The years between 1784 and 1786 are a period in which beaver fur is as valuable as gold. Brash young men travel thousands of miles in fragile canoes into the wild interior of Canada to procure the pelts that will make them millionaires. Simon McTavish is one of the most successful fur traders of all-until his obsession for a beautiful woman takes him off course.

Just before setting sail for North America after a visit to England, Simon meets Margaret Brownell, a beautiful young half-caste on her way to Montréal to meet the young British lieutenant who is her fiancée. By the time the ship reaches the St. Lawrence River, Simon is desperately in love with Margaret and willing to sacrifice everything to steal her heart. Margaret is conflicted, and when her relationship with her betrothed takes an unexpected turn she immediately suspects conspiracy or foul play.

Set in Montréal, Grand Portage, and on the rivers and lakes of the great Canadian North, Margaret ultimately finds the answers she needs-and comes to find true love-in this historical novel that mingles murder, deception, love, and chicanery.