Galveston, Texas, in 1900 is known as the Wall Street of the South. As the 20th century dawns, this island city roils with commerce, money, power, excitement and passion. But Haydn Winters wants only to escape the island and his wealthy family and live life on his own terms. When he meets Rina Schmidt, a beautiful seamstress, he makes plans to leave Galveston forever with the one thing he's sure of - the woman he loves. But when a family tragedy changes everything, suddenly Haydn isn't sure of anything. And just when Haydn comes to terms with his family's ghosts, a ferocious hurricane - the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history - roars across the island, once again altering the landscape of Haydn's world.