Carrie Manning must salvage her family's shipping company after her father's death, but a web of secrets threatens to unravel everything. Carrie's objective is to keep her father's failing shipping company afloat while grieving her mother's distress. She takes on a position as a companion to Maria Colville, a decision that leads them to uncover hidden truths connecting their families and figures from the past. The company's precarious financial state and the rivalry between shipping firms create significant obstacles. The narrative unfolds through Carrie's perspective, detailing her determined efforts to preserve her family's legacy against unpredictable challenges.

As the second installment in Dilly Court's River Maid series, 'The Summer Maiden' continues the compelling family saga. The narrative is driven by Carrie Manning's efforts to navigate the complexities of her father's shipping business and uncover long-buried family secrets. The plot weaves together themes of loss, determination, and the uncovering of hidden connections between prominent families. The story promises a rich historical setting and an engaging exploration of personal and familial legacies.