Lucinda Bell is out to plead her case. Lucinda Bell wants nothing more than to follow in her father's footsteps and practice law. But in 1893, the state of Virginia won't allow a woman lawyer. So she leaves her family and fianc and buys a dying practice in Massachusetts, determined to prove herself capable of succeeding at the profession-if she can find acceptance and safety as Loveland's sole lady lawyer first. Quiet, handsome Matthew Templin, a local carpenter with a questionable past and a potentially dangerous need for a lawyer, is captivated by Lucinda. But he also knows she's above his touch-and that a hidden truth may destroy her career and possibly his own life. As ambitions collide, Lucinda faces a choice whether to give up her dream-or give up the love of her life.