In 1815, while traveling by covered wagon to settle in the wilderness of western New York, eleven-year-old Mem experiences a flood and separation from her family.

In 1817, after her mother has died and her father abandoned his children, thirteen-year-old Mem searches for a new home for Joshua, herself, and their little sister.

In 1816, twelve-year-old Mem's new home in the wilderness of western New York is disrupted when the birth of another baby sends her mother into "spells" that disconnect her from reality.

The story of Ian Cameron and Seona, a former slave, continues. Seona and their son Gabriel are now living in Boston. Ian has stayed at Mountain Laurel, trying to make a life there with his wife Judith. But when tragedy strikes, Ian decides to return north with his young daughter. When Ian has the opportunity to obtain land near the frontier settlement of Shiloh, New York, he seizes the chance to make a new life with those he loves.