The war is over, but at Fairhaven Plantation, Charlotte's struggle has just begun. Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father's once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue his tradition of growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce. To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick's quest to prove his ownership of Fairhaven sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that uncovers a family mystery. and threatens all that she holds dear. Inspired by historical events, Carolina Gold weaves together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman's struggle to restore her ruined world.