Recently killed in a plane crash, Charles and Elizabeth Whittenbrook have left their only daughter, Kara, a very rich heiress. Kara is not the typical rich, spoiled kid, but rather a very kind and spunky young woman who's grown up in a rainforest preserve in Brazil where her parents were living. When Kara discovers the surprising fact that she's adopted, she chooses to search for her genetic parents. The shock is overwhelming when she learns that her birth parents, Mac and Lily, are both retarded.

Kara arrives at the Florida cattle ranch where Mac and Lily are working, along with other so-called retarded misfits of society. The ranch is owned and operated by Ben Thocco, half-Indian, who from the age of 17 has cared for his brother, Joey, since their parents' death. Joey has Down's Syndrome and is dying of a heart condition.

Employed at the ranch under the name Karen Johnson, Kara becomes involved with Ben's Cracker horses. Struggling with her secret, Kara falls in love with Ben and all the misfits at the ranch. Together, they work to find a way to give Joey a happy life and protect the others. Finally, the time comes for Kara to tell Ben the truth about herself and risk his possible rejection because of the deception.

Deborah Smith has woven an enchanting story of the love and care freely given when protecting those you love from a cruel society. There are some twists and turns throughout and some very touching and memorable moments. The tender care that Ben and Kara provide to the gentle "misfits" in giving their protection is heartwarming but with humor. This is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time.