In the highly anticipated sequel to Forsaking the Garden, Irene Rutledge has returned to the world away from the outside her father and his wives had created in the mountains of Utah. With her family gone, Irene has to grow up quickly and learn to make a life for herself that does not depend on others. Despite her determination, one by one, people from the outside invade her life, some becoming friends, others becoming threats to her safety and well being.

When her family returns and reclaims the farm she has nurtured for three years, Irene finds herself without identity or home. She can choose to marry young and be depended on the life her husband makes for her, or fight to find out what else the world can offer.