In 1910, the small town of Larkspur, California is shaken by the actions of early settlers. The McCalls, the Murphys, and the Kilkennys collide in a crisis of old ideas and new technology, as well as clashing ideas about the lower, middle, and upper classes.

Bestselling author Patricia Garfield's latest work tells the story of Katie McCall's dream romance with Ned Kilkenny. The copper-skinned young man, who labors in the town lumberyard and serves as a waiter, appears to be poor and unskilled. Yet other clues suggest he may actually be someone far more distinguished.