A terrible drought has settled on Thornton Creek and has parched both the land and the strength of all who live there. After a devastating fire eats up most of Douloo and leaves them with barely enough to survive, Daniel and Rebecca Thornton are forced to go to extremes to provide for their growing family. With fear and uncertainty weighing heavy on his heart, Daniel makes an ill-advised investment with a shady businessman from Brisbane. But at what price? What will happen when they can't pay th