I enjoyed this book of 3 strong but in some ways flawed women on the island of Nantucket in the days leading up to a big fire that destroys a lot of the island.

Eliza is married to a whaling captain but has spent a mere 9 months of their 20 year marriage alone on the island. Everyone but her seems to know why her husband keeps to the sea (he's doing a very worthy and helpful thing). She can be prejudicial and it takes a lot for her to own up to it and change.

Meg is a Black woman who, with her husband, is trying to buy a building they've been renting in for their business all while dealing with prejudices against them. When she goes into labor during the fire, she has to turn to the home of the most unlikely source for help.

Maria is a local teacher with a big secret. She's in love with her friend Linley, but because of the time period and the strong Quaker presence of the islanders, they have to keep it secret. The fire will change everything for them and they will have to choose to stay secret or lose each other.

I really enjoyed learning about this place that I only know the barest amount about.