Tempestuous Briar Macauley's single-minded stubbornness to prove to the world that she is the equal to any man leads her into so many disastrous circumstances that her parents despair of ever making a lady of her. Encouraged by her equally disreputable friends, the only man who can stand up to her untamed spirit is Will Lucas of Browhead Farm whose temper matches her own.

With the appearance of Hal Saunders, Briar realises there is more to the lifestyle her parents want for her than she first imagined. Exchanging her wild ways for a husband and child she would die for, Briar becomes the model of a perfect wife.

But when tragedy strikes Briar must use all of her courage and determination just to endure.