Maria Lazzaro yearns to escape Italy for the land of riches and gold she's heard so much about. When she embarks on a ship setting sail for America, she knows her world will never be the same. But she has no idea she is about to meet the only man she will ever desire . . . ever love.
Under a false identity, Michael Hockett is aboard to uncover the unjust treatment of immigrant coal miners by a cruel opportunist. But he finds so much more when he sees the beautiful, exotic Maria. Soon the two are swept up in a rapturous passion, though they must part once they reach America. But destiny will reunite them. For Maria will become the next pawn in a ruthless game—and together, she and Michael will fight for their dreams—and the freedom to love . . .