1856. Christine Banner is alone after her father's death, penniless but armed with an iron will. Determined to put London behind her and find a place to call home, her search takes her to the New Forest where she stumbles upon Lord Frenshaw's estate. Her skill at handling some of the large and difficult war horses bred there, shines through and captures his attention. However, when his son Harry returns from the Crimea, battle-scarred and short-tempered, Christine's future looks uncertain, and Harry may find that home is not the safe haven to which he hoped to return.

In the face of grief, sadness and disappointment, Christine's intelligence and strength will be tested until she finds the place she can truly belong.