The sisters of the winter wood

A tale inspired by Jewish mythology is set in a woodland village on the border of Moldova and Ukraine and follows the experiences of two sheltered sisters who uncover a secret magical heritage. Raised in a small village surrounded by vast forests, Liba and Laya have lived a peaceful sheltered life, even if they've heard of troubling times for Jews elsewhere. When their parents travel to visit their dying grandfather, the sisters are left behind in their home in the woods. Liba discovers the secret that their Tati can transform into a bear, and their Mami into a swan, she realizes the old fairy tales are true. She must guard this secret carefully, even from her beloved sister. When a troupe of mysterious men appear in town and Laya falls under their spell, they are not the only dangers lurking in the woods. Can the sisters save their people from the dark forces that draw closer? -- adapted from goodreads.com info.