First published 2026
Charlotte Carruthers faces losing everything her Toronto family once possessed. Her father's finances lie in ruins, their estate crumbles, and now her brother Simon has vanished amid whispers he supports the brewing political rebellion. She ventures into the Canadian wilderness to find him before his actions destroy their remaining social standing and crush her sick father's spirit. Joshua Robertson has spent years building a wilderness home for his younger brother, only to watch his harvest fail and his brother sold into servitude he cannot afford to break. When Charlotte offers payment for guiding her through the bush to locate Simon, Joshua accepts despite knowing a wealthy city woman will complicate his mission. The harsh terrain tests Charlotte's limits while Joshua questions his judgment in taking her along. Yet as they navigate dangerous ground together, respect grows between them despite the gulf in their social positions and secrets each carries. When rebellion erupts around them, both must choose between the futures they planned and the unexpected connection forming between them.
Genres: drama, romance, historical-fiction, adventure, historical-romance, canadian-literature
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, romantic, slow-burn, suspenseful
Tropes: class-conflict, enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water, forced-proximity
Setting: Toronto, Canadian wilderness
Period: 19th-century
368 pages · Paperback · Tyndale Fiction
Content warnings: death