With a heavy heart, spirited but low-born Susanna Guthrie agrees to honor the deathbed request of the wealthy young woman who rescued her from a life of poverty. Masquerading as her benefactress, Susanna travels to the Virginia colony to take the dying heiress' place as head of the sprawling tobacco plantation Briarwood . . . and to "marry wisely."

Once, she would have welcomed the attentions of handsome Adam Thornton. But now, consorting with a "hired hand" is unthinkable—though the raw, sensual power of the rugged plantation manager leaves Susanna breathless. Driven by a desire for vengeance, Adam is ruthlessly determined to win both Briarwood and its beautiful new mistress—only to be undone by a soul inflamed with passion . . . and a heart ennobled by love.

Contains mature themes.