"It was all a journey of life and death, all of it a storm of infinite beauty. But always, months of darkness slowly gave way to light. How welcome it was, and how special, after a long cold winter.”

This novel weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, and discovery, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska. Told in dual timelines, the book follows Hollywood legend Scarlett Fontaine during a year spent in Alaska, marked by one of the most severe earthquakes in history. Simultaneously, we follow her descendant, Gwen, as she uncovers Scarlett's secret past while navigating her own grief after the loss of a baby and the end of her marriage.

The vivid descriptions of Alaska are a highlight of the book. I felt like I was right there, surrounded by the raw, vast beauty of the landscape. You can almost hear the white thunder, feel the ground tremble, and see the stunning scenery unfold before your eyes.

I also found myself especially attached to Gwen and Peter, who travel to Alaska together to unravel the mysteries of Scarlett's hidden year. Their journey is not just about solving a mystery. It’s also about healing and finding new beginnings. The way they connect with each other, breathe in the fresh Alaskan air, and let go of their pasts is both heartwarming and inspiring.

At its core, this novel is about family—both the good and the bad. It's a story of the people who matter most in our lives, who are always there to help us through tough times. It also delves into the complexities of love and loss, especially the profound difficulty of surviving the loss of a child.