Two people, one dream...with the past riding hard on their heels. Now in B format, Tea Cooper's debut novel is a historical saga set in 1860's in Hunter Valley, where Tea is based, with a fascinating backstory to the first Melbourne Cup.

Can she save her family's horse stud and reputation?

When India Kilhampton is caught up in the heart-stopping excitement of the first Melbourne Cup, her mind is made up. She will breed a horse to win the coveted trophy and reunite her fractured family. Determined to make her dream a reality she advertises for a horse breeder.

Jim Mawgan arrives at Helligen Stud in the Hunter Valley to take up the position but he also has a mission: he must fulfil his father's dying wish to right past wrongs and prove his ownership of the prized stallion Jefferson.

Jim and India discover they share a common goal but as the secrets of the past unravel old enmities surface. Will India save Jim before he is branded a horse thief and sentenced to death or will an old betrayal stay her hand?