new life.