1838 Sydney is a rough and dangerous place. Bregetta, alone after her mother's death, falls in love with the serious and charismatic Sergeant Alistair Duncan. He seems to be just in love with her, but outside parties meddle, and they part acrimoniously.

A year later and Bregretta has made a new life on the Hawkesbury River. Until Alistair arrives to take up a post there. In the dangerous world of settlers and convicts, who is friend and who is foe? As she and Alistair are drawn together once more, they must decide whether it is worth taking a second chance on happiness.