Widowed by the Civil War, Emily McCallston will do anything to provide for her young daughter, even leave Virginia to accept a governess position in a Yankee household on the shores of Lake Ontario. Far from home and haunted by the mistakes of her youth, she is determined to build a quiet, respectable life.

Theo Cooper survived the war, but not unscathed. Carrying wounds both seen and unseen, he has withdrawn from the world, content to live on its edges. A Southern governess in his family’s home is an unwelcome intrusion—and he intends to be rid of her.

Yet Theo’s resolve falters in the face of Emily’s quiet strength and fierce devotion to her child. And Emily, against her better judgment, begins to see beyond Theo’s bitterness to the loyal, honorable man beneath. Soon reluctant understanding gives way to something deeper—and more dangerous—than either expected. And they cannot ignore it.