A classic children’s book for every Canadian family to treasure for all time – a story of mystery and young love in a richly detailed Canadian historical setting.

From the winner of the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature comes one of Canada’s best-loved, bestselling books for young readers.

In the award-winning follow-up to the beloved children’s classic, The Root Cellar, Janet Lunn brings us an enthralling historical tale of Celtic magic, kindred spirits and the struggles of pioneer life in Upper Canada.

Shadow in Hawthorn Bay introduces fifteen-year-old Mary Urquhart, a Scottish girl with a special gift – the gift of “second sight”. One morning, in the spring of 1815, Mary hears her beloved cousin Duncan calling desperately for her help. But Duncan is 3,000 miles away in Upper Canada, and to journey to him means leaving the safety and comfort of home for an unknown wilderness.

Answering the call, Mary finds herself battling dark forces in a foreign land. But as she struggles for her survival and independence, she unexpectedly finds friendship – with cheerful Yankee Patty, with Owena, the quiet Indian who recognizes the healing powers in her, and with Luke – so different from “Duncan the black.”

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WINNER - Canadian Library Association - Book of the Year for Children

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“Janet Lunn weaves a luminous spell.” –Maclean’s

Praise for Shadow in Hawthorn Bay:
“Finely crafted… enthralling and mysterious historical fiction.” –The Globe and Mail

“A story about the mystery and tremendous strength and determination of the human spirit… Lunn’s mature writing allows her readers to feel every detail of her narrative: the harsh beauty of the Highlands, the misery of the ocean crossing, the suffocating loneliness of the forest and the warmth of friendships forged in the common struggle for survival.” –Books in Canada

“A fine, sensitive story [with] an engaging heroine… and pioneer families. Lunn has woven a rich, engrossing story of growth and self discovery…. Fine, evocative writing.” –London Free Press

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Janet Lunn is one of Canada’s most respected writers for children. Her books include The Root Cellar, Shadow in Hawthorn Bay, The Hollow Tree, and (with Christopher Moore) The Story of Canada. Her many distinguished awards, national and international, include the Vicky Metcalf Award for Body of Work, two Governor General’s Awards, the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year Award and the Canada Council Children’s Literature Prize, among others. She lives in Ottawa.

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