Sarah Richmond Knihy

After her father’s death, Dulcie Crowder leaves their El Dorado claim and travels to Hangtown. Her aim is matrimony, and she sets her hat for the handsome deputy, Tom Walker. But he wants a woman he can be proud to walk beside, so Dulcie tries to transform herself into a lady. Tom has vowed above all else to bring law and order to this hardscrabble gold rush town, and knows Hangtown is no place to get married and start a family. Yet, he takes notice as Dulcie tries to turn his head and win his heart. So do all the other lonely men around. When Dulcie discovers corruption in the judiciary during the trial of a friend, she naturally turns to Tom for help. The deputy looks for evidence, but Dulcie has other ideas on how to catch the varmint. As she works for justice, will she jeopardize her chances with Tom?

Set against the backdrop of war, the story explores the emotional and physical scars of soldier James, who struggles with his desire to return to the battlefield and his growing attraction to Livinia Pratt. As Livy nurses him through his trauma, she faces accusations from her mother-in-law that threaten her family. A trip to London leads to further challenges as James's surgery goes awry, pushing him to reject Livy's support. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes the power of love and vulnerability in the healing process, urging James to confront his fears.