Monterey, Spanish California, 1780
Nineteen-year-old Anna Arista seeks refuge at the mission after her privileged life is gambled away. At Mission San Carlos, a wise friar secures her employment as a companion to the pampered wife of León de Montaraz, but warns Anna of perils she may encounter.
At Rancho de Montaraz, Anna meets two men willing to fulfill her longing for the love and security she lost. A wrong choice could lead to a disregard for God’s precepts and bring suffering to those she holds dear.
Meanwhile, Red Sky and her baby daughter, sole survivors of an island tribe, encounter fur hunter Gregor MacLeod. He takes her to the mission, where she forges a new way of life and friendship with Anna. When Monterey is terrorized, Red Sky realizes her worst fears have returned. There’s only one way to save her daughter. How will she find the courage to do the unthinkable?
Both women face lives of turmoil and isolation unless they can discover the safe harbor offered by the One who calms the sea.
