Sold into servitude on a smuggling ship as a young lad, Welshman Jarren Gryffud has finally won his freedom. But after so long on the sea, he cannot seem to find a solid place to land. Until he makes his way to Aurora Lake, California, and the opportunity to put his skills as a canvas tailor to good use. Too bad those skills lead him into trouble with the beautiful and maddening seamstress next door. Working to build her own business in the bustling gold mining town, Angela Flowers cannot believe her bad luck when a handsome and frustrating sailor-turned-tailor moves into the shop beside hers. He is skilled with his hands, but his hard expressions and dour disposition intrigue Angela more than they should. And what bothers her the most about the tailor with the unpracticed smile is that she can’t stop wanting to mend his heart.