Singapore in the 1860s is exotic & yet terrifying for a penniless Englishwoman alone & vulnerable after her mother's death. Too pretty to obtain a governess's job Isabella Saunders accepts an offer from Singapore merchant Mr Lee to teach him English & live with his family. Two years later Bram Deagan arrives in Singapore determined to make his fortune as a trader. Mr Lee sees a way to expand his business connections & persuades Isabella to marry Bram. Bravely she sets sail for a new land & life. But the past casts a long shadow & together she & Bram face unexpected dangers. Will they find a way to achieve their dreams of a successful trading business? & will their marriage turn out to be more of a love match than they ever could have dreamed?