Sixteen-year-old Emily Kennedy faces her future with a glad smile and an ever-hopeful philosophy. Her only worry is her delicate younger sister, Lucy. When a tragic set of circumstances force the sisters from their home, Emily is quickly forced to grow into womanhood and take on the responsibilities of an adult. Needing all her strength of will and character to see her through the difficult road she travels, Emily manages to cling bravely to her never-say-die...

In 1143, Brother Cadfael becomes involved in a mystery when the corpse of a young woman is plowed up in a potter's field near his monastery.