A rich, passionate, multi-layered portrayal of family strength and endurance in the New York frontier of the 19th century. The spring of 1824 is a challenging one for the inhabitants of Paradise when a flood devastates the village. But for Nathaniel and Elizabeth Bonner, it's also a time of reunion as their children return from far-off places - Lily from Italy and Martha, their ward, from Manhattan - bringing with them troubles that will reverberate in all their lives. As the family struggles to rebuild, Martha and her childhood friend Daniel suddenly begin to see each other in a new light. But their growing bond is jeopardized when Martha's mother arrives back in Paradise a decade after abandoning her daughter. Jemima Southern is a dangerous schemer who has destroyed more than one family, and her anger touches everyone, as do her secrets. Has Jemima come to claim her daughter - or does she have something else in mind? Whatever happens, Martha and Daniel and all the Bonners must stand united against the threats to both heart and home . . . 'A powerful adventure story . . . in a gorgeous, vividly described American landscape' People on Into the Wilderness