When Rochelle McShannon accompanies her father to his old home in Yorkshire after her mother's death, she thinks she's leaving everything that matters behind her – including the man she expected to marry. When tested by the divided loyalties of the looming Civil War, she can't choose love over her bond to her family. Chelle wonders if she's even capable of the kind of love that can overcome bitterness and grief, the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.

Martin Rainnie understands grief. In the months since his wife died in childbirth, he hasn't been able to feel anything else, except anger. He can't face his baby daughter, and he can't face himself. Martin wants nothing to do with the blonde, sapphire-eyed newcomer to Mallonby, but Chelle's family is fostering his little girl. He can't avoid her, and it doesn't take her long to unsettle his heart as well as his temper. As baby Greer draws them closer, Martin begins to wonder if he can love again after all – and if he can convince Chelle that she can do the same.