Brian O'Rouke is searching for salvation in America. To escape the starvation and desolation of famine-torn Ireland, the orphaned Brian becomes a stowaway aboard the Cutlass, a ship that eventually sails for the Seattle Territory. Satisfied with carving a place for himself in this new land, Brian meets Heather Templeton, whose struggles parallel his. Somehow she must get out from under the thumb of her selfish and self-centered stepmother. Adelaide has already driven Heather's twin brother Harry from their home and Heather is determined she will not be Adelaide's next victim. Will Brian and Heather's life together in Seattle grow and bloom like a precious flower? Or will the forces bent on their love to wither and blow away?