Cold Spring

by Glenn Shapiro

Set during the height of the Gold Rush on the Western frontier, Cold Spring is a gripping, heartfelt and powerful story of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

His senses were keenly alert and yet focused on things beyond the sound, smell, or feel of the moment. He was deciding whether he had truly been called home. Everything in him and around him told him he had.

Cold Spring, New York. 1844

Cole Thomas’s tranquil life is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious family that move into the farm next door. Belinda Wright, weighed down by the dark shadows of her family's secrets, immediately forges an unexpected bond with Cole—a connection that will change the course of their lives forever.

As their bond deepens tragedy strikes leaving Belinda’s future hanging in the balance. A glimmer of hope appears when news reaches Cold Spring that gold has been discovered in the Western Frontier. Desperate and determined, Cole embarks on the perilous journey along the Oregon Trail, risking everything for a chance at a better life and a love that defies all odds.

This poignant novel captures the raw essence of determination, love and the resilience of the human spirit.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

290 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Glenn Shapiro was born and raised in New England. He is a lifelong writer of poetry and short stories, but made the leap to novels as part of his "second act" after retirement.

His first novel, the gold rush era historical fiction Cold Spring, met with acclaim from both critics and readers. He is the son of a Jewish father and German-catholic mother who was born in Germany during the war and raised there, post-war, through her adolescence.

For his second novel, The Threads Remain, he tackled that tragic time in history through characters inside Germany before, during and after the war.

Reviews

[Signe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story, it was the perfect winter read - atmospheric, with characters I grew to care and root for, great pacing and rhythm of the story - there were many times when I realised I’d been holding my breath while reading.

A short book but with great story and real depth - the characters felt real and realistic.

This would be perfect for a book club, and would be loved by readers or both historic fiction and literary fiction.

I didn’t know I liked historical fiction, but I do now. I can’t believe this is the author’s first novel.

Historic fiction that felt well researched, with human stories that are relatable in 1850s as much as in 2024. Highly recommend (or as a perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for family member who’s into books - they’ll love it.)

[Karen Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved reading this book. So many emotions felt while following the lives of these amazing characters. I couldn’t put the book down - loved the story and all that author did to make this story so accurate and heart felt.

[Gerald Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a great deal. Excellent storytelling.”

[Kate Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Spring is a really great read! Feels like you’re part of the character’s family. Highly recommend, especially for romance and historical fiction lovers

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and gripping adventure. This book was hard to put down and was easy to read. I especially liked the historical elements of the story and the cast of supporting characters that added richness to the prose - Ma, Tusk, Cyrus, Penny, etc. I look forward to this author’s next book!

[Olivia Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read much from this historical period, so I really enjoyed learning more about the Gold Rush through this story. The setting was fascinating, and I was completely drawn in by the relationship between the two main characters. The story kept me engaged the whole way through—the plot continued to evolve, shifting from moments that were heartwarming and exciting, to events that were thrilling and, at times, even terrifying. I loved how everything came together so well at the end. This made for the perfect vacation read, and I’m excited to read more books by this author!

[Pat Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read. Felt like I was in the timeframe and got to know the characters. Really cared about what happened to them. Strongly recommend to HF readers!

[Cheri Lesko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of love and survival, it draws you in from the beginning and keeps you engaged

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚫️Glenn Shapiro's novel Cold Spring is an evocative, stirring work of fiction that sweeps readers into the heart of the Gold Rush era, infusing a bittersweet tale of survival and hope with adventure, romance, and deep emotional resonance. It's the story of Cole Thomas, a twenty-five-year-old man who lives in Cold Spring, New York, in 1844, whose exceptionally quiet, settled life is disrupted by the arrival of a cryptic family that includes the inscrutable and complex Belinda Wright.

⚫️From the very first page, Shapiro draws readers into a world of contrasts peaceful farm life interrupted by secrets, tragedy, and the transformative power of love. The unexpected connection between Cole and Belinda forms the emotional core of the novel, and the growth of their bond, through shared pain and tender moments, is beautifully realized. The weight of both of their individual pasts, along with a shared hope for a better future, underpin Shapiro's portrayal of their relationship as honest and poignant.

⚫️The death and future uncertainty surrounding Belinda spur Cole westward in pursuit of building a better life upon the treacherous Oregon Trail. Shapiro depicts this journey replete with historical detail that breathes the frontier's hardships vividly to life. But a sense of danger and the promise of opportunity pervade, and yet it is the emotional journey that Cole undergoes, the search for a life worth living, a love worth fighting for, that truly holds the story in place.

⚫️Cold Spring is much more than a historical novel; it is a testament to the human spirit. Shapiro's writing is both moving and touching at times, capturing only the beauty as well as the brutal realities of the time. Themes of hope, sacrifice, and determination weave their way through the book, making it a compelling and heartfelt read.

⚫️A historical fiction book, rich in emotion and character, for the readers, Cold Spring will be a definite read. For Glenn Shapiro, the narrative does not only make us aware of the difficulties in a bygone era but reminds us of how much power love possesses and how much we will give up for the chance at something better.

Happy reading ♥️✨

[Jeff Deslandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a standout in historical fiction, blending an absorbing story with impressively detailed research. The author doesn’t just paint a background for the characters—they build a world you can feel, from the quiet farm life in New York to the bustling of 19th century American cities on the rise, and I found myself lost in its beauty and grit.

The characters feel real and flawed, with fears and loyalties that make them leap off the page you understand the hard reality that is rural life in the mid-1800s.

The story stayed with me long after I finished it, igniting conversation between my wife and I over the complexities of life and the hard decisions people make for those they love. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, thought-provoking tale.

[Maggie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Spring was a very satisfying read, engaging throughout, with an unexpected twist at the end. The book gives insight into life on an American farm and the time of the Gold Rush. I was really rooting for the main characters through their hardships, especially Blue with her painful family history. It was a real page-turner, but also had great details that made me feel like I was in the 1800's. An intimate portrait of the American homestead and frontier in the 19th century, with characters whose love is relatable to today, the book is great read.

[Kimberly Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Threads Remain (an absolutely outstanding book and one of my favorites for the year!), I immediately purchased Cold Spring by the same author. I was not disappointed. This book held my attention from start to finish. In fact, I finished it in two days because I didn't want to put it down. The character development was superior and I immediately felt close to Cole, Blue, the key family members, and even Tusk the dog. I highly recommend the book.

[Jeffrey Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Spring is an amazing story of grit, determination, survival, and love. The setting and characters came alive for me! The plot has many twists and turns and I looked forward to when I could sit down and read another section of it. This fantastic historical fiction book has page turning excitement until the very end!

Mary Lea

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.  Originally I thought it was just going to be a love story about two young kids growing up as best friends.  It turned out to be a touching story about determination and sacrifice.  Loved the imagery used throughout the book.  Characters were well described and acted accordingly.

[Steven Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Spring was a great read. The author did a nice job of developing the characters so that you could really relate to the struggles they were going through-and share the joys they experienced. I also thought the storyline was interesting-and gave an appreciation for how rough life was during that time. It was an easy read-finished it in a couple of sittings.

[Jessie Shapland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connected to characters

I went through a range of emotions during this read. It brought me moments of joy, excitement, and some stress, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I felt incredibly connected to the main characters and was really rooting for them start to finish.

[Heidrun Teixeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting story of a young man and his travails along the Oregon trial, seeking gold to save his family. His many challenges are vividly captured with great feeling and accuracy to that time period.

[Teresa Headrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.  The characters are beautifully described, and their interactions are realistic.  The author’s detail to their personalities and physical description makes it a joy to get involved in their lives.  Wonderful story about determination and protection of loved ones.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about a young man during the gold rush era determined to do what is necessary to save his family from financial ruin. Heartwarming, as well as a wonderful description of the long, arduous trek from New York to Oregon.

[Amber Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful! If you love historical fiction, this is it! The love and sacrifice at the heart of this novel draw you in. I felt like I was traveling with the main character and panning for gold alongside him.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to think about this book. I did enjoy it, but there was no depth to it. It breezed along telling a story about characters I liked, but at a sixth grade reading level. Honestly, except for the few sex scenes, this would be a great book in any middle school library!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. A bit abbreviated, though….

[Pat Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read. Felt like I was in the timeframe and got to know the characters. Really cared about what happened to them. Strongly recommend to HF readers!

[N Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Touching and heartfelt. Memorable characters!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read, rich characters. Loved the detail about the gold rush era.

[Carl Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tale of the true American spirit. The characters are very realistic and true, even when they are doing something one might disagree with. Beautiful descriptions of the farmland experience. Found it hard to put down once the story got going. With a gold rush backdrop, it displays great insight into the challenges faced by our ancestors.

[Terry Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great journey. Funny, warm and inspiring. Loved this book from start to finish.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this is a wonderful read. Vivid characters and the difficult circumstances they overcome.

[Dale Kueter · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK book and story, a novel about the poverty of early rural America. But romance, too.

[Terry Ernst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great journey. Funny, warm and inspiring. Loved this book from start to finish.