Fireflies in Winter- Blog Tour

 

Author: Eleanor Shearer 

Publisher: Headline Books Publishing 

Publishing Date: 10th February 2026 

Many thanks to Random Things Tours and the publishing team for physical copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

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....

My Thoughts 

This was my first read from this author, and I found it to be a really good and engaging experience overall.

We are introduced to Cora and Agnes, two women who find a sense of home and comfort in each other. Both characters have lived dramatic and difficult lives, and their shared bond feels natural and meaningful. However, as they each keep certain secrets from one another, it isn’t long before events begin to spiral and the past slowly catches up with them. This underlying tension adds emotional depth and keeps the reader curious about what has been left unsaid.

This is a more character-driven story rather than one that relies heavily on fast-moving plot, which works well here. The characters have rich inner lives, and the author gives them space to share their experiences, emotions, and thoughts. This approach allows the reader to form a deeper connection with Cora and Agnes and better understand the choices they make.

The story explores themes of friendship, love, hardship, loss, mystery, and freedom, all of which are handled in a thoughtful and emotive way. The emotional weight of the novel builds gradually, making it a reflective and often moving read.

One aspect I found particularly interesting was the inclusion of Jamaican Maroons. I had no prior knowledge of this topic, and while the author does touch on it in smaller sections throughout the book, it may encourage readers to do their own research to gain a fuller understanding. I personally felt that an introductory chapter—either at the beginning or at the end—would have been helpful, as this historical element plays an important role in the story.

The pacing of the book is quite slow, with information carefully woven in over time. It isn’t until around two-thirds of the way through that the different pieces start to connect and make more sense. For readers who enjoy gradual storytelling and layered character development, this pacing will likely be appreciated.

Overall, this was an interesting and thoughtful historical fiction novel with strong characters and emotional depth. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven stories and historical narratives that unfold slowly and deliberately.