Clare Hanrahan has nothing left to lose the day she stumbles into Lew Earnshaw's arms. Her family is gone and her own life hangs by a thread after a desperate season seeking work. By the time Lew and his kindly neighbours have nursed Clare back to health, he is hopelessly in love with the frail Irish girl. But though she will always care for Lew, another man comes between them.

Martin Heywood could not be more different from the gentle, idealistic weaver. The rich young farmer is proud, arrogant and devastatingly handsome. He sweeps Clare off her feet, inspires her to better herself, steals her love away.

What he cannot do is marry a mere servant girl. Even if it breaks both their hearts . . .