Once again Hannah offers us a good but fairly predictable story with almost believable characters. What lifts this above the typical more formulaic titles in this genre is her ability to combine the two into an enjoyable novel that moves along at a brisk pace and her descriptions of Alaska as seen from a particular perspective. PTS, abuse, magnetic love, strength, courage, heroism, and more...this book has a little bit of hardship for everyone. It's a very good read that stops short of being great.

One of the greatest books I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time. I truly believe that many people can relate to this story in one way or another. I feel in love with this book. Will be recommending to lots and lots of different people!!!

In the mid 1970’s, Leni, her father Ernt and her mother Cora begin a new life in the wilds of Alaska. Leni doesn’t remember what her father was like before the Vietnam War,and even though her mother assures her that he was a kind and loving man, all Leni knows is that now, her father is volatile and often violent. Believing he can start fresh in Alaska, he and his little family make a new home on a spit of land there over the ocean. The locals are welcoming, but also full of warnings about the realities of living in Alaska, especially in the winter. While things begin well for the family, as the dark and long days of winter descend and alcohol flows freely, Leni and her mother will discover that the wild animals and ferocious weather are not what they should fear the most. This was one of the most incredible stories I’ve read in quite a while, I completely forgot everything going on around me as I spent the day with Leni, her family and the wild beauty of Alaska. One of the best books of the year