After her sojourn in England, vivacious Francie Nelson strikes out on her own—but this time she's not reluctant to do it. Her goal? To become a famous artist.

Unfortunately, after she unexpectedly ends up spending a year in Portugal, she is required to serve as companion to her ailing Aunt Lollie. Alas, the art lessons she so longed for must be set aside.

Oh, but wait! Maybe there's hope. Not to be thwarted, the headstrong and impetuous Francie manages to go to an art school after all. And while she's developing her skills—and her Portuguese—she soaks up the seductive European culture and, oh yes, indulges in a bit of romance along the way.