Fireflies in Winter

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

'Simply luminous' New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn

'Eleanor Shearer has a compelling way of taking a chamber in history we think we know already, then leading us through hidden doors' Sunday Times bestselling author Patrick Gale

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...

With evocative prose and immersive storytelling, a powerful novel about love - love for the wilderness in all its unforgiving beauty, and love between two women who risk everything to be together.

Five-star reader reviews for FIREFLIES IN WINTER:

'Beautifully written, based on a real event in history. A story of friendship, survival, love, freedom and hope. I will read anything Shearer writes'

'Fascinating, moving and beautifully told'

'I loved the characters so much - each had their own story to tell & it was so powerful. The atmosphere was absolutely stunning'

'The hardships the characters endured were heart-wrenching. Recommend'

'This quiet novel has a mighty roar... one of the most passionate books of 2026'

Acclaim for RIVER SING ME HOME:

'A strong and beautiful novel that stares into the face of brutality and the heart of love' Jeanette Winterson
'A fine testament to the women who inspired this debut' The Times
'Moving and dynamic' Guardian
'Powerful, moving and lyrical' Woman & Home