Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is a story that focuses on nature.

Rowan washes up on the shore of Shearwater, an island near Antarctica. She is rescued by seventeen-year-old Fen, and brought to her family’s home which is a lighthouse on the island. Fen and her family are currently the only inhabitants of the island aside from the plethora of wildlife, namely seals and penguins. Fen and her brother Raff are the oldest with a much younger brother named Orly. Their dad, Dominic, is the primary keeper of the island which was being studied by scientists. It’s also home to a seed vault that protects millions of the world’s plants.

Now the island is being washed away and the family is waiting to leave. However, all means of communication were damaged so they have no way of getting help before the scheduled pick up in six weeks.

During this time, Rowan gets to know the family. She realizes they are harboring secrets, but so is she. She is there to find her missing husband, the head researcher. Over time, Rowan builds a relationship with each member of the Salt family.

I enjoyed this story. It’s a beautiful portrayal of nature’s beauty, power and resilience which parallels the traits observed in the characters.