Upon the untimely death of her uncle, vibrant Catherine Lockwood leaves the security of her life in New York to search for her father during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858. Avoiding pressure from her uncle's business partner, Michael Johnston, she seeks her own way in her search. Alone in St. Louis, her life becomes entwined with the tall mountain man, Alan Buckner. Buck has little use for women from the east and reluctantly agrees to help Miranda in her quest. Secrets from his past throw them together and pull them apart at the same time. Danger seems to follow her throughout her quest. Who is the dark man in the alley who follows her wherever she goes? Twice Miranda is kidnapped. What forces are working to prevent her from finding her father. After learning to face danger along the Santa Fe trail, she learns to depend on the strong men around her. Finally in Denver City, she learns the secrets of all their lives while falling deeply in love.