Already frustrated by the incorrigible students she teaches on the Kansas frontier, Tarah is further troubled when Anthony Greene, the one man she has always loved, returns to town. And she is certainly not ready to graciously accept his apparent preference for the simpering Louisa Thomas, the banker's daughter who obviously has designs for the handsome young preacher.

But the appearance of two abused children in the community changes everyone. How will Tarah be able to win the trust of Laney and Ben and help them to build a new life? Will she be able to accept the gifts of friendship from Anthony, if that is all he is willing to offer? And will her heart be open to lessons God has for her in a situation that seems to offer only heartache and loneliness?