In this book we catch up with most members of the extended Carstairs family. Annie is the eldest Carstairs girl. She has lived out at Bathurst westof the Blue Mountains sinceher birth in 1824. After visiting her brother Tim and his wife in Port Phillip in1843, Annie decides to stay there, seeking adventure much asTim did the previous year. Reserved and quiet Jacob O'Quinn works for her brother. The likeable young carpenter catches Annie's eye, but when handsome Zachary McDowell, the complete opposite to steady Jacob comes along, he sweeps Annie off her feet. Heedless of advice, Annie makes a choice that turns out to be the worst she could ever make.