I stare into the sky, wishing, wishing for something that I know could never happen. In 1846, Ireland is starving. Nell's job as a scullery maid in the Big House is the only thing keeping her family fed, as the potato crops fail and her father can't find work. That's where she sees Johnny. The tall stranger in the village where she knows everyone and everyone knows her. The English heir to the lord of the house. And Johnny sees her, too. It's dangerous territory, for an Irish girl and an English boy to fall in love. Tragedy is sure to strike. But his dark eyes. His quiet voice. His humor. His kindness. His hands. Isn't taking risks what life is for?