Nell, the "spinster on the hill" near St. Peter's, Cape Breton, is scarred by her childhood and swears she could never love a child and never marry. She's proven wrong when a baby is born just down the road. Bridie, who is joyful and kind struggles through the echoing pain of those who came before her. Her choices, her bravery, her friendships and her refusal to settle for anything less than love eventually redeem her and everyone around her--even the spinster on the hill.