At the edge of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan is the way station for the dead. Each night they come, guided by dogs and the lighthouse that sends out a beacon to the station. Most board a ferry that takes them to the Veil where they pass into the Afterlife. Some are not ready for that final trip and stay at the station until they are. They are escorted by Nera and her father. Her father created the station at the time of the Great Fire of Chicago. Nera has grown up there, found in the lake by her father when she was a baby and she will be the next Master of the Lighthouse when he leaves.
Charlie is searching. Her sister was killed while Charlie was nearby but she didn't get to say goodbye. She has been searching for months looking for some clue that some part of her sister still survives. Like Nera, Charlie can see the ghosts and she finds her way to the Lighthouse where she asks Nera to help her find her sister so she can see that she is safe and okay in the next world. Nera and Charlie form a friendship that could become something more as they look for Charlie's sister and decide what comes next in their lives.
This is a lovely book. The writing is lyrical and the whole world building is magical yet feels real. Both Nera and Charlie are searching for what comes next and perhaps that will be them as a couple going forward while in love. Nera, in particular, grows from a shadow of her father's decisions for her, into a strong, loving individual who finds the strength to do what she believes is best. This book is recommended for fantasy readers.
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