An American family's struggle for survival in the northeast wilderness continues. The year is 1812, and Nathaniel's daughter, Hannah, has returned to Elizabeth and Nathaniel Bonner. But mourning the loss of both husband and child, she is a shadow of a girl they once knew. Nonetheless, she resumes her medical duties in the village of Paradise, just as her cousin Jennet is reunited with Luke Bonner. But the war with the British is escalating, and Luke leaves to fight, as does the eighteen-year-old Lily Bonner's twin brother Daniel. Lily makes a decision that sends her to Montreal and into the arms of a most unusual man--who could love her properly, if only she would let him. With so many loved ones away and in danger, Nathaniel and Elizabeth must draw strength from each other and those remaining at Lake in the Clouds.