The beautiful cover shows an embracing couple on a tropical beach and a ship in the background. Only one scene, at the end of the story, takes places in a setting like this one. The rest of the story follows a wealthy American who takes a job as a teacher in the wilds of Brazil. Her protector there is the landowner, Sebastian, who hides a desperate secret. As Tory attempts to educate the poverty-stricken populace and raise the status of women, she faces many opponents, not the least of which is their greedy neighbor. Sebastian finds himself falling under the spell of this brazen American while she’s attracted to him despite her caution. The plot progresses in a predictable fashion. I did not enjoy the depressing background setting. You might appreciate it better if you like stories set in unusual places. ( )