Charleston,, 1792. As America gloried in new-found freedom, inner turmoil rose. As Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr waged their private battles, as colonists braved a savage new wilderness and as a golden land became shadowed by slavery, a spirited beauty lived and loved with a passion few possessed.

Brianna Devereaux. Half French, half Irish, she returned from her schooling abroad as feisty and independent as ever, and found her homeland facing new struggles. Wild beyond taming, wise beyond her years, she challenged the issues of those turbulent times with a wit and fortitude few could equal. Only one man could match her indomitable spirit with his own. And together they dared to follow their hearts' desire - forged by the dreams and ambitions of a glorious heritage - to discover a love as vibrant and alive as their bold new land.