Venturing beyond the familiar prairies, Martha Ostenso transports readers to the captivating shores of Vancouver Island in 'The White Reef'. In the remote Heartbreak Cove, a treacherous barrier of rock known as the White Reef stands as a formidable obstacle, claiming the wreckage of countless ships. Nona Darnell, a fiery fisherman's daughter, finds herself entangled in a passionate romance with Quentin Wingate, the son of a wealthy Vancouver capitalist. As Quentin's father attempts to transform Heartbreak Cove into a summer retreat, Nona and the fishermen invest their hard-earned earnings in this ambitious venture, only to face the harsh reality of an economic downturn.