On the longest day of summer, the rain falls heavily on a small rural village in the Scottish Highlands. Twelve people sit with their families in their worn-out wooden cabins, with little to do to overcome the boredom of the rain — except, of course, to watch the other residents.

A woman runs as if she is fleeing from something; a retired couple reminisces about neighbors who moved away long ago; a teenager braves the dark waters of the loch in his red kayak. Each person is wrapped up in their own concerns, yet increasingly aware of the community around them. One family in particular — a mother and daughter without the right clothes or manners — begins to attract the attention of the others. Tensions rise as everyone becomes watchful, unaware of the impending tragedy as night finally falls.

As the summer rain and day progress, tensions escalate, and with the darkness will come an irreversible turn of events.

Judith Hampton was as beautiful as she was proud, and as purposeful as she was loyal. Her dear Scottish friend from childhood was about to give birth, and Judith had promised to be at her side. But there was another, private reason for her journey from her bleak English home to the Highlands: to meet the father she had never known, the Laird Maclean.

Nothing prepared her for the sight of the Scottish barbarian who was to escort her into his land... Iain Maitland, Laird of his clan, a man more powerfully compelling than any she had ever encountered.

In a spirited clash of wills and customs, Judith reveled in the melting bliss of Iain's searching kisses, his passionate caresses. Perplexed by her sprightly defiance, bemused by her tender nature, Iain felt his soul growing into the light and warmth of her love.

Surely nothing would wrench her from the affection and trust of Iain and his clan... not even the truth about her father, a devastating secret that could shatter the boldest alliance, and the most glorious of loves.