Sisters of the Midnight Sun

by Fiona Valpy

Two women from different generations connect over their shared need to recover from trauma as they attempt to heal and begin their lives anew, from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker's Gift and The Beekeeper's Promise

2001: Overwhelmed by grief in the wake of losing her twin sister, Ruby Reid has come to Scotland to escape. Her new job as companion to Hanna Kristiansen, an elderly woman living on a rugged homestead in the wild and remote Shetland Islands, offers plenty of challenges and a welcome distraction from the devastating choice Ruby has to make.

1940: Hanna’s quiet life on the fjords of northern Norway is overturned when her hometown is attacked and her country falls into the hands of Nazi occupiers. But the Norwegians are a people as resilient as the ancient bedrock of their land. With her twin sister Hanna becomes involved in the resistance movement, fighting to end the war that has taken so much from her. She’s sent to Scotland for training, where she falls for a charismatic member of the shadowy special forces supporting Norway’s fight for freedom. Though she's eager to stay and fight, Hanna must return to her homeland, leaving her new love behind, and face the dangerous underground work that lies ahead.

As Hanna shares her story, Ruby begins to navigate the path of her grief. Hanna in turn finds comfort in discovering that confiding in her younger friend is helping them both heal. Ruby also learns that, like the beautiful untamed land of Hanna’s rural croft, there is strength to be found in fragility, as well as hope for new life, in the wildness of an island at the end of the world.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

Fiona Valpy spent seven years living in France, having moved there from the UK in 2007. She and her family renovated an old, rambling farmhouse in the Bordeaux winelands, during which time she developed new-found skills in cement-mixing, interior decorating and wine-tasting.

All of these inspirations, along with a love for the place, the people and their history, have found their way into the books she’s written, which have been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

Fiona now lives in Scotland, but enjoys regular visits to France in search of the sun.

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Reviews

[Libby Reidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story of two women bought together by tragedy. In the present, Ruby has taken a job in the Shetland Islands (Scotland) as a caretaker to Hanna, an elderly woman who lives alone on a working croft. Alternating between the past (Norway under German rule during WWII) and the present where these two women lives intertwine. Both have undergone personal misfortunes, both loosing twin sisters in terrible ways. For those who do not know the history of Norway during WWII, this is a must read. Also, the hardships of living on a remote island off Scotland is well described. I will definitely recommend this historical fiction book.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly drew me in until the end. Cried at the end unexpectedly. Loved this story.