Romance and danger abound in this "vivid and moving portrayal" of the American West where a young widow searches for freedom and true love (Lady Victoria Kelly's Historical Romance Book Reviews).
Young and pampered Lucy Parker Schneider never wanted to leave Boston. But in 1850, her husband and cold-hearted brother-in-law dragged her onto a wagon train bound for California. When her husband becomes the first casualty of the arduous trek, Lucy longs to return home, but that would mean abandoning her little stepson.

On the trail, Lucy faces deprivation, heartache, and hardship. But there is also Clint Palance, the rugged Indian scout who watches over Lucy with a caring eye. Though Clint ignites a passion in Lucy she's never known, they must part ways as they reach California. Now she must decide whether to seek him out again, or return to a dull, safe life in Boston, forsaking the beautiful West she has grown to love.