In 18th-century Scotland, Alexander, a doctor and poet, and his snobbish sister Susanna are desperate to advance their social standing. And while Susanna unwittingly gets herself involved in some truly terrifying situations as a result, Alexander concentrates on his ambition to be a famous poet. And he is surprised and delighted when he meets Robert Burns who is not only a great companion but also a poet like himself.

They soon become close friends and Alexander loves him like a brother. But when the genius of Burns begins to completely overshadow Alexander's own poetry, their close friendship changes and there is a darkening of Alexander's heart. As well as a fast-paced and compelling narrative, Margaret Thomson Davis has seamlessly interwoven original songs, poems and letters by the bard into the story to produce a gripping tale of love, rivalry and ambition.