Maria McDougall refuses to be bound by her birth, her overprotective family, or the rigid expectations of 1870s Oregon society. Determined to establish a career, she goes to work for The New Northwest newspaper. But a family tragedy threatens her aspirations and brings her adoptive brother, Will McDougall, home from Boston.

As Will seeks more responsibility in his father’s business, he uncovers an embezzlement scheme. At work, he struggles to identify the thieves. At home, he pursues his feelings for Maria, but learns she is more interested in her career than in marriage.

Caught in a web of deception and desire, Maria and Will risk their lives and hearts to forge their own destinies. A Life of Joy is a sweeping tale of ambition, resilience, and love set in the developing West.