An unwelcome attraction. A life-changing secret. A desperate plea for help. Hortence MacKinnon adores her life as the respected schoolteacher in Bear Grass Springs. Little can disturb her contentment, except an unruly student and her overprotective uncle, Oliver Percham. Secure in her family’s love, Hortence comes to understand not all have been as fortunate as she. Against the wishes of his overbearing father, Oliver Percham is fascinated by Hortence. Her brilliant smile, sparkling wit, and dedication to family act as beacons. However, almost nothing would compel Oliver to go against his father’s wishes as the most powerful banker in Bear Grass Springs. When a stranger arrives in town, challenging everything Oliver believes, Oliver realizes nothing is as he thinks. With Hortence’s help, he is determined to regain all that was stolen from him. Learning to trust in others, as he battles for his family and his future, he hopes Hortence will continue to stand beside him. Will Oliver come to believe he is worthy of Hortence’s love, or will he step aside for her to find love with the handsome stranger who’s arrived to town?