Fireflies in Winter: A Breathtaking Novel of Survival and the Enduring Power of Love from the author of...

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Eleanor Shearer

Fireflies in Winter

A Breathtaking Novel of Survival and the Enduring Power of Love from the author of River Sing...

Eleanor Shearer

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Headline
10 February 2026

Fiction & Literature; Historical fiction; Slavery & abolition of slavery

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

'Simply luminous'

New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn

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

Nova Scotia 1796.

Cora, an orphan newly arrived from Jamaica, has never felt cold like this. In the depths of winter, everyone in her community huddles together in their homes to keep warm. So when she sees a shadow slipping through the trees, Cora thinks her eyes are deceiving her. Until she creeps out into the moonlight and finds the tracks in the snow.

Agnes is in hiding. On the run from her former life, she has learned what it takes to survive alone in the wilderness. But she can afford no mistakes. When she first spies the young woman in the woods, she is afraid. Yet Cora is fearless, and their paths are destined to cross.

Deep among the cedars, Cora and Agnes find a fragile place of safety. But when Agnes's past closes in, they are confronted with the dangerous price of freedom - and of love...

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

Five-star reader reviews for FIREFLIES IN WINTER:

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

'Fascinating, moving and beautifully told'

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

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

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

Acclaim for RIVER SING ME HOME:

'A strong and beautiful novel that stares into the face of brutality and the heart of love' Jeanette Winterson

'A fine testament to the women who inspired this debut' The Times

'Moving and dynamic' Guardian

'Powerful, moving and lyrical' Woman & Home

By: Eleanor Shearer
Imprint: Headline
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
Weight: 41g
ISBN: 9781472291479
ISBN 10: 1472291476
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 10 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Eleanor Shearer is a mixed-race writer and the granddaughter of Windrush generation immigrants. She splits her time between London and Ramsgate. Her debut novel River Sing Me Home sold in 20 territories. It was named as one of Time magazine's 100 Must-Read Books of 2023, was a finalist for the 2024 Dayton Literary Peace Prize Fiction Award, shortlisted for the Grand Prix des Lectrices ELLE 2025 in France and also shortlisted for the Prix Fragonard 2025 in France. It was a Good Morning America Book Club pick, and has been optioned for TV by AL Films and BBC Films.

Reviews for Fireflies in Winter: A Breathtaking Novel of Survival and the Enduring Power of Love from the author of River Sing Me Home

Praise for Eleanor Shearer - A fine testament to the women who inspired this debut * The Times * An extraordinary portrait of motherly love and hope . . . a thoroughly compelling read * Daily Mail * A moving and dynamic novel * Guardian * An incredible debut novel about the power of a mother's love - highly recommended * Good Housekeeping * A strong and beautiful novel that stares into the face of brutality and the heart of love -- Jeanette Winterson Epic and lyrical -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce