When Eva Haines first comes to remote (and supposedly deserted) Liberty Island, she has the uncanny feeling that someone's watching her -- and she's right. A small wild-looking child with a huge black dog has been following her around. Eva, who's spending a few weeks on the island to deal with an elderly relative's estate, is puzzled. Who is this little girl? Where did she come from?

Eva finds out soon enough. Fanny is the daughter of the reclusive Silas Lord. But once she learns this, Eva only has more questions. Why are Silas and his daughter hiding out on Liberty Island? What secret is Silas keeping about this child he obviously adores? And why is Eva falling in love with such a mysterious man?