Louisa Elgerson is already a successful author when she decides to write the story of her mother's journey from London, England to Billington, Minnesota as a mail-order-bride. In New York she kisses Talbot Sunderland goodbye and boards the same train her mother rode to the beautiful estate of Stavewood. Luc Almquist is interested not only in Louisa's books but in her time and attention as well and becomes a pleasant distraction for her. Talbot's unannounced arrival only complicates the situation. But when Louisa's research begins to unravel a secret hidden in the heart of Stavewood it becomes apparent that things are not what they seem and people may not be who they say they are. Buried in the memories of the people and history of the beautiful Victorian estate, Louisa must find the truth.