Fireflies in Winter: A gripping, moving story of love and survival on the edge of the wilderness

A breathtaking novel of two young women fighting for love and survival on the edge of the icy wilderness. From the author of the Good Morning America Book Club pick River Sing Me Home.

'Fireflies in Winter is simply luminous. Eleanor Shearer powerfully explores the fragile spaces in history where Black citizens negotiate freedom, the harsh choices frequently forced upon them, and the powerful force of love within those spaces. A book to treasure' New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn

Nova Scotia 1796. Cora, an orphan newly arrived from Jamaica, has never felt cold like this. In the depths of winter, everyone in her community huddles together in their homes to keep warm. So when she sees a shadow slipping through the trees, Cora thinks her eyes are deceiving her. Until she creeps out into the moonlight and finds the tracks in the snow.

Agnes is in hiding. On the run from her former life, she has learned what it takes to survive alone in the wilderness. But she can afford no mistakes. When she first spies the young woman in the woods, she is afraid. Yet Cora is fearless, and their paths are destined to cross.

Deep among the cedars, Cora and Agnes find a fragile place of safety. But when Agnes's past closes in, they are confronted with the dangerous price of freedom - and of love...

Acclaim for RIVER SING ME HOME:

'A fine testament to the women who inspired this debut' The Times

'An extraordinary portrait of motherly love and hope . . . a thoroughly compelling read' Daily Mail

'A moving and dynamic novel' Guardian

'A strong and beautiful novel that stares into the face of brutality and the heart of love' Jeanette Winterson