Savage, vast, lawless and rugged was the Australian outback of 1808. This is where Patrick Garrity chose to carve a life for himself, raise a family, and work his land.This is an epic story of endurance, hardship, and heartbreak-and of the steadfast and passionate women who bold-heartedly defended all that was Garrity.Patrick's hearty native wife, MAYRAH, was the family cornerstone. SHEILA,their daughter grew to raise her bastard son with a strength and will superior to most men. ELIZABETH, a minister's daughter, married into the brave family-and earned their love by standing with the Garritys when the time came to fight for their Australian dream.