Who Is Mary Smith?

What’s in a name? Maria McCliver of Irish descent changes her name to Mary Smith to advance in her chosen profession. She is a resident of Weingarten in the Barossa Valley, residing alongside the Schultz family, descendants of German pioneers. An argument between them five generations back sparked a dispute whose fires still fume. Mary has never met them until she encounters Benjamin Schultz, and a love affair between them blossoms. Weingarten is an exclusive community, mostly Lutheran with just a few Roman Catholics; therefore, a wedding between the couple meets vigorous opposition. Grip your heartstrings as you tread the cactus-path of young love, and try to predict, without peeping, how the warlords sheath their swords, shake hands and a joyful marriage is celebrated.