In 1640s Amsterdam, the richest city in Europe, near-penniless Penelope Kent dreams of voyaging to America to search for her merchant-father, who disappeared on a secretive get-rich-quick scheme. To voyage requires a husband or guardian. Matthew, her betrothed, dreams of finding a new home in America for his congregation of English Separatists like the Pilgrims did a generation ago. But the elders of Matthew's congregation accuse Penelope of immoral behavior that threatens to expel Penelope from the congregation, from Matthew's life, and from her dream. She can't wait to escape to America, but she never imagines the dangers that await her in the new world. 

Jim McFarlane was tracing the family genealogy when he came across the story of his great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother, who was shipwrecked on her first day in America, was scalped by Indians on her third day, and was left for dead on the beach along with her dead husband. She survived, was ransomed, remarried, bore 10 children, and lived to a ripe old age.