It's 1817 and Rosie has lived all her life in Parramatta. Pa came to the colony in New South Wales as a free settler and is a successful trader, importing goods from foreign lands. Ma is an ex-convict who stitches fine gowns for the ladies of the colony. Now Pa's brother is on his way from England with his family to join them. Rosie can hardly contain her excitement. She and Cousin Amelia will surely become the best of friends, sharing secrets and adventures. When Pa decides to take Rosie along with him and the new arrivals to help set up their farm in the bush a day's journey from town, she can't believe her luck. It means leaving behind the puppy she rescued from a group of cruel boys but what fun it will be to spend every day with Amelia. It is fun...but there is also danger. A raging bushfire threatens to destroy the farm and everyone in it. How will they survive? Will Rosie ever return home to Ma, the little kids and Patch the puppy?