A lone woman navigates the harsh realities of frontier life, burdened by a past that shadows her present. In the 1850s, Isabella, her daughter Annie, and granddaughter Maria are part of a community led by the stern preacher Norman McLeod, whose strict leadership dictates every aspect of their lives. Having followed McLeod from Scotland to Nova Scotia and then to New Zealand via Australia, these settlers face immense physical and societal challenges. Isabella's objective is to survive and protect her family under McLeod's oppressive rule, but the secrets she and other women keep create a constant undercurrent of tension and rebellion against his edicts, connecting their struggles across generations.

This novel, a winner of the New Zealand Book Awards, is recognized for its compelling narrative that breathes life into historical facts. Critics have noted its ability to create contemporary relevance by focusing on the experiences of women within a strict, patriarchal community. The story's strength lies in its exploration of how individual secrets and reactions to authority shape not only personal lives but also the collective future of a settlement. The novel is praised for its rich characterizations and its insightful portrayal of the enduring impact of migration and faith.