I came across this book in a second hand book store and was pleasantly surprised. Having not heard of Anita Shreve before I am pleased to say that I have since read one of her other books on the basis of how much I enjoyed 'Light on Snow'. Although I can't comment on many of her other books it seems that Anita Shreve writes in a simple but powerful way.

This book is written through the eyes of 12 year old Nicky. She and her father have lived alone since the death of her mother and baby sister, Clara in a horrific car accident. Since the death of his wife and baby, Robert Dillon has almost lived like a hermit with Nicky being his only real access to the world around him. He gave up his job in the city to move away; away from the memories of the past.

Each evening they take a stroll through the woods near their home. However one evening the walk changes their lives forever; they come across an abandoned baby, who will survive purely because they walked past.

When the mother of the baby turns up at their home, with her own distressing tale, it ultimately provides an opportunity for Nicky and her father to review their lives, grieve and move on from the tragedy that took their family.