Responsibilty for her father's Pennsylvania farm weighs heavily on Amethyst O'Shaunasy's shoulders. Since her overworked mother died, her father has done little but drink up the money Amethyst earns from selling eggs and cheese. When he sends her west to locate his only heir, the young woman is reluctant to leave. After she reaches the tiny town of Medora, an unusally brutal winter underscores the fragility of life. Yet the residents' sturdy faith in the Lord teaches Amethyst even more valuable lessons. Now, with prayers in her heart and a growing interest in a handsome rancher, she wonders if she want to return home again.