Shannon Swenson is determined not to repeat the mistakes of her ancestors. She will never allow any man to dominate her or make decisions for her or control her intellect and creativity. Her resistance to letting anyone get close defines her life, but leaves her missing something. She doesn't even know what it might be until she meets Graeme, a South African tennis star descended from Boers, settlers of the previous century.

Now she is faced with a difficult choice. Can she surrender the independence she has thrived upon until now? Does Shannon have the strength to let herself be vulnerable? Can she allow love to shape her future instead of fear and anger? Shannon finds answers not only by looking back, but also by imagining a life better than anyone in her family ever dreamed possible.

Jo Ann Swahn weaves a masterful tale of Swedish families who settled early Texas and survived the changes and challenges each generation faced-wars, crop failures, racism, and at times, devotion as deep and wide as the ocean they once crossed on their way to America.