Montreal, 1740.  As the French and the English battle each other for control of North America, Louise Demarillac struggles for independence from a husband and a father whose demands on her are squeezing the joy from her life.  When the English invade Montreal and torch the city, Louise's family - including her five-year-old son - must flee for their lives.  To find them, Louise must venture into the American wilderness, where she fashions a new life that gives her the freedom she craves - but threatens to tear her family apart.