Even in the worse situations, there is that glimmer of hope. Tiana has an interesting home life, and is viewed as the silly little girl. When she is getting an ice cream the day that Russia enters WWII she meets the charming Alexander, Captain in the Russian army. Soon after she finds out that he's her sister's boyfriend. The story follows their hardships both because of the war and her family. 
 Paulliana Simons wrote a book that is very factual world surrounding these two fictional characters. She paints what happened to Russia during such a difficult time and shows the conflict between the citizens. (view spoiler)[I had trouble dealing with more than half the book as they play this 'we can't date because my sister loves you' game. (hide spoiler)]