<p>It was supposed to be just a just a routine visit to Reit'al...<br><br>When Casitian physician Jam'elo makes a research trip to the western United States in 1859, he quickly becomes emotionally involved with Earth and its inhabitants. His visit brings great healing to many: the patients whom he surreptitiously treats and cures with powerful Casitian medicines; Emma, the sensitive young slave whom he befriends; and Lena, the struggling farm widow with whom he finds himself unexpected, passionate love. Although Civil-War-era life isn't easy for a mixed-race visitor from another planet, Jam'elo uses his quick wit (and his secret arsenal of Casitian technology) to keep himself out of trouble - until his fateful decision to accompany Lena to her family home in Virginia. On that harrowing journey, Jam'elo learns more about slavery than he had ever hoped to know, and the boundary-crossing couple are plunged into circumstances that threaten both their love and their survival.</p>