When tiny, fragile Kirsty is born on New Year's Day 1900, it seems she can't possibly survive. Her mother has just died in childbirth and her father, Colonel Rutherford is heartbroken. Agnes Murdoch, the local mill worker's wife, takes her in and loves the baby as her own along with her own daughter of the same age, Hannah, and her son Jaimie. The novel follows the fortunes of both the Murdoch and Rutherford families, through two world wars, love affairs and heartbreaks. From Scotland to Singapore their lives become both entwined and torn apart by the destiny mapped out for them. As new generations are born there is hope for a permanent bond between the two families. However, fate intervenes and life continues with its twists and turns . . .