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In this captivating historical mystery set in 19th century Russia, Vienna, and London, a family's concealed history unravels through secrets hidden in a family portrait. At an auction, Daisy Staunton and Ben Tarrant discover they each own identical copies of a Victorian portrait featuring an elegant yet enigmatic ancestor, raising the question of whether one is a clever forgery. Their thrilling journey across Europe—from the destitution of Russian shtetls to the opulence of Hapsburg Vienna and Victorian London—leads them to the poignant tale of two young Jewish sisters, Rosa and Lena Rabinovitch, who faced heart-wrenching decisions in their desperate quest for survival. Initially at odds, Ben, a dedicated primary-school teacher, and Daisy, a successful marketing executive, reluctantly join forces to authenticate the paintings' origins. As they navigate this trail of mystery and intrigue, their personal struggles emerge: Ben grapples with the pressures of an extravagant wedding plan, while Daisy feels weary of playing second fiddle to her boyfriend's all-consuming career. Uncovering unsettling secrets from their familial past compels them to reassess their own lives, forcing them to question not only who they are but, more crucially, who they aspire to become.