Harry Jameson, an itinerant joiner, longs to settle in one place, marry, and raise a family. So far, God has planned otherwise, but then Harry's latest woodcarving job brings him into the vicinity of Castle Trent... and into the desolate life of Ishmaela Trenton. Life holds little meaning for the neglected, abused, dirty maiden until the day she meets Harry. Maela's mother is dead, and her natural father, Sir Hanover Trenton, views her only as a commodity to barter with. Through Harry, Maela discovers her own worth in God's eyes-and she learns to love the handsome joiner. However, their love seems hopeless, for Lord Trenton would never consent to give his daughter to a commoner. Surely God would not give Maela new life only to leave her helpless in the hands of wicked men! Will Harry move on to new jobs and let his little pupil fend for herself?