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Fireflies in Winter
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26A 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
Expected publication February 10, 2026
7191 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Shearer
2 books583 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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December 11, 2025Thank you to Berkley and the author for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
This book is about Cora, an orphan newly arrived from Trelawny Town in Jamaica, to a settlement of free African immigrants, called "Maroons," to Nova Scotia. She arrives with her community, notably mother-figure Leah (who took care of her when her own mother died in childbirth), and Benjamin (her late friend Elsy's son, who she has taken care of since her passing). She meets Agnes in the woods, even after her new friend Thursday warns Cora to stay out of the woods, and begins her own coming-of-age journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Shearer created such gentle, brave, and curious characters in Cora and Agnes especially. Honorable mention to Patience the dog, for being loyal and showing courage in every moment she was on page too. The mystery of the trial interspersed between chapters of the seasons in Nova Scotia were compelling and the way it came to a close in the final pages were very satisfying.
Shearer's writing is so beautiful. I highlighted so much of this book, and I appreciated being led through Cora's ruminations on her sexual orientation, her feelings towards Agnes specifically, and her grief of the previous chapters of her life. We receive the big reveals the same time as Cora, so we are alongside her for her rage and her pain. I don't want to say more because I will spoil the story, but I do want to say that I cried towards the end, as Cora reflects on the crossroads ahead of her, and what it means for the people she loves: Leah, Benjamin, Agnes, Thursday; and the life she's known.
Choice is not something that Cora's people were given too often, and I have to respect and admire that she made the choice that made sense for her, regardless of how much grief and loss comes with it. <3 (There's always a cost, even for the things that help us live our most authentic and happiest lives, and that's okay. What a bittersweet rumination on the brevity but beauty of the human experience.)
I can only imagine the terror and the uncertainty life in 1797 could be for a Black woman, regardless of "freedom status." Shearer absolutely magnifies the gravity of that in every Black characters' plight in this narrative. However, what Shearer mentioned in the ending author's note is so important too: "All I can say in response is that our imaginations have failed us if we think the queer people who came before us never experienced joy. We should not forget that they were demonized and punished. But we should also not forget that, sometimes, they simply loved."
I highly recommend this to historical fiction readers, and I think it would make a great book club choice as well.
This book is about Cora, an orphan newly arrived from Trelawny Town in Jamaica, to a settlement of free African immigrants, called "Maroons," to Nova Scotia. She arrives with her community, notably mother-figure Leah (who took care of her when her own mother died in childbirth), and Benjamin (her late friend Elsy's son, who she has taken care of since her passing). She meets Agnes in the woods, even after her new friend Thursday warns Cora to stay out of the woods, and begins her own coming-of-age journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Shearer created such gentle, brave, and curious characters in Cora and Agnes especially. Honorable mention to Patience the dog, for being loyal and showing courage in every moment she was on page too. The mystery of the trial interspersed between chapters of the seasons in Nova Scotia were compelling and the way it came to a close in the final pages were very satisfying.
Shearer's writing is so beautiful. I highlighted so much of this book, and I appreciated being led through Cora's ruminations on her sexual orientation, her feelings towards Agnes specifically, and her grief of the previous chapters of her life. We receive the big reveals the same time as Cora, so we are alongside her for her rage and her pain. I don't want to say more because I will spoil the story, but I do want to say that I cried towards the end, as Cora reflects on the crossroads ahead of her, and what it means for the people she loves: Leah, Benjamin, Agnes, Thursday; and the life she's known.
Choice is not something that Cora's people were given too often, and I have to respect and admire that she made the choice that made sense for her, regardless of how much grief and loss comes with it. <3 (There's always a cost, even for the things that help us live our most authentic and happiest lives, and that's okay. What a bittersweet rumination on the brevity but beauty of the human experience.)
I can only imagine the terror and the uncertainty life in 1797 could be for a Black woman, regardless of "freedom status." Shearer absolutely magnifies the gravity of that in every Black characters' plight in this narrative. However, what Shearer mentioned in the ending author's note is so important too: "All I can say in response is that our imaginations have failed us if we think the queer people who came before us never experienced joy. We should not forget that they were demonized and punished. But we should also not forget that, sometimes, they simply loved."
I highly recommend this to historical fiction readers, and I think it would make a great book club choice as well.
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.
November 26, 2025
thanks to netgalley and berkley publishing group for this advanced reader copy of fireflies in winter.
this book started off VERY slow for me. i was slogging through, not really engaged nor enjoying. and then, bam, the book came together and the second half of the book was perfect. it's excellent historical fiction about slaves from jamaica who end up in nova scotia. the canadian landscape is a cold, brutal and beautiful backdrop to this very difficult tale of slaves and two women (and a fabulous dog) living in fear and grief and off the land in the woods. the book might even be worth reading just for the part where they are in a canoe on the ocean with whales all around them. seriously, this is breathtaking. as the story of the two women and their intimate relationship developed, i found myself appreciating the opportunity to be really inside their lives together and individually. i felt a deeper level of respect and tenderness both for the characters and for all people who are unable to love each other in safety.
this book started off VERY slow for me. i was slogging through, not really engaged nor enjoying. and then, bam, the book came together and the second half of the book was perfect. it's excellent historical fiction about slaves from jamaica who end up in nova scotia. the canadian landscape is a cold, brutal and beautiful backdrop to this very difficult tale of slaves and two women (and a fabulous dog) living in fear and grief and off the land in the woods. the book might even be worth reading just for the part where they are in a canoe on the ocean with whales all around them. seriously, this is breathtaking. as the story of the two women and their intimate relationship developed, i found myself appreciating the opportunity to be really inside their lives together and individually. i felt a deeper level of respect and tenderness both for the characters and for all people who are unable to love each other in safety.
November 29, 2025
What does freedome mean to you? We learn that freedom has a different meaning for each character in this book. Eleanor Shearer captures each character's sense of love and freedom. I had not ever read much about people moving from the islands to Canada so this was a new perspective. Shearer created a world where people care for each other in so many ways. Cora feels the need to leave those who she had come to love and finds a new love, one that has been forbidden. Agnes has been hiding out and learned to live on the land. The author writes with beautiful prose, truly bringing out the personalities and deep seeded trauma that each one has suffered. A thoughful book full of grit and the warmth of new love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eleanor Shearer has been on my radar since she wrote River Sing Me Home. When I received an ARC for Fireflies in Winter I was excited to finally read a book by this author since I never got around to reading her debut book. Unfortunately this book was too wordy and too slow paced for me. I trudged through it finding the last third better, still not enough to give it a high rating. If you are interested in learning about slavery in Canada you will learn a lot on this topic by reading this book. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book. This in no way influences my review of the book.
I found the book to be quite interesting. Did not have much prior knowledge of Jamaica and the movement of native people being sent to Nova Scotia. I did not know the term Maroon in reference to some people of color so very much a learning experience. I don't think Cora's sexual orientation was so cut and dried. I could easily have seen her pair up with Thursday.
I enjoyed the survival aspects of the book.
I found the book to be quite interesting. Did not have much prior knowledge of Jamaica and the movement of native people being sent to Nova Scotia. I did not know the term Maroon in reference to some people of color so very much a learning experience. I don't think Cora's sexual orientation was so cut and dried. I could easily have seen her pair up with Thursday.
I enjoyed the survival aspects of the book.
November 6, 2025
Fireflies in Winter by Eleanor Shearer is a fascinating and moving story. I appreciate NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Cora, an orphan from Jamaica, is sent to the wilds of Nova Scotia with a group of free Maroons. She struggles with the cold, fitting in, and figuring out where she belongs—until she meets Agnes, a girl living alone in the forest.
I’d heard of the Jamaican Maroons before, but I had no idea some were forcibly moved to Nova Scotia. The contrast between the two places is incredible to imagine. A really interesting and beautifully told story!
I’d heard of the Jamaican Maroons before, but I had no idea some were forcibly moved to Nova Scotia. The contrast between the two places is incredible to imagine. A really interesting and beautifully told story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is 1796, Cora is a newly arrived orphan from Jamaica and has never felt cold like this. Then one days in the depths of winter, she sees a shadow slipping through the trees near her home. She finds tracks in the snow and a girl, Agnes. They form a bond and one days runs away from home, going to Agnes to hide. But this places them both in grave danger.
The setting in this one was atmospheric and you could almost feel the cold. While it was slow in places, the writing was beautiful and heartfelt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this gifted review copy.
The setting in this one was atmospheric and you could almost feel the cold. While it was slow in places, the writing was beautiful and heartfelt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this gifted review copy.
October 23, 2025
This was a good story and also educational. I had never heard of the Maroons and their path to freedom was explained nicely. I did enjoy seeing the friendship and relationship grow between Cora and Agnes as well as Cora and Thursday. I was really affected by a part about Patience and did not like that at all, I found the book to be a little slow in parts but I enjoyed it and the ending as well
November 21, 2025
Who knew there weee do many different routes to freedom for 18th century slaves? I learned quite a bit from a historical perspective, but I was left wanting for more. While Fireflies in Winter revealed an aspect of history I am unfamiliar with, the novel itself missed the mark for me. The story was slow to develop and the style was a bit hard to read at times. I’d like to thank Penguin Random House and Net Galley for an advanced courtesy copy. This review is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. There are many beautiful, winter scenes in the woods in this book that really paint a picture of the landscape. This book covers some of the "gray" areas of free people who seem to be free at a white person's whim at times. The love story between lovers and friends was beautiful, but unfortunately I just didn't care that much about the characters or get pulled into the story except for brief periods.
December 31, 2025
Coming of age. Survival. Mending the chains of ancestral secrets. Finding the glow of elusive love. Growing stronger through each and every experience. Eleanor Shearer's Fireflies in Winter traces the way through an authentic discovery. Finding forgiveness within ourselves is what we do when there are no perfect choices. Embracing chosen family. Creating our personal culture of freedom and crystalizing that resolution within ourselves. Simple. Natural. Personal. Beautiful.
November 18, 2025
I received this ARC as a giveaway. I'm not sure what to say about this book. I had a really hard time getting into the book and almost quit reading it. The second half of the book got better.
December 31, 2025
Beautifully written, heartbreaking story. Loved every page- loved these characters. Excellent historical fiction.
October 26, 2025
Two young women fight for love and survival on the edge of the icy wilderness.
I have been waiting not so patiently for Eleanor’s next book so I was so excited to read this! River Sing Me Home is one of my all time favourite books & lives in my head rent free so I had pretty high expectations for Fireflies in Winter & it’s fair to say, it lived up to them!
I loved the characters so much - they are so deeply layered. I loved getting to know more about them as they felt distinctive, despite how many characters there were - each had their own story to tell & it was so powerful. Seeing the queer love develop with a character questioning their sexuality was beautiful, especially in a time of history where this is erased, demonised & punished.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning, especially as it was set in winter. It was so interesting how the mystery was interwoven throughout the chapters to create suspense.
⚠️ CWs: imprisonment, racism, slavery, grief, death, alcohol use, blood, animal cruelty, physical assault, racist slur, injury detail, animal injury, gun use, illness, kidnapping, colonialism; mentions parent death, absent parent, vomit, war, ableism, torture, gore, infertility, murder, fire ⚠️
I have been waiting not so patiently for Eleanor’s next book so I was so excited to read this! River Sing Me Home is one of my all time favourite books & lives in my head rent free so I had pretty high expectations for Fireflies in Winter & it’s fair to say, it lived up to them!
I loved the characters so much - they are so deeply layered. I loved getting to know more about them as they felt distinctive, despite how many characters there were - each had their own story to tell & it was so powerful. Seeing the queer love develop with a character questioning their sexuality was beautiful, especially in a time of history where this is erased, demonised & punished.
The atmosphere was absolutely stunning, especially as it was set in winter. It was so interesting how the mystery was interwoven throughout the chapters to create suspense.
⚠️ CWs: imprisonment, racism, slavery, grief, death, alcohol use, blood, animal cruelty, physical assault, racist slur, injury detail, animal injury, gun use, illness, kidnapping, colonialism; mentions parent death, absent parent, vomit, war, ableism, torture, gore, infertility, murder, fire ⚠️
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