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Fireflies in Winter
A gripping novel about two women fighting for survival in the icy wilderness of Nova Scotia, and the love that simultaneously sustains them and threatens their very existence, from the author of the
Good Morning America
Book Club pick
River Sing Me Home
.
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 amongst 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....
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 amongst 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....
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2026
73 people are currently reading
10213 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Shearer
3 books601 followersEleanor Shearer is a mixed race writer from the UK. She splits her time between London and Ramsgate on the coast of Kent, so that she never has to go too long without seeing the sea.
As the granddaughter of Caribbean immigrants who came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation, Eleanor has always been drawn to Caribbean history. Her first novel, RIVER SING ME HOME (Headline, UK & Berkley, USA) is inspired by the true stories of the brave woman who went looking for their stolen children after the abolition of slavery in 1834.
The novel draws on her time spent in the Caribbean, visiting family in St Lucia and Barbados. It was also informed by her Master's degree in Politics, where she focused on how slavery is remembered on the islands today. She travelled to the Caribbean and interviewed activists, historians and family members, and their reflections on what it really means to be free made her more determined than ever to bring the hidden stories of slavery to light.
As the granddaughter of Caribbean immigrants who came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation, Eleanor has always been drawn to Caribbean history. Her first novel, RIVER SING ME HOME (Headline, UK & Berkley, USA) is inspired by the true stories of the brave woman who went looking for their stolen children after the abolition of slavery in 1834.
The novel draws on her time spent in the Caribbean, visiting family in St Lucia and Barbados. It was also informed by her Master's degree in Politics, where she focused on how slavery is remembered on the islands today. She travelled to the Caribbean and interviewed activists, historians and family members, and their reflections on what it really means to be free made her more determined than ever to bring the hidden stories of slavery to light.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 15, 2025
Simply luminous. Two young women find each other in the frozen landscape of eighteenth-century Nova Scotia: Cora, a free-born orphan newly arrived from Jamaica with her community, and Agnes, a mysterious forest-dweller on the run from her past. 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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had been impressed by River Song Me Home, so was delighted to be given an advance copy of Shearer’s sophomore effort, Fireflies in Winter. But this book didn’t pull me in the way her debut did. The story takes place in late 18th century Halifax. A young woman, an orphaned Maroon, has recently arrived from Jamaica. I was unaware of the concept of Maroons and found it odd that Shearer only slowly explains the concept (and then just in spatters) and what brought them to Nova Scotia. I had to check Wikipedia to really get a grasp. Did she assume everyone knew the history? The book would be improved by a brief synopsis of their history before the book begins.
During the harsh winter, she meets another young black woman who is hiding out in the woods. She has never felt she belonged within her community and finds herself drawn to this stranger in the woods.
This is a slow moving story, going back and forth in its limited timeline. It doesn’t come together until it’s almost ⅔ over. It’s a dark story, focusing on the slippery slope of freedom for anyone not white.
The writing is beautiful. Shearer does a great job providing a sense of time and place. I had a real feel for the absolute cold of the winter.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
During the harsh winter, she meets another young black woman who is hiding out in the woods. She has never felt she belonged within her community and finds herself drawn to this stranger in the woods.
This is a slow moving story, going back and forth in its limited timeline. It doesn’t come together until it’s almost ⅔ over. It’s a dark story, focusing on the slippery slope of freedom for anyone not white.
The writing is beautiful. Shearer does a great job providing a sense of time and place. I had a real feel for the absolute cold of the winter.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
February 25, 2026
'Freedom is an abstraction, beside the point. In the end, they are all free. It is power that is differentially distributed'.
The warm, sunny beaches of Jamaica feel like a long lost dream for Cora, as she trudges through the snow of Halifax in the late 18th Century. Although the Maroons may have secured 'freedom' from the British, the subsistence life in a wholly alien and harsh environment feels like a new kind of prison. But as Cora encounters both runaway and indentured slaves from America's South, she begins to realise that freedom, home and a sense of self is a nuanced web that is often what you make of it.
Fireflies in Winter is a novel that lingers with you, less for what happens than for how it feels while it's happening. Eleanor Shearer writes with a poetic intensity, crafting a narrative voice that moves with a slow, contemplative cadence. The prose has a haunted, hushed quality of winter snow in a lonesome forest.
Although based upon historical events, this is a book that leans decisively toward literary fiction. Shearer is less concerned with dramatic turns than with the quiet, interior shifts of her characters—the way grief settles into the body, and memory reshapes itself over time. It is a patient read that rewards attentiveness. That same patience, however, may test some readers, and I found it best to read in bites.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story that focuses on both an interesting time in history and delves into more philosophical thoughts. It’s a book for readers who appreciate mood over pace.
'Because what better measure of freedom is there than to help others rise'.
The warm, sunny beaches of Jamaica feel like a long lost dream for Cora, as she trudges through the snow of Halifax in the late 18th Century. Although the Maroons may have secured 'freedom' from the British, the subsistence life in a wholly alien and harsh environment feels like a new kind of prison. But as Cora encounters both runaway and indentured slaves from America's South, she begins to realise that freedom, home and a sense of self is a nuanced web that is often what you make of it.
Fireflies in Winter is a novel that lingers with you, less for what happens than for how it feels while it's happening. Eleanor Shearer writes with a poetic intensity, crafting a narrative voice that moves with a slow, contemplative cadence. The prose has a haunted, hushed quality of winter snow in a lonesome forest.
Although based upon historical events, this is a book that leans decisively toward literary fiction. Shearer is less concerned with dramatic turns than with the quiet, interior shifts of her characters—the way grief settles into the body, and memory reshapes itself over time. It is a patient read that rewards attentiveness. That same patience, however, may test some readers, and I found it best to read in bites.
Overall, this is a beautifully written story that focuses on both an interesting time in history and delves into more philosophical thoughts. It’s a book for readers who appreciate mood over pace.
'Because what better measure of freedom is there than to help others rise'.
February 3, 2026
This is a beautifully written novel about two women fighting for survival in the woods in Nova Scotia.
It is soo very cold in Nova Scotia when Cora arrives from Jamaica. She is an orphan but was free in Jamaica.
What will become of her in this new world?
She meets Thursday an indentured servant and a girl named Agnes living in the Wilderness.
This is a wonderful character driven story. The writing just drew me in. The descriptions of wilderness were breathtaking.
I just loved reading this book. It was a story of history that I knew little about.
The story begins with a trial in 1798 which the author kept bringing you back too. It made the story mysterious.
It is a compelling read. Perfect winter time book.
I have not had the opportunity to read this authors previous book, but will definitely read it now.
Thank you to Book Browse and Berkeley Publishers for this advanced readers copy through NetGalley.
It is soo very cold in Nova Scotia when Cora arrives from Jamaica. She is an orphan but was free in Jamaica.
What will become of her in this new world?
She meets Thursday an indentured servant and a girl named Agnes living in the Wilderness.
This is a wonderful character driven story. The writing just drew me in. The descriptions of wilderness were breathtaking.
I just loved reading this book. It was a story of history that I knew little about.
The story begins with a trial in 1798 which the author kept bringing you back too. It made the story mysterious.
It is a compelling read. Perfect winter time book.
I have not had the opportunity to read this authors previous book, but will definitely read it now.
Thank you to Book Browse and Berkeley Publishers for this advanced readers copy through NetGalley.
November 2, 2025
A strong additional to the Caribbean historical fiction genre, impossible to put down
Set in 1796 between Nova Scotia and Jamaica, we meet Cora, an orphan experiencing her first winter. Cora’s adopted family are Maroons from Jamaica who made their way to Nova Scotia. She is far away from home and everything that feels familiar, her only anchor is her adopted mother and brother but she fears for her father and what he may do to her. Cora has never experienced winter or know what its like to be a free Black woman in 1796 in Nova Scotia.
One day, upon exploring the forest she runs into a young girl, Agnes and her dog who seems to live in the wild. Agnes does not talk about her previous life and why she seems to be in hiding but they form a bond. When Cora runs away from home, she does directly to Agnes as a safe haven, but their past catches up to them….
This was such an interesting read. I vaguely read about Jamaican Maroons living in Nova Scotia so when I heard the writer was doing a book on this, it was an instant must read. I knew there were Jamaicans who went to Sierra Leone but not Nova Scotia, because why Nova Scotia, and what was the change in weather like, that was explored perfectly. I loved the friendship and later love between Cora and Agnes, it was done in the most tender and beautiful way. What was also lovely was how the author spoke about nature and it may have been like in the 1790s, loved the inclusion of the whale scenes.
In the author’s note she said: I resist the idea that we should learn history in national silos, largely because European imperialism constructed a global system. Our ancestors wouldn’t have recognized a strict distinction between these places, and nor should we.
I do wish there was more about their journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, how this entire deal came to be, but this being my first time reading this in Caribbean literature, I am pleased with everything.
This is truly so important! I hope everyone reads this is and learn something new.
Set in 1796 between Nova Scotia and Jamaica, we meet Cora, an orphan experiencing her first winter. Cora’s adopted family are Maroons from Jamaica who made their way to Nova Scotia. She is far away from home and everything that feels familiar, her only anchor is her adopted mother and brother but she fears for her father and what he may do to her. Cora has never experienced winter or know what its like to be a free Black woman in 1796 in Nova Scotia.
One day, upon exploring the forest she runs into a young girl, Agnes and her dog who seems to live in the wild. Agnes does not talk about her previous life and why she seems to be in hiding but they form a bond. When Cora runs away from home, she does directly to Agnes as a safe haven, but their past catches up to them….
This was such an interesting read. I vaguely read about Jamaican Maroons living in Nova Scotia so when I heard the writer was doing a book on this, it was an instant must read. I knew there were Jamaicans who went to Sierra Leone but not Nova Scotia, because why Nova Scotia, and what was the change in weather like, that was explored perfectly. I loved the friendship and later love between Cora and Agnes, it was done in the most tender and beautiful way. What was also lovely was how the author spoke about nature and it may have been like in the 1790s, loved the inclusion of the whale scenes.
In the author’s note she said: I resist the idea that we should learn history in national silos, largely because European imperialism constructed a global system. Our ancestors wouldn’t have recognized a strict distinction between these places, and nor should we.
I do wish there was more about their journey from Jamaica to Nova Scotia, how this entire deal came to be, but this being my first time reading this in Caribbean literature, I am pleased with everything.
This is truly so important! I hope everyone reads this is and learn something new.
November 11, 2025
This is a beautifully written book set in Nova Scotia. It is based on a real event in history in which a group of former Jamaican slaves had been granted freedom by the British government. After a long voyage, they established a colony in a harsh cold climate, much different from their homeland. Fictional protagonist Cora is one of these Jamaicans. She meets Thursday, an indentured servant, and Agnes, a former slave living in the wilderness. It is a reflective character driven story of friendship, survival, love, freedom, hope, and the moral quandaries that arise when dealing with bondage.
Occasionally, I come across an author whose writing style speaks to me and is just what I look for in a book. Eleanor Shearer is one of those authors. Her prose is lyrical. She crafts a story that flows well and is satisfying in the end. I previously had read her debut (River Sing Me Home) and was extremely impressed. This, her second book, is equally impressive. I am adding Shearer to my list of favorite authors and will read anything she writes.
I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher via NetGalley. The book is due to be released in February, 2026.
Occasionally, I come across an author whose writing style speaks to me and is just what I look for in a book. Eleanor Shearer is one of those authors. Her prose is lyrical. She crafts a story that flows well and is satisfying in the end. I previously had read her debut (River Sing Me Home) and was extremely impressed. This, her second book, is equally impressive. I am adding Shearer to my list of favorite authors and will read anything she writes.
I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher via NetGalley. The book is due to be released in February, 2026.
February 10, 2026
Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free finished copy and ALC ♡
It’s giving The Call of the Wild and all of the Canadian winter atmosphere layered on top of the history of the migration of the Maroons (freed or exiled former slaves) from the Carribean isles to Nova Scotia.
We are introduced to life as a “free” Black in late 1700s Canada, and what a “good” life for a woman might look like. I found I enjoyed this more and more as the book went on.
Unlike her prior work it took me a bit to hook me. Initially slower pacing builds to a heart pounding conclusion. The wilderness feels alive — and lethal. The whales dancing in the waves will live in my memory. 🐋
link to my review on bookstagram
3.75⭐️
It’s giving The Call of the Wild and all of the Canadian winter atmosphere layered on top of the history of the migration of the Maroons (freed or exiled former slaves) from the Carribean isles to Nova Scotia.
We are introduced to life as a “free” Black in late 1700s Canada, and what a “good” life for a woman might look like. I found I enjoyed this more and more as the book went on.
Unlike her prior work it took me a bit to hook me. Initially slower pacing builds to a heart pounding conclusion. The wilderness feels alive — and lethal. The whales dancing in the waves will live in my memory. 🐋
link to my review on bookstagram
3.75⭐️
January 8, 2026
I loved this author’s debut novel (River Sing Me Home), so I was excited for her second historical fiction novel which I enjoyed even more. It is a well written story about slavery in 1796, the price of freedom and love, survival and resilience.
Thank you @BerkleyPub and Eleanor Shearer for the Goodreads Giveaway. Publishing date: 2/10/26. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Thank you @BerkleyPub and Eleanor Shearer for the Goodreads Giveaway. Publishing date: 2/10/26. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 10, 2026
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer is a historical fiction novel following a Jamaican woman, Cora, who relocates to Nova Scotia and forms a bond with a woman living in the wilderness. Set in the 18th century, the story explores themes of survival, freedom, and love.
What I Loved:
This was a beautiful story with eloquent prose. Shearer’s writing is quite vivid and descriptive, allowing one to immerse themselves into the story, the environment, and time period. After the 20% mark, I really couldn’t put the book down. Winter in the Canadian wilderness is no joke, and Shearer does a great job in writing a story that encapsulates what it takes to survive it.
Most importantly, I just love what this book represents. Fireflies in Winter is a slow burning story of freedom, love, and survival. It is a story of place making and identity shaping. Cora, a long way from Jamaica, is just trying to make way and ‘be’ in the reality while navigating loss, grief, and love. Cora’s relationship with Agnes, a woman who has been surviving in the wilderness, pulled on every heart string possible. I loved the unfolding of their relationship, the will they/won’t they, and how the author shows how they start to care for each other over time. It was a well written slow burn.
What I Wished Was Different
First, I would have liked a sort of brief history of Jamaica, Maroons, and Canada in the 18th Century. In Fireflies in Winter, identity is a core part of the story. As the story unfolded, I have to admit that I frequently visited the Internet to learn more about Maroons and Jamaican history. On the bright side, this speaks to how much of an interesting story that this one is.
My only other critique is the dual timeline. Most of the time, I felt that the present-day chapters were out of place. After the first chapter, I did not think that the book needed to switch back and forth.
If you like historical fiction, this is a book for you.
Rating 4.25/5
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy. Fireflies in Winter is out TODAY!!
What I Loved:
This was a beautiful story with eloquent prose. Shearer’s writing is quite vivid and descriptive, allowing one to immerse themselves into the story, the environment, and time period. After the 20% mark, I really couldn’t put the book down. Winter in the Canadian wilderness is no joke, and Shearer does a great job in writing a story that encapsulates what it takes to survive it.
Most importantly, I just love what this book represents. Fireflies in Winter is a slow burning story of freedom, love, and survival. It is a story of place making and identity shaping. Cora, a long way from Jamaica, is just trying to make way and ‘be’ in the reality while navigating loss, grief, and love. Cora’s relationship with Agnes, a woman who has been surviving in the wilderness, pulled on every heart string possible. I loved the unfolding of their relationship, the will they/won’t they, and how the author shows how they start to care for each other over time. It was a well written slow burn.
What I Wished Was Different
First, I would have liked a sort of brief history of Jamaica, Maroons, and Canada in the 18th Century. In Fireflies in Winter, identity is a core part of the story. As the story unfolded, I have to admit that I frequently visited the Internet to learn more about Maroons and Jamaican history. On the bright side, this speaks to how much of an interesting story that this one is.
My only other critique is the dual timeline. Most of the time, I felt that the present-day chapters were out of place. After the first chapter, I did not think that the book needed to switch back and forth.
If you like historical fiction, this is a book for you.
Rating 4.25/5
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy. Fireflies in Winter is out TODAY!!
February 20, 2026
Thank you to @headlinebooks for sending me this stunning book and Anne @randomthingstours for having me on this tour.
Out: 10.02.26
Today is my stop to drop a review 👇🏼
This was such a beautifully written story. The descriptions of the environments and the passing of the seasons were vivid and palpable, and the challenges the characters faced were conveyed with insight and depth. The novel perfectly maintained the balance between the harsher realities and the moments of beauty and tenderness.
I love a story that is written with a factual undercurrent. I found this element of the story so interesting and at the same time unsettling. The Maroon’s, who had escaped enslavement and resisted British Colonial control for decades, were forcible moved to Nova Scotia, in 1795-76, to be used for their labour. Facing harsh winters, living in poor conditions, and continually controlled. They were told they were living free lives, but were they?
It wasn’t until later, in 1800, when they were moved to Sierra Leone in Africa where they settled and established new communities.
This story comes from Cora’s POV but there are a few chapters jumping forward to a trial that is happening. I found this really engaging and it certainly kept me turning the pages to find out what had occurred and who it concerned. So, there was that feeling of intrigue as well to the story.
I was particularly drawn to Cora as a character. She started as quite guarded and uncertain, but after she uncovers difficult truths about her history she embraces her strength and become empowered, especially as her relationship with Agnes grows.
A moving story of survival, resilience, the fight for freedom and most of all, love.
A beautifully told story, written sensitively and almost poetically.
I wholeheartedly recommend to pick this book up.
>>> Last thought … Patience 🫶🏻<<<
Out: 10.02.26
Today is my stop to drop a review 👇🏼
This was such a beautifully written story. The descriptions of the environments and the passing of the seasons were vivid and palpable, and the challenges the characters faced were conveyed with insight and depth. The novel perfectly maintained the balance between the harsher realities and the moments of beauty and tenderness.
I love a story that is written with a factual undercurrent. I found this element of the story so interesting and at the same time unsettling. The Maroon’s, who had escaped enslavement and resisted British Colonial control for decades, were forcible moved to Nova Scotia, in 1795-76, to be used for their labour. Facing harsh winters, living in poor conditions, and continually controlled. They were told they were living free lives, but were they?
It wasn’t until later, in 1800, when they were moved to Sierra Leone in Africa where they settled and established new communities.
This story comes from Cora’s POV but there are a few chapters jumping forward to a trial that is happening. I found this really engaging and it certainly kept me turning the pages to find out what had occurred and who it concerned. So, there was that feeling of intrigue as well to the story.
I was particularly drawn to Cora as a character. She started as quite guarded and uncertain, but after she uncovers difficult truths about her history she embraces her strength and become empowered, especially as her relationship with Agnes grows.
A moving story of survival, resilience, the fight for freedom and most of all, love.
A beautifully told story, written sensitively and almost poetically.
I wholeheartedly recommend to pick this book up.
>>> Last thought … Patience 🫶🏻<<<
October 5, 2025
This was my first book by this author. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book in advance of the publishing date. This review is completely my own opinion.
Fireflies in Winter was such a heartfelt and interesting read. The story had just the right mix of emotion, hope, love, mystery…. I really liked the characters — they felt real and easy to root for — and the winter setting made it even more atmospheric. The theme of found family was a constant. I learned many things about slavery in Canada & especially Maroons. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end.
It dragged a bit at the beginning , which is why I’m giving it four stars instead of five, but overall it’s a beautiful story that stuck with me after I finished. Definitely worth the read! Looking forward to lots more by this author!
Fireflies in Winter was such a heartfelt and interesting read. The story had just the right mix of emotion, hope, love, mystery…. I really liked the characters — they felt real and easy to root for — and the winter setting made it even more atmospheric. The theme of found family was a constant. I learned many things about slavery in Canada & especially Maroons. Make sure to read the author’s note at the end.
It dragged a bit at the beginning , which is why I’m giving it four stars instead of five, but overall it’s a beautiful story that stuck with me after I finished. Definitely worth the read! Looking forward to lots more by this author!
February 10, 2026
Fireflies in Winter is compelling historical fiction that took me to a time, place, and story that I’d not read about before. Set in Nova Scotia in the late 18th century, it features Cora and her community of Maroons, formerly enslaved Jamaicans who were exiled to Halifax by the British. Cora must fight the elements, her memories of Jamaica, and her search for safety, home, and love. This novel brings all the elements of this story to life in breathtaking detail—the danger, the beauty, the unknown, and the hope. I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher.
September 25, 2025
Set in late 1700s Nova Scotia, this story follows Cora, a young woman from Jamaica living among a small community of Maroons—a group I had never encountered in literature before. She resides with her surrogate mother, a young child, and the child's father in this tight-knit settlement.
When Cora glimpses a mysterious figure darting through the snow-laden forest, she becomes consumed with finding this person. Her search leads her to Agnes, a woman surviving alone in the harsh wilderness. As their unlikely relationship develops, both women must battle not only the brutal elements but also the threat of discovery by the community they're desperately trying to avoid.
The narrative weaves in compelling mysteries surrounding a looming trial and secrets about Cora's mother, creating layers of suspense that propel the story forward. This book opened my eyes to so much history I had never known, particularly about the Maroon people and their experiences in colonial Canada.
When Cora glimpses a mysterious figure darting through the snow-laden forest, she becomes consumed with finding this person. Her search leads her to Agnes, a woman surviving alone in the harsh wilderness. As their unlikely relationship develops, both women must battle not only the brutal elements but also the threat of discovery by the community they're desperately trying to avoid.
The narrative weaves in compelling mysteries surrounding a looming trial and secrets about Cora's mother, creating layers of suspense that propel the story forward. This book opened my eyes to so much history I had never known, particularly about the Maroon people and their experiences in colonial Canada.
February 27, 2026
“Cora has never believed in ghosts. It’s memories that haunt her—that visit at night in restless sleep.”
First off, thank you @berkleypub for the free copy of Fireflies in Winter. #berkleypartner #berkleybookstagram
The second I found out a historical fiction book was being released about Jamaican immigrants in Atlantic Canada, I knew I needed to read it!
Honestly, I had no idea the Revolutionary War impacted the Atlantic provinces, mainly Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (my home province). So you have me starting this book thinking, “War in 1796 in Atlantic Canada? What is this author talking about?” which sent me down a fascinating historical rabbit hole that I knew nothing about.
You are not here for a history lesson, though, so let’s jump into my review of this book, starting with what I liked:
1. The writing! When I tell you the prose and the quotes in this book are beautiful, I am not kidding.
2. The story itself is engaging and unique. The fact that it is based on Canadian history, let alone Atlantic Canadian history, is a treat and, based on the small research spiral I went down, the author did an excellent job depicting the events of that time.
3. The character development was incredibly well executed, even for the secondary characters. I also loved the slow-building of Cora and Agnes relationship.
4. The story is very well laid out and, for the most part, has even pacing throughout. I did find it picked up significantly in the middle and became hard to put down.
So why only 4 stars?
Despite the book starting off with a bang, I did find it hard to get into and to push past the first half. I was finding it difficult to pick up and even considered DNFing at one point.
But then I started describing it to my friend and realized, “Wow, this actually sounds fantastic. Why am I having issues here?” My friend agreed and convinced me that, if anything, I sounded excited about the book and would be a moron not to continue.
Which I am very happy I did, because the middle to end section is a ride!
First off, thank you @berkleypub for the free copy of Fireflies in Winter. #berkleypartner #berkleybookstagram
The second I found out a historical fiction book was being released about Jamaican immigrants in Atlantic Canada, I knew I needed to read it!
Honestly, I had no idea the Revolutionary War impacted the Atlantic provinces, mainly Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (my home province). So you have me starting this book thinking, “War in 1796 in Atlantic Canada? What is this author talking about?” which sent me down a fascinating historical rabbit hole that I knew nothing about.
You are not here for a history lesson, though, so let’s jump into my review of this book, starting with what I liked:
1. The writing! When I tell you the prose and the quotes in this book are beautiful, I am not kidding.
2. The story itself is engaging and unique. The fact that it is based on Canadian history, let alone Atlantic Canadian history, is a treat and, based on the small research spiral I went down, the author did an excellent job depicting the events of that time.
3. The character development was incredibly well executed, even for the secondary characters. I also loved the slow-building of Cora and Agnes relationship.
4. The story is very well laid out and, for the most part, has even pacing throughout. I did find it picked up significantly in the middle and became hard to put down.
So why only 4 stars?
Despite the book starting off with a bang, I did find it hard to get into and to push past the first half. I was finding it difficult to pick up and even considered DNFing at one point.
But then I started describing it to my friend and realized, “Wow, this actually sounds fantastic. Why am I having issues here?” My friend agreed and convinced me that, if anything, I sounded excited about the book and would be a moron not to continue.
Which I am very happy I did, because the middle to end section is a ride!
February 13, 2026
This book is set in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, between the period of 1796-1798.
It follows Cora, a Maroon from Jamaica, whose mother died in childbirth and she was raised by Leah.
Cora left her country behind to settle in the freezing Nova Scotia with other people from her tribe.
She keeps seeing something in the woods, and there has been rumours of a supernatural creature circulating the town.
This supernatural being turns out to be Agnes, a Black woman living in the woods with her dog, Patience.
The two women become friends, companions, and eventually, lovers. But there are people out there searching for Agnes…
I really enjoyed this book and its setting. I must admit that I knew nothing about the Maroons of Jamaica, and I found it extremely interesting. Maroons were free men during the period where slavery was commonplace. However, in this book we meet characters who aren’t so lucky – for example, Thursday, whose mother signed a contract and he was paying it off for her.
I liked the dual timeline of the trial in 1798, and the events leading up to it. I was racing through the pages, desperately trying to discover who was on trial and for what crime.
Overall, it’s a great book. I definitely recommend it.
It follows Cora, a Maroon from Jamaica, whose mother died in childbirth and she was raised by Leah.
Cora left her country behind to settle in the freezing Nova Scotia with other people from her tribe.
She keeps seeing something in the woods, and there has been rumours of a supernatural creature circulating the town.
This supernatural being turns out to be Agnes, a Black woman living in the woods with her dog, Patience.
The two women become friends, companions, and eventually, lovers. But there are people out there searching for Agnes…
I really enjoyed this book and its setting. I must admit that I knew nothing about the Maroons of Jamaica, and I found it extremely interesting. Maroons were free men during the period where slavery was commonplace. However, in this book we meet characters who aren’t so lucky – for example, Thursday, whose mother signed a contract and he was paying it off for her.
I liked the dual timeline of the trial in 1798, and the events leading up to it. I was racing through the pages, desperately trying to discover who was on trial and for what crime.
Overall, it’s a great book. I definitely recommend it.
February 13, 2026
I have been waiting (im)patiently for Eleanor's next book since I finished River Sing Me Home, what feels like, a long time ago. That book was so beautiful and well written that Eleanor became an auto-read author for me. Yes - right there at her debut.
That has not changed.
Two paths, to cross and then intertwine with love and then because of that love it could cost them everything.
Fireflies in Winter is such a heart rending experience that I was torn between racing through to the end or slowing down to savour it. I wonder what you will do when you read it?
Cora's experiences in the unfamiliar setting of Nova Scotia make for such an interesting read. All too often we see Caribbean people in either their homeland or the US (occasionally the UK) but I've never read a story set in Canada before which makes this so unique to me. To see how Cora and the other Maroons deal with the cold and how they are treated and what their lives are like there.
This was so well researched and the descriptions made it like slipping into a dream.... which is lush for someone who is very visual like me!
I loved the contrast between Cora and Agnes - stoic Agnes and Cora who is filled with so many questions. I would love to have had more time with them.
Eleanor's writing is like that, very addictive. You find yourself in the last page, wondering why it's the last page and why you're there already!
This book has so much contained within its pages that a simple review is not enough - you must read it for yourselves.
That has not changed.
Two paths, to cross and then intertwine with love and then because of that love it could cost them everything.
Fireflies in Winter is such a heart rending experience that I was torn between racing through to the end or slowing down to savour it. I wonder what you will do when you read it?
Cora's experiences in the unfamiliar setting of Nova Scotia make for such an interesting read. All too often we see Caribbean people in either their homeland or the US (occasionally the UK) but I've never read a story set in Canada before which makes this so unique to me. To see how Cora and the other Maroons deal with the cold and how they are treated and what their lives are like there.
This was so well researched and the descriptions made it like slipping into a dream.... which is lush for someone who is very visual like me!
I loved the contrast between Cora and Agnes - stoic Agnes and Cora who is filled with so many questions. I would love to have had more time with them.
Eleanor's writing is like that, very addictive. You find yourself in the last page, wondering why it's the last page and why you're there already!
This book has so much contained within its pages that a simple review is not enough - you must read it for yourselves.
February 13, 2026
I loved this book just for the writing alone! I will most definitely be reading more of this author.
In 1796, Cora, an orphan, arrives in Nova Scotia from Jamaica with other Maroons. She's never felt cold like this and needs to learn to adapt to these harsh conditions. Agnes is in hiding from her former life and slips in and out of the forest. She's been on her own for quite some time. She knows what it takes to survive in the wilderness and that one mistake could be fatal. When the two cross paths, something stirs in both of them. They find their way together deep in the forest, but when Agnes's past catches up to her they must fight another battle.
This was an absolutely beautifully written historical fiction novel about love, family, survival, and freedom. It's not a fast-paced book, but it is incredibly immersive and atmospheric. I was totally lost in the vivid imagery. It was character-driven, and I loved Cora and Agnes. Not only did they navigate the wilderness to survive, but also their love for each other. This was a fascinating read that taught me about the Jamaican Maroons, which honestly I didn't know about. A completely compelling read I would highly recommend! Make sure you read the author's notes!🩷
In 1796, Cora, an orphan, arrives in Nova Scotia from Jamaica with other Maroons. She's never felt cold like this and needs to learn to adapt to these harsh conditions. Agnes is in hiding from her former life and slips in and out of the forest. She's been on her own for quite some time. She knows what it takes to survive in the wilderness and that one mistake could be fatal. When the two cross paths, something stirs in both of them. They find their way together deep in the forest, but when Agnes's past catches up to her they must fight another battle.
This was an absolutely beautifully written historical fiction novel about love, family, survival, and freedom. It's not a fast-paced book, but it is incredibly immersive and atmospheric. I was totally lost in the vivid imagery. It was character-driven, and I loved Cora and Agnes. Not only did they navigate the wilderness to survive, but also their love for each other. This was a fascinating read that taught me about the Jamaican Maroons, which honestly I didn't know about. A completely compelling read I would highly recommend! Make sure you read the author's notes!🩷
February 21, 2026
This is a unique story of love in a unique setting. I didn’t have much background on this author and topic. I love when a book teaches you about something historical that you weren’t aware of and uses fiction. This was my introduction to the Jamaica Maroons. This story is well written and addresses various types of love…. Mother/Daughter, Mother/Son, Lovers and even love of dogs. While I’m hesitant to read stories that are too sexually overt.. this is NOT that. It’s a real love story with true elements of joy and heartbreak.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
October 6, 2025
I thought it was too wordy and took too long to get interesting (about 2/3 in). I thought it would be better as I liked another book by this author.
However, the last third is quite good, so it gained a star.
However, the last third is quite good, so it gained a star.
December 31, 2025
Beautifully written, heartbreaking story. Loved every page- loved these characters. Excellent historical fiction.
February 15, 2026
This novel is set in Nova Scotia at the end of the 18th century when slavery is part and parcel of life in many parts of the world. Cora has recently arrived from Jamaica, along with a large group of fellow countrymen. Agnes is on the run from her previous life, surviving alone in the wilderness. When Cora sees a shadowy figure in the woods and footprints in the snow, their paths are destined to cross.
There was a lot to like about this book. For me, the real highlight was the exceptional portrayal of emotions, sensations, feeling and thoughts – the author had a real understanding which was sensitive, intuitive and profound and also had the skill to translate them into the written word. Not an easy thing to do. I felt the cold, experienced the tension during arguments and knew what the people were thinking, even when the character themselves probably couldn’t have expressed it in words.
I found the storyline quite gripping and I thought the various relationships were all handled well – the developing bond between Cora and Agnes, and the existing relationships between Cora and Silas, Leah and Benjamin.
The trial, which was interspersed into the book at various points without any details given, leant an air of mystery to proceedings and this worked very well. The book gave me a real sense of the horrors of slavery without going into too much lurid detail.
Despite being a novel, the book was interwoven around real-life events and I learnt quite a lot about slavery, indenture and Maroons (see below for my issues with the way some of these were handled).
There were however a few minor niggles.
Firstly, I had no idea what Maroons were and I strongly suspect I am not the only one. The author either assumed (wrongly in my view) that it was a common term that most people would understand or decided to ignore this in order to add suspense to the storyline because the meaning of the word was only revealed in dribs and drabs as the book proceeded. Without this knowledge, much of the early part of the book didn’t really make sense as readers were left in the dark about the context of the characters within society. I found this very irritating.
In a similar vein (probably stemming entirely from my own ignorance of the terms associated with this period in history and which may well not have been an issue for other readers), Thursday described his situation as being a long-term unbreakable contract with Farmer Nash which he had taken voluntarily in place of his mother in order to allow her to return home. This meant that he was not free to leave. Yet midway through the book he describes himself as “free”. I managed to resolve this one by looking it up on the internet, albeit with some difficulty as I didn’t have the vocabulary to describe what I wanted to know. The result is that I now understand the difference between slavery and indenture and also realise that “free” is/was a very specific term, only used in relation to slavery and that somebody who is unable to make their own decisions as a result of indenture is nonetheless technically “free”. I am sure I really should have known this and am almost ashamed to admit iths glaring example of my ignorance.
Lastly, and I suspect/hope that this is simply a mistake which should really have been picked up by proof readers, there are two occasion when whales are seen in close proximity. Both times, in order to describe to the reader how close they really are, the narrator says something along the lines of “so close that you could see the trails of seaweed hanging off the barnacles on their skin”. A different description second time round would definitely have had more impact and avoided unnecessary repetition.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It is an easy read yet has some profound insights and is set during an interesting time of history. I will definitely be looking out for other books by this author.
There was a lot to like about this book. For me, the real highlight was the exceptional portrayal of emotions, sensations, feeling and thoughts – the author had a real understanding which was sensitive, intuitive and profound and also had the skill to translate them into the written word. Not an easy thing to do. I felt the cold, experienced the tension during arguments and knew what the people were thinking, even when the character themselves probably couldn’t have expressed it in words.
I found the storyline quite gripping and I thought the various relationships were all handled well – the developing bond between Cora and Agnes, and the existing relationships between Cora and Silas, Leah and Benjamin.
The trial, which was interspersed into the book at various points without any details given, leant an air of mystery to proceedings and this worked very well. The book gave me a real sense of the horrors of slavery without going into too much lurid detail.
Despite being a novel, the book was interwoven around real-life events and I learnt quite a lot about slavery, indenture and Maroons (see below for my issues with the way some of these were handled).
There were however a few minor niggles.
Firstly, I had no idea what Maroons were and I strongly suspect I am not the only one. The author either assumed (wrongly in my view) that it was a common term that most people would understand or decided to ignore this in order to add suspense to the storyline because the meaning of the word was only revealed in dribs and drabs as the book proceeded. Without this knowledge, much of the early part of the book didn’t really make sense as readers were left in the dark about the context of the characters within society. I found this very irritating.
In a similar vein (probably stemming entirely from my own ignorance of the terms associated with this period in history and which may well not have been an issue for other readers), Thursday described his situation as being a long-term unbreakable contract with Farmer Nash which he had taken voluntarily in place of his mother in order to allow her to return home. This meant that he was not free to leave. Yet midway through the book he describes himself as “free”. I managed to resolve this one by looking it up on the internet, albeit with some difficulty as I didn’t have the vocabulary to describe what I wanted to know. The result is that I now understand the difference between slavery and indenture and also realise that “free” is/was a very specific term, only used in relation to slavery and that somebody who is unable to make their own decisions as a result of indenture is nonetheless technically “free”. I am sure I really should have known this and am almost ashamed to admit iths glaring example of my ignorance.
Lastly, and I suspect/hope that this is simply a mistake which should really have been picked up by proof readers, there are two occasion when whales are seen in close proximity. Both times, in order to describe to the reader how close they really are, the narrator says something along the lines of “so close that you could see the trails of seaweed hanging off the barnacles on their skin”. A different description second time round would definitely have had more impact and avoided unnecessary repetition.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book. It is an easy read yet has some profound insights and is set during an interesting time of history. I will definitely be looking out for other books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set in Nova Scotia, in 1796, two young women are fighting for survival on the edge of the wilderness. 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....
Having read Eleanor Shearer's captivating debut, River Sing Me Home, I was so grateful when Caitlin Raynor from Headline offered me a GIFTED proof copy of her second novel, Fireflies In Winter, to read and review.
It did not disappoint, and its evocative prose, immersive storytelling, and layered characters are evidence of a writer consolidating and honing her already impressive literary powers.
It's an incredibly moving story about two 18th century women fighting for love and survival in the Nova Scotian forest wilderness: Cora, a free slave who has come to Nova Scotia from Jamaica, living with the Maroon community; and Agnes, a slave who has run away and is hiding to avoid recapture.
It's a story which reveals itself in layers as it slips between the present and the past. This slow emergence of the full story layer, by layer, is matched by a cast of brilliantly rendered, multi-layered, complex characters which inhabit your brain. You find yourself thinking about them, about their personal histories, their motivations, and the choices they make. I was especially fond of quiet, slow-to-trust Agnes; the open, gentle, sensitive Cora; and the honest, decent and loyal Thursday.
I was similarly impressed by the sense of place within the novel. Shearer's lyrically descriptive prose sharply and vividly evokes the unforgiving beauty and danger of the forest wilderness, and the freezing winter conditions which Cora and Agnes experience: you can practically feel your fingers tingle with the cold, and nip of the frost on your face as you're reading it, so powerful are her descriptions, and their engagement of your senses.
As the story unfolds in this beautifully-written, absorbing, and powerful story, the author explores several different definitions of freedom and choice through her characters and their individual situations, and exposes even more cruel and brutal facets of slavery, and the contradictions, hypocrisies and consequences of its Abolition.
Before reading this novel I had no idea about the Maroon community in Canada, and their subsequent relocation to Sierra Leone, and it has prompted me to find out more.
The novel also explores themes of love, betrayal and survival, but, above all, it's a powerful story about love between two women who risk everything to be together, and the quiet power of hope.
Out on 10th February in the UK, this is a novel that I recommend wholeheartedly to anyone who loves historical fiction with heart.
4.25 stars
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....
Having read Eleanor Shearer's captivating debut, River Sing Me Home, I was so grateful when Caitlin Raynor from Headline offered me a GIFTED proof copy of her second novel, Fireflies In Winter, to read and review.
It did not disappoint, and its evocative prose, immersive storytelling, and layered characters are evidence of a writer consolidating and honing her already impressive literary powers.
It's an incredibly moving story about two 18th century women fighting for love and survival in the Nova Scotian forest wilderness: Cora, a free slave who has come to Nova Scotia from Jamaica, living with the Maroon community; and Agnes, a slave who has run away and is hiding to avoid recapture.
It's a story which reveals itself in layers as it slips between the present and the past. This slow emergence of the full story layer, by layer, is matched by a cast of brilliantly rendered, multi-layered, complex characters which inhabit your brain. You find yourself thinking about them, about their personal histories, their motivations, and the choices they make. I was especially fond of quiet, slow-to-trust Agnes; the open, gentle, sensitive Cora; and the honest, decent and loyal Thursday.
I was similarly impressed by the sense of place within the novel. Shearer's lyrically descriptive prose sharply and vividly evokes the unforgiving beauty and danger of the forest wilderness, and the freezing winter conditions which Cora and Agnes experience: you can practically feel your fingers tingle with the cold, and nip of the frost on your face as you're reading it, so powerful are her descriptions, and their engagement of your senses.
As the story unfolds in this beautifully-written, absorbing, and powerful story, the author explores several different definitions of freedom and choice through her characters and their individual situations, and exposes even more cruel and brutal facets of slavery, and the contradictions, hypocrisies and consequences of its Abolition.
Before reading this novel I had no idea about the Maroon community in Canada, and their subsequent relocation to Sierra Leone, and it has prompted me to find out more.
The novel also explores themes of love, betrayal and survival, but, above all, it's a powerful story about love between two women who risk everything to be together, and the quiet power of hope.
Out on 10th February in the UK, this is a novel that I recommend wholeheartedly to anyone who loves historical fiction with heart.
4.25 stars
February 6, 2026
Cora comes from Trelawny Town. Orphaned at birth, she was raised by Leah, an African slave who mothered her, under the roof of Captain Silas Heath, a Maroon army soldier. He lives with his young son Benjamin; his late wife Elsy had been Cora’s closest friend. As the story unfolds, the reader gradually learns more about Cora’s past.
Life in Nova Scotia is harsh, particularly during the winter months. The cold is relentless, the ground frozen solid, and survival is a daily struggle. Silas Heath is a threatening and difficult man, yet Cora has promised Elsa she will care for Benjamin as if he were her own.
Cora is curious, drawn to wandering the forest. One day she loses her way and glimpses a shadow among the trees, one minute there the next gone. At first she believes it to be a ghost, especially when Benjamin speaks his mother’s name. Eventually, she discovers the truth,the shadow is Agnes, a young woman living alone in the wilderness.
Agnes is wary and guarded, surviving by foraging and keeping herself hidden from trails, villages, and towns. She is running from her former life and trusts no one. Slowly, a tentative bond forms between the two women. As Agnes begins to lower her guard, she also places herself in great danger. With survival constantly at risk, can they ever truly be together?
The novel opens in January 1798 with a trial, but who is on trial?, before moving back to the winter of 1796–97. The story unfolds through shifting timelines, returning to the courtroom. Finishing in 1800.
This is an immersive and deeply moving story about two women in the 18th century fighting for love and survival in the Nova Scotian wilderness. Cora is a free Black woman who has come from Jamaica, Agnes is an enslaved woman who has escaped and is hiding to avoid recapture.
The pacing is slow and deliberate, revealing the story layer by layer. The characters are complex, fully realised, and deeply human. Agnes is quiet and cautious, slow to trust. Cora is open, compassionate, and kind. Thursday is loyal, honest, and decent. Each character’s choices and motivations linger long after the final page.
The author powerfully evokes the brutal cold and unforgiving beauty of the wilderness, far harsher than anything we experience today, endured without adequate shelter, warmth, or clothing.
Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, this novel explores freedom, choice, love, betrayal, and survival, while confronting the cruelty and contradictions of slavery and its abolition. At its heart is a love between two women who risk absolutely everything to be together.
Thank you to @headlinepg for an ARC in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Life in Nova Scotia is harsh, particularly during the winter months. The cold is relentless, the ground frozen solid, and survival is a daily struggle. Silas Heath is a threatening and difficult man, yet Cora has promised Elsa she will care for Benjamin as if he were her own.
Cora is curious, drawn to wandering the forest. One day she loses her way and glimpses a shadow among the trees, one minute there the next gone. At first she believes it to be a ghost, especially when Benjamin speaks his mother’s name. Eventually, she discovers the truth,the shadow is Agnes, a young woman living alone in the wilderness.
Agnes is wary and guarded, surviving by foraging and keeping herself hidden from trails, villages, and towns. She is running from her former life and trusts no one. Slowly, a tentative bond forms between the two women. As Agnes begins to lower her guard, she also places herself in great danger. With survival constantly at risk, can they ever truly be together?
The novel opens in January 1798 with a trial, but who is on trial?, before moving back to the winter of 1796–97. The story unfolds through shifting timelines, returning to the courtroom. Finishing in 1800.
This is an immersive and deeply moving story about two women in the 18th century fighting for love and survival in the Nova Scotian wilderness. Cora is a free Black woman who has come from Jamaica, Agnes is an enslaved woman who has escaped and is hiding to avoid recapture.
The pacing is slow and deliberate, revealing the story layer by layer. The characters are complex, fully realised, and deeply human. Agnes is quiet and cautious, slow to trust. Cora is open, compassionate, and kind. Thursday is loyal, honest, and decent. Each character’s choices and motivations linger long after the final page.
The author powerfully evokes the brutal cold and unforgiving beauty of the wilderness, far harsher than anything we experience today, endured without adequate shelter, warmth, or clothing.
Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, this novel explores freedom, choice, love, betrayal, and survival, while confronting the cruelty and contradictions of slavery and its abolition. At its heart is a love between two women who risk absolutely everything to be together.
Thank you to @headlinepg for an ARC in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fireflies in Winter is a tale of survival in the wilderness, identity, acceptance, and finding love in an unsual place and circumstance.
It's about two young women, with different backgrounds and motivations, who come across each other due to some unexpected events in their lives, individually speaking.
It's a slow-paced story, very character-driven focused on these two women who, once they've found each other, will unit against common enemies (the wild nature playing a big part here) and slowly surrender to each other.
In my opinion, the biggest hit in this book is the setting. The ambience and the rich descriptions the author provides to the reader. The mountains, the river, the ocean, the whales, the bear, it is all very atmospheric and richly descriptive. I personally felt like I was a distant witness behind these characters and was there soaking up all the richness of that environment.
It's a slowburn of a book, but don't get it wrong: even though there is minimal action, A LOT happens to these characters. It's beautiful to witness them growing together, not only as individuals but also as two misunderstood women - victims of the time period.
There are also chapters focused on a certain trial, that I'd say brings something more threatening and unsettling for these two women.
If you like dogs in books: there is also a lovely dog here. :)
Honestly speaking, I believe this book might be a little divisive in opinions. Whoever has read this author's previous and debut novel, be aware: this new novel is considerably different in pacing, but the topics of family (by blood or not) and self-discovery are present here as well.
I personally adored Shearer's previous novel, but I now prefer this one. Fewer characters and a setting that is very appealing to me.
If I had to come up with something negative about this book, it would be this: I found this book to be a little too short. I wanted more! I wanted to linger as a witness within those woods and keep drinking from these characters' interactions and their self-discovery journey.
I also appreciate the differences and the contrasts the author uses to exemplify one of the main character's former life in Jamaica to her now current living habitat in a snowy and gloomy environment. I thought that was remarkable.
This whole book is exquisite, the writing, the descriptions all of it.
I highly recommend this book to any readers who enjoy slow-paced historical fiction novels. Period. Just...read it!
Thank you, NetGalley and Headline, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
It's about two young women, with different backgrounds and motivations, who come across each other due to some unexpected events in their lives, individually speaking.
It's a slow-paced story, very character-driven focused on these two women who, once they've found each other, will unit against common enemies (the wild nature playing a big part here) and slowly surrender to each other.
In my opinion, the biggest hit in this book is the setting. The ambience and the rich descriptions the author provides to the reader. The mountains, the river, the ocean, the whales, the bear, it is all very atmospheric and richly descriptive. I personally felt like I was a distant witness behind these characters and was there soaking up all the richness of that environment.
It's a slowburn of a book, but don't get it wrong: even though there is minimal action, A LOT happens to these characters. It's beautiful to witness them growing together, not only as individuals but also as two misunderstood women - victims of the time period.
There are also chapters focused on a certain trial, that I'd say brings something more threatening and unsettling for these two women.
If you like dogs in books: there is also a lovely dog here. :)
Honestly speaking, I believe this book might be a little divisive in opinions. Whoever has read this author's previous and debut novel, be aware: this new novel is considerably different in pacing, but the topics of family (by blood or not) and self-discovery are present here as well.
I personally adored Shearer's previous novel, but I now prefer this one. Fewer characters and a setting that is very appealing to me.
If I had to come up with something negative about this book, it would be this: I found this book to be a little too short. I wanted more! I wanted to linger as a witness within those woods and keep drinking from these characters' interactions and their self-discovery journey.
I also appreciate the differences and the contrasts the author uses to exemplify one of the main character's former life in Jamaica to her now current living habitat in a snowy and gloomy environment. I thought that was remarkable.
This whole book is exquisite, the writing, the descriptions all of it.
I highly recommend this book to any readers who enjoy slow-paced historical fiction novels. Period. Just...read it!
Thank you, NetGalley and Headline, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 10, 2025
This story finds us in Halifax, Nova Scotia with Jamaican Maroons, descendants of escaped African slaves who were resettled in Halifax. Our main character, Cora, was an orphan who was taken in by Leah when her mother died in childbirth.
Cora found the population confusing, for in Jamaica there were only whites, slaves or Maroons. However, in Halifax there were rich whites, poor whites, extremely poor whites, slaves, Maroons and people hovering in between. She was friends with a man named Thursday who was an indentured servant. Thursday warned her to stay off the woodland paths for there were bears and strange stories of other things, too.
She longed for her mother and sometimes felt her presence in the trees. This drew her into the woods to where her friend, Thursday, had cautioned her to avoid. She stumbled upon a dead moose, partially skinned, and heard a voice call out to her to stop. There was a girl with a bow and arrow pointed at her, warning her. The girl sent her in the direction she needed to go to return home, somehow knowing where she came from.
When Cora was back home she only said she had been walking, for the hidden girl in the forest was hers alone.
Agnes is revealed as the mystery girl, along with her dog, Patience. Eventually, Cora joins Agnes as they travel from campsite to campsite, sleeping at night in a wikuom, a lean-to shelter, battling the freezing elements, working their own traps, fishing, managing any and all the different ways to survive. They knew the seasons and the joys found in each one.
Something I found special in this book was when Cora questioned what Agnes was to herself. She was a friend, a sister, but also something else. What she felt for Agnes was love, a love which was reciprocated.
I really enjoyed this book, although I struggled at first because of how different everything was, from the many different terms and descriptions, the labels and statuses of individuals. I ended up becoming upset and emotionally involved when Agnes was on trial, something you’ll have to read to understand.
My thanks to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Cora found the population confusing, for in Jamaica there were only whites, slaves or Maroons. However, in Halifax there were rich whites, poor whites, extremely poor whites, slaves, Maroons and people hovering in between. She was friends with a man named Thursday who was an indentured servant. Thursday warned her to stay off the woodland paths for there were bears and strange stories of other things, too.
She longed for her mother and sometimes felt her presence in the trees. This drew her into the woods to where her friend, Thursday, had cautioned her to avoid. She stumbled upon a dead moose, partially skinned, and heard a voice call out to her to stop. There was a girl with a bow and arrow pointed at her, warning her. The girl sent her in the direction she needed to go to return home, somehow knowing where she came from.
When Cora was back home she only said she had been walking, for the hidden girl in the forest was hers alone.
Agnes is revealed as the mystery girl, along with her dog, Patience. Eventually, Cora joins Agnes as they travel from campsite to campsite, sleeping at night in a wikuom, a lean-to shelter, battling the freezing elements, working their own traps, fishing, managing any and all the different ways to survive. They knew the seasons and the joys found in each one.
Something I found special in this book was when Cora questioned what Agnes was to herself. She was a friend, a sister, but also something else. What she felt for Agnes was love, a love which was reciprocated.
I really enjoyed this book, although I struggled at first because of how different everything was, from the many different terms and descriptions, the labels and statuses of individuals. I ended up becoming upset and emotionally involved when Agnes was on trial, something you’ll have to read to understand.
My thanks to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2025
This story finds us in Halifax, Nova Scotia with Jamaican Maroons, descendants of escaped African slaves who were resettled in Halifax. Our main character, Cora, was an orphan who was taken in by Leah when her mother died in childbirth.
Cora found the population confusing, for in Jamaica there were only whites, slaves or Maroons. However, in Halifax there were rich whites, poor whites, extremely poor whites, slaves, Maroons and people hovering in between. She was friends with a man named Thursday who was an indentured servant. Thursday warned her to stay off the woodland paths for there were bears and strange stories of other things, too.
She longed for her mother and sometimes felt her presence in the trees. This drew her into the woods to where her friend, Thursday, had cautioned her to avoid. She stumbled upon a dead moose, partially skinned, and heard a voice call out to her to stop. There was a girl with a bow and arrow pointed at her, warning her. The girl sent her in the direction she needed to go to return home, somehow knowing where she came from.
When Cora was back home she only said she had been walking, for the hidden girl in the forest was hers alone.
Agnes is revealed as the mystery girl, along with her dog, Patience. Eventually, Cora joins Agnes as they travel from campsite to campsite, sleeping at night in a wikuom, a lean-to shelter, battling the freezing elements, working their own traps, fishing, managing any and all the different ways to survive. They knew the seasons and the joys found in each one.
Something I found special in this book was when Cora questioned what Agnes was to herself. She was a friend, a sister, but also something else. What she felt for Agnes was love, a love which was reciprocated.
I really enjoyed this book, although I struggled at first because of how different everything was, from the many different terms and descriptions, the labels and statuses of individuals. I ended up becoming upset and emotionally involved when Agnes was on trial, something you’ll have to read to understand.
My thanks to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Cora found the population confusing, for in Jamaica there were only whites, slaves or Maroons. However, in Halifax there were rich whites, poor whites, extremely poor whites, slaves, Maroons and people hovering in between. She was friends with a man named Thursday who was an indentured servant. Thursday warned her to stay off the woodland paths for there were bears and strange stories of other things, too.
She longed for her mother and sometimes felt her presence in the trees. This drew her into the woods to where her friend, Thursday, had cautioned her to avoid. She stumbled upon a dead moose, partially skinned, and heard a voice call out to her to stop. There was a girl with a bow and arrow pointed at her, warning her. The girl sent her in the direction she needed to go to return home, somehow knowing where she came from.
When Cora was back home she only said she had been walking, for the hidden girl in the forest was hers alone.
Agnes is revealed as the mystery girl, along with her dog, Patience. Eventually, Cora joins Agnes as they travel from campsite to campsite, sleeping at night in a wikuom, a lean-to shelter, battling the freezing elements, working their own traps, fishing, managing any and all the different ways to survive. They knew the seasons and the joys found in each one.
Something I found special in this book was when Cora questioned what Agnes was to herself. She was a friend, a sister, but also something else. What she felt for Agnes was love, a love which was reciprocated.
I really enjoyed this book, although I struggled at first because of how different everything was, from the many different terms and descriptions, the labels and statuses of individuals. I ended up becoming upset and emotionally involved when Agnes was on trial, something you’ll have to read to understand.
My thanks to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer is one of those novels that asks you to be patient. It starts quietly. Slowly. Almost stubbornly so. And then, without asking permission, it pulls you fully into its icy grip.
Set in Nova Scotia in 1796, this story follows Cora, a free Black woman newly arrived from Jamaica and living with the Maroon community, and Agnes, an enslaved woman on the run, surviving alone in the unforgiving wilderness. Their meeting feels almost mythic. Two lives crossing at the coldest possible moment, when survival is already a daily negotiation.
The writing here is beautiful. Not flashy. Not rushed. Just deeply evocative. The snow, the woods, the isolation, the constant threat of exposure. I could feel the cold in my bones. The landscape isn’t just a setting. It’s a living force, shaping every choice and every fear. This is a book about survival in all its forms. Physical. Emotional. Moral.
What really held me, though, was the relationship between Cora and Agnes. Watching their bond develop felt tender and earned, shaped by trust, shared danger, and longing. Their love is both a refuge and a risk, which gives the story its quiet tension. The novel doesn’t shy away from flaws or hard truths. Instead, it acknowledges them, while still offering something rare and hopeful: the idea that no one is beyond redemption.
The character work is excellent. Cora and Agnes feel layered, complex, and deeply human. Their pasts matter. Their choices matter. And before reading this, I knew very little about the Maroon community in Canada or their eventual relocation to Sierra Leone. That history alone sent me down a research rabbit hole, which is always a sign a book has done something right.
This wasn’t a five-star read for me only because the pacing in the beginning demanded more patience than I usually prefer. But once it found its rhythm, it became immersive, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.
If you love historical fiction that prioritizes atmosphere, character, and emotional depth over speed, Fireflies in Winter is absolutely worth your time. It lingers. Like fireflies. Like memory. Like love that refuses to disappear.
Set in Nova Scotia in 1796, this story follows Cora, a free Black woman newly arrived from Jamaica and living with the Maroon community, and Agnes, an enslaved woman on the run, surviving alone in the unforgiving wilderness. Their meeting feels almost mythic. Two lives crossing at the coldest possible moment, when survival is already a daily negotiation.
The writing here is beautiful. Not flashy. Not rushed. Just deeply evocative. The snow, the woods, the isolation, the constant threat of exposure. I could feel the cold in my bones. The landscape isn’t just a setting. It’s a living force, shaping every choice and every fear. This is a book about survival in all its forms. Physical. Emotional. Moral.
What really held me, though, was the relationship between Cora and Agnes. Watching their bond develop felt tender and earned, shaped by trust, shared danger, and longing. Their love is both a refuge and a risk, which gives the story its quiet tension. The novel doesn’t shy away from flaws or hard truths. Instead, it acknowledges them, while still offering something rare and hopeful: the idea that no one is beyond redemption.
The character work is excellent. Cora and Agnes feel layered, complex, and deeply human. Their pasts matter. Their choices matter. And before reading this, I knew very little about the Maroon community in Canada or their eventual relocation to Sierra Leone. That history alone sent me down a research rabbit hole, which is always a sign a book has done something right.
This wasn’t a five-star read for me only because the pacing in the beginning demanded more patience than I usually prefer. But once it found its rhythm, it became immersive, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.
If you love historical fiction that prioritizes atmosphere, character, and emotional depth over speed, Fireflies in Winter is absolutely worth your time. It lingers. Like fireflies. Like memory. Like love that refuses to disappear.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
"There is a reason Nova Scotia is Ox country; it rewards the plotting, the study, those with thick hides to last the winter, when frost freezes slippery over rock and soil."
We all know what it's like to see something we really want, and then order it without trying it on. It arrives at our door. We open it. Admire it. Put it on. And damn... it's not the fit we expected. It's not horrible, we can put it on. But it feels strange, and looks wonky. That was this book for me.
A historical fiction read set in the harsh winter of Novia Scotia. (Yes! I'm in.) Toggling between the present and the events leading up to them. (One of my favorite story formats.) Focusing on the story of a Maroon woman who has resettled in a contrasting world, and her found relationship with a runaway slave (Hmmmm. A topic not overly written about. Intriguing.) This book was the something I really wanted!
There is no doubt Eleanor Shearer's writing is beautiful. She is able to paint gorgeous landscapes with her words. Frozen, harsh outdoor scenes. Ones that make you feel it. See it. She is also quite polished in pacing. I found it to be smooth and steady.
Unfortunately, that beautiful writing didn't lend itself to the characters. That was where my ill fit came in. The premise was interesting. The writing flowed. But the characters? Bored me to death. Zero connection. I am that reader who needs to dig into these people and cheer them on. I want to know their ins and outs. Their motivations. I want to feel their struggles, their successes, and their growth. I did not experience that here, hence, my uncomfortable feel.
Final thoughts? A wonderfully written, slow moving story that highlights nature and one's quiet peace within it. If you enjoy the stunning atmosphere of the great outdoors, this may be a great fit for you.
My sincere thanks to Eleanor Shearer and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this DRC. I am sharing my reading experience willingly.
"There is a reason Nova Scotia is Ox country; it rewards the plotting, the study, those with thick hides to last the winter, when frost freezes slippery over rock and soil."
We all know what it's like to see something we really want, and then order it without trying it on. It arrives at our door. We open it. Admire it. Put it on. And damn... it's not the fit we expected. It's not horrible, we can put it on. But it feels strange, and looks wonky. That was this book for me.
A historical fiction read set in the harsh winter of Novia Scotia. (Yes! I'm in.) Toggling between the present and the events leading up to them. (One of my favorite story formats.) Focusing on the story of a Maroon woman who has resettled in a contrasting world, and her found relationship with a runaway slave (Hmmmm. A topic not overly written about. Intriguing.) This book was the something I really wanted!
There is no doubt Eleanor Shearer's writing is beautiful. She is able to paint gorgeous landscapes with her words. Frozen, harsh outdoor scenes. Ones that make you feel it. See it. She is also quite polished in pacing. I found it to be smooth and steady.
Unfortunately, that beautiful writing didn't lend itself to the characters. That was where my ill fit came in. The premise was interesting. The writing flowed. But the characters? Bored me to death. Zero connection. I am that reader who needs to dig into these people and cheer them on. I want to know their ins and outs. Their motivations. I want to feel their struggles, their successes, and their growth. I did not experience that here, hence, my uncomfortable feel.
Final thoughts? A wonderfully written, slow moving story that highlights nature and one's quiet peace within it. If you enjoy the stunning atmosphere of the great outdoors, this may be a great fit for you.
My sincere thanks to Eleanor Shearer and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this DRC. I am sharing my reading experience willingly.
February 18, 2026
Immersive. Quiet yet powerful.
I finished this book several days ago, and it has lingered with me. It’s a special story of love, resiliency, and freedom that is lyrically told and steeped in history.
I was quickly absorbed into Cora’s life as a Jamaican Maroon relegated to the biting cold of Nova Scotia. Yet somehow, the storyline took on an even more captivating tone as Agnes, a solitary survivalist evading her past, crossed Cora’s path.
Shearer’s writing is beautifully descriptive. She set a vivid atmosphere where the biting cold and desolateness of the forest emanated through the pages. My breath caught and my jaw tensed as though I was right there in the harsh elements.
While the story itself is largely character driven, the historical notes, though subtly executed, are replete with importance and impact. Shearer’s exploration of Black diaspora and the fragility of Black freedom is powerfully rendered, and the examination of the vast complexities felt especially heart rending... maybe especially because of the draw to the characters telling the story.
But what beautifully propelled the narrative was the sapphic love story at its core. It’s a tender unfolding that was deeply affecting. It brimmed with heart and reminded that queer people have always found connection and joy throughout time and place.
The longer I sit with this book, the more I love it. I was blown away by Shearer’s debut, River Sing Me Home. And this, her sophomore novel, proves that she is a powerhouse voice in historical fiction.
🎧The audiobook narrated by Debra Michaels—who also narrated River Sing Me Home— is stunning. Michaels breathed life into Cora while honoring the complexities of her station with nuance, and her melodious Jamaican accent added authenticity and beauty to the storyline. This audiobook amplified the storyline, the culture and the history.
Many thanks to my friends at @acebookspub @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copies of this book. #partner. #berkleypub #berkleypartner #prhapartner
I finished this book several days ago, and it has lingered with me. It’s a special story of love, resiliency, and freedom that is lyrically told and steeped in history.
I was quickly absorbed into Cora’s life as a Jamaican Maroon relegated to the biting cold of Nova Scotia. Yet somehow, the storyline took on an even more captivating tone as Agnes, a solitary survivalist evading her past, crossed Cora’s path.
Shearer’s writing is beautifully descriptive. She set a vivid atmosphere where the biting cold and desolateness of the forest emanated through the pages. My breath caught and my jaw tensed as though I was right there in the harsh elements.
While the story itself is largely character driven, the historical notes, though subtly executed, are replete with importance and impact. Shearer’s exploration of Black diaspora and the fragility of Black freedom is powerfully rendered, and the examination of the vast complexities felt especially heart rending... maybe especially because of the draw to the characters telling the story.
But what beautifully propelled the narrative was the sapphic love story at its core. It’s a tender unfolding that was deeply affecting. It brimmed with heart and reminded that queer people have always found connection and joy throughout time and place.
The longer I sit with this book, the more I love it. I was blown away by Shearer’s debut, River Sing Me Home. And this, her sophomore novel, proves that she is a powerhouse voice in historical fiction.
🎧The audiobook narrated by Debra Michaels—who also narrated River Sing Me Home— is stunning. Michaels breathed life into Cora while honoring the complexities of her station with nuance, and her melodious Jamaican accent added authenticity and beauty to the storyline. This audiobook amplified the storyline, the culture and the history.
Many thanks to my friends at @acebookspub @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copies of this book. #partner. #berkleypub #berkleypartner #prhapartner
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