Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is a novel set in present day Washinton State, and in the Leningrad of the past, during Stalin’s reign of terror. Meredith and Nina grow up with a cold Russian mother who doesn’t seem to love them, and only when they are called home, when their father is dying, do they begin a real relationship with their mother.

Told partly through the form of a fairy tale, Hannah weaves together these two tales seamlessly. I was totally captivated as I was taken on a journey along with the daughters to discover who their mother really is.

Part fairy tale, part historic fiction, beautifully written storytelling at it’s best. A worthwhile read.