The Hidden Girl

Halina Ilya Tvardovsky: At 18 years old, she escapes to America from the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 and certain death. A multi-generational story, based upon real historical events and the fictional life of Halina and her descendants.
Excerpt:
"The idea of being murdered for telling anyone outside of those who already knew was not one that had been expressed directly, but it had been preluded to, as Ilya felt. She hadn't exactly been madly in love with the Grand Duke, but now she firmly understood that he never cared for her as she had for him. She had been working in his household for over a year now, their small affair had begun after the death of his wife. In his grief, he had thrust himself on her. Both emotionally and physically. At first, they only talked for many long hours during the night. She would've been fine with never becoming intimate with him. The only reason she cried now, was for the sin she'd committed without being married to him. Her poor little Halina would grow up without a father and that hurt Ilya worst of all. Halina would never receive the same upbringing, surrounded by a loving family as she had. "
*1st Place (Mystery/Thriller) in the 2019 Moon Phases Awards