Juniper Blume has lost her father, her fortune, and her home. When a loan shark promises a solution for her to keep her lavish lifestyle, she accepts. When one of his men dupes them both, Juniper's life becomes payment. To save herself, she flees Boston and travels as far as the meager coins in her purse will take her-Freeport, Maine.

Ford Connelly has made a name for himself, making the first waterproof hunting boot. His store, Connelly's Hunting and Apparel, is booming and his catalog orders are growing monthly. On the cusp of a new century, more women are taking part in outdoor recreation than ever before, and he wants to lead the market by creating functional outdoor wear for women, too. When a beautiful woman stumbles into his store, claiming she's an outdoor enthusiast and the perfect designer to create his vision, he hires her.

Though her talent for design exceeds his expectations, the more time Ford spends with Juniper, the more he suspects she knows nothing of the outdoors. She's clearly running from trouble, and her vulnerability and captivating personality make him want to protect her. When their weekend outing in the woods with the Appalachian Mountain Club goes terribly wrong, Ford and Juniper must decide if the lives they've been seeking are what they truly want or if they're willing to risk a little adventure.