Philippa has returned to Glen Maraich and put together a 'portfolio career' - working in the local hotel, catering and house-sitting. She has her little cottage and her friends, and is perfectly content. The last thing on her mind is a new romance, but when a stranger comes to the glen, she finds herself strongly attracted to him. Jon is a prickly character, a mercenary soldier (though he keeps that a secret), and causes suspicion in the close-knit Highland community. They are protective of Philippa, and anxious that she not be hurt. But the unlikely couple find they have more in common than it would appear, and liking progresses cautiously towards love. Though not before a series of misunderstandings threatens to ruin the relationship - unless these two wounded people can learn to trust each other.