Fourteen-year-old Samantha Crow dreams of becoming a doctor in a time when it was not within reach for females. The American Revolution of the 1780s era was just over and her family was in upheaval like many others. She resents her father when he informs her that society denies her the possibility she craves. Insult is added when she learns that her father's own words may have turned Corporal Sutter away. Contention with both her parents remains high as she shares with her older brother, Jonathan, a hope for the Corporal's return. Samantha wonders if her love for him will remain only a private heartbreak of longing. If Samantha paid attention to societies opinion, she would also be denied the friendship of Cretia, a slave girl. Samantha is stirred to tears over Cretia's broken arm because she saw the deliberately vicious act that caused the violent injury to the frail girl. It is only the start of the trouble and anguish endured by both Samantha and Cretia. Discover what happiness their sweet haven of friendship provides them, but what upsets ensue along with unexpected debauchery from another quarter. Will they solve their entwined problems? Will events pull them closer or push them apart? Samantha turns 15 years old with huge problems on her shoulders, while her parents are far away and unaware of what trouble has befallen her.