Only the most daring cross the River of No Return to enter this wild, lawless region. Mountains laden with riches lured prospectors burning with gold fever. Easy money brought ruthless young men with guns for hire. And hidden amid the vast forests of white pine were the war ponies of Shoshoni and Nez Perce--bloodthirsty Indian warriors who gathered to drive the white man from the red man's ancestral home.

"It is 1862 as nine-year-old Katrine Larson heads west to a mountain valley in pre-Idaho Territory with her family and several other Swedish families. But when her parents and older brother are separated from the main wagon train, Katrine suddenly becomes an orphan. The Swedish families want nothing more than to create new lives in America. Unfortunately none are prepared for the brutal realities of farming in wilderness populated by Sheepeater Indians...

It's 1915, and beautiful, single, Guinevere Arlington knows her "place." She just refuses to stay there. For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. But when she falls in love with her opponent, Gwen realizes winning may come at too high a price....