She built wealth and power in a God-forsaken town. Now, everyone wants to take it away.
California, 1852 . In a town where men outnumber women 50 to 1, Caroline Dougherty carves a path of wealth and influence. But when former lover-turned-rival, Henry Sinclair seeks to gain some of that wealth for himself, Caroline is forced to fend off his underhanded deeds. And when grief-stricken Daniel Houser comes to town in search of a new life, he catches Caroline's eye. She isn't the only one to notice when Henry finds himself with a sudden jealous streak.
While Caroline battles to retain all she has worked for, she finds herself under attack on another front when young Sarah Connelly turns up on her doorstep. Coming from money and privilege back in Boston, Sarah made the treacherous journey west to find Caroline.
Caroline's world is soon turned on end, and she knows she must keep the truth about Sarah's family hidden from Henry, for it would only add fuel to his fire. However, when Caroline learns a man searches for Sarah, a man with the power to destroy the town, she must decide who are her enemies and who are her friends.
