It is 1953 in a small country town in Australia, a time of postwar prosperity and hope. The Holtens are wealthy austere graziers who lived on the land for generations. The McBrides are a large and loving shearer's family who are new arrivals to the district. When the McBrides' eldest daughter falls in love with the Holtens' only son and heir, the barriers to their love seem overwhelming. But in the end, their love triumphs even over tragedy ... and hope and joy are their enduring legacy - back cover.