Happily ensconced on a North Queensland beach, growing tropical fruit to supply southern markets, Richard Brown was content with his life. That was, until a cutter pulled in to Cardwell harbour bearing the beautiful half-Samoan girl, Lily. Richard's idyllic life was complete when Lily's father gave permission for them to marry. However, after ten years Lily fell victim to a fatal disease, leaving Richard to raise their nine year old daughter, Magnolia.