The author, Ellis Avery, studied the tea ceremony for five years before writing her first novel. She originally studied in New York, then attended a five-week program for foreigners in Kyoto, the novel's setting. Aurelia, the American main character, is orphaned in Japan after her missionary uncle's death. She becomes a servant to Yukako, the daughter and heir of a master tea ceremony family. It is late nineteenth century Japan, when Westernization is changing its social and political structure. Aurelia at nine assimilates into the language and culture. At this time in history only men can be tea masters, but the infiltration of British, American and French dignitaries and changes in society open opportunities for Aurelia and Yukako as adults to participate in an international Expo. Yukako's husband battles the changes in tradition and his wife. When a girls' school opens and adds the tea ceremony to its curriculum, Yukako and her husband's students take teaching positions. By 1891 Yukako's family boards women teachers in training. The tea ceremony is steeped in ancient tradition as well as symbolism and mysticism. Craft production families have connections with tea masters that span hundreds of years, providing folklore about personalities and tea bowls. Ancient tea traditions were based on nature and the changes in seasons. Ellis Avery's style is so vivid the reader's impression is that the author had first-hand experience in the historical drama of "Victorian" Japan.