Sandra is in her mid-twenties, a Brit transplanted unwillingly to Seattle by her mother's remarriage. She is unhappy with every important aspect of her live: her free-lance work as a commercial artist, her boyfriend, her mother and stepfather (who constantly pressure her to marry the boyfriend). When Fleur, one of her stepfather's relatives, needs someone to drive her 2,000 miles to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sandra is coerced into doing it. The plan is that, upon arrival, Fleur will buy her a plane ticket home. When the time comes, however, Fleur has no money, and Sandra has already maxed out her credit card on travel expenses that Fleur couldn't cover. Sandra is stranded in Alaska with Fleur and her family, an odd group who have more than their share of secrets. As Sandra discovers those secrets, she learns a great deal about herself, about friendship, and about survival.

Readers who enjoy contemporary novels will find this one well worth their time. Brightwell writes beautifully and keeps the story moving right along. Published in England, Cold Country deserves an audience among other English-speakers, too. ( )