The Kootenai National Forest has become a place to hide from the stress of the world for many ex-military who have lost their ability to cope with the everyday pressures and tensions of life. The forest is elevated above the beautiful city of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. Living in tents, lean-too, caves, what better way to get away from an adverse and demanding society one can no longer tolerate. A man known as Bishop has cast the world aside to live his life on his own terms. Bishop's existence is about to change in a way he never thought possible.This is the story of a grieving widow and her son who, through the perils of war, have lost a husband and father. Their home, being located within the edge of the forest, is isolated with their closest neighbour half a mile away leaving them vulnerable. On this cold Autumn day Maeve and Ben Tillman awaken to find their home unusually frigid for the month of October. While preparing to start their day Maeve and Ben watch the weather report predicting a massive snow storm that is headed their way. Not really believing a storm of that magnitude could hit them before winter even begins Maeve continues with her daily routine of driving Ben to school and herself to work. She is far from being prepared for what is about to happen.While not paying proper attention to the icy roads Maeve barely misses hitting a man on horseback. A man her son calls the Hermit. Getting out of her vehicle to see if the man and his horse are injured she finds them just inside the forest. Not knowing this man with piercing blue eyes was a friend of her late husband's, but relieved to find horse and rider uninjured, after a brief conversation Maeve continues on her way with an admonishment from the strange man to be cautious on the slick roads. After dropping Ben off at school and arriving at her bookstore it didn't take long for Maeve to turn around and retrace her steps for the weather predictions were becoming more dire by the moment.Back home with Ben Maeve quickly learns she had erred in not thinking ahead and laying in stores of food and much needed firewood. Unbeknownst to her the world is in the beginning of a mini ice age known as, Maunder Minimum.With the wind bending the trees and the snow steadily falling how will Maeve and Ben handle and survive this sudden change in climate they were not ready for? Will they be able to obtain the much needed food and firewood? How will the stranger, the Hermit as Ben calls him, figure into their lives? What about the city of Coeur d' Alene? What is going on down there?This is a fantastic story of survival and emotional renewal as Maeve and Ben learn to trust and love in a word where ugliness and despotism are the rule. I recommend this book for those who enjoy dystonia as well as adventure and romance. There is a wonderfully inspiring story contained within. Readers will appreciate this well written book. Although fiction there are a lot of truths to be learned from this story. I'm hoping for more to come from this. It has all the possibilities of a good series. I liked this book so much I wanted to read more by this author so I read The French Wardrobe. (Now that is another fascinating story which I will be reviewing, soon.) I'm impressed with this author's writing skills. She is quite capable of producing an interesting and exciting story, as she has proven in this book. I can truly say I am looking forward to reading other books she has written.As always, happy reading, and make the most of each day.