When career woman Mary Thompson is entrusted with the diaries of Cassie O'Connor, she is driven to tell her story. Cassie's story begins with her early childhood in an Ireland of famine, eviction and emigration. Following her father's death, Cassie and her mother are rescued from a workhouse rife withe fever and death by Marcia Briggs, daughter of the local clergyman. They begin a new life at the rectory where Cassie acts as unpaid servant to the Madam who despises her. Cassie leans on Marcia and her brother Harry for the affection her mother is unable to provide.

Out of a time of turmoil, confusion and exile on a famine ship to Canada emerges a love story told with intense and sympathetic realism.

Hazel McIntyre was born and currently lives in Culdaff, County Donegal, Ireland. With a keen ear for the rolling echoes of history, McIntyre brings to life a vivid and unforgettable gallery of colourful characters.