Cornelia Greene, daughter of Revolutionary War hero Nathaniel Greene, grows up with her four brothers and sisters in luxury in the 1780s and 90's. However, rumors swirl around her mother's habit of flirting with other powerful men. When a certain rumor hits far too close to home for Cornelia, how will she find out what is true and what is false? The bigger question is, does she really want to know the truth?

Ann Rinaldi is a master of historical fiction, and she certainly lives up to her reputation in this novel. The first part of the book is from Cornelia's mother's perspective as she grows up before the Revolution. The second is in Cornelia's own voice, allowing us to see the growth of an intelligent, headstrong, and loving young woman.