For months, Rachel Best has been watching the ocean from the beaches of Cape Cod for any sign of her missing husband, whose disappearance has left her to raise their daughter alone. Although a funeral service was held, Rachel refuses to believe her husband is truly gone. Her hopes are dashed when she helps to bring a single whaling boat ashore, only to discover not her missing husband, but a brute of a man who is his complete opposite.

Captain Jared Mitchell of the Huntress was in great spirits—celebrating a successful voyage—when he was separated from his ship. But finding himself under Rachel's care, and as weak as a kitten, is too much for the hardened sailor to bear—and a painful reminder of a personal tragedy he cannot forget.

Brought together by fate, Rachel and Jared sense a growing affection—and a love that can heal them from guilt and fear if they'll only take the risk.