Magic Hour

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Women comes an incandescent story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the meaning of home.

In the rugged Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest—nearly a million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. From deep within this old growth forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she offers no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past.

Having retreated to her western Washington hometown after a scandal left her career in ruins, child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates is determined to free the extraordinary little girl she calls Alice from a prison of unimaginable fear and isolation. To reach her, Julia must discover the truth about Alice’s past—although doing so requires help from Julia’s estranged sister, a local police officer. The shocking facts of Alice’s life test the limits of Julia’s faith and strength, even as she struggles to make a home for Alice—and for herself.

“One of [Kristin Hannah’s] most compelling and riveting novels.”—Booklist

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Published Sep 21, 2010

432 pages

Average rating: 7.53

604 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

What Bookclubbers are saying about this book

✨ Summarized by Bookclubs AI

Readers say *Magic Hour* by Kristin Hannah offers heartfelt storytelling with strong character development and emotional depth, especially appealing t...

Jcallaghan
Feb 17, 2026
8/10 stars
This book has an interesting story to it. A little girl is found malnourished and scared appearing out of nowhere in this small community. Police and psychologist fight to find this little girls parents all while trying to find out where she came from and nurse her back to health. A book for anyone who wants to learn a little more about the child psych and looks for hope in rather grime circumstances. A real page turner.
CaseyRusca
Nov 26, 2025
6/10 stars
Not my favorite Kristin Hannah novel. The story was interesting and had potential, but I was left wanting more.
K Olson
Jan 14, 2025
6/10 stars
This is a great summer read. Really enjoyed it especially since I am a social worker. Interesting twists along the way.
KikiStoneCreek
Jun 03, 2023
8/10 stars
Awesome book! In the style of Jodi Piccoult but she doesn't make you depressed at points the way Jodi can. Great character development and definitely a great mystery.
trashpanda2
Feb 14, 2026
Summary of review: Could not put it down! Major feels. Heart wrenching and feel good as well. Great read.

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