In 1852, Maura Thompson answers an ad for a mail-order bride and leaves her home in Boston in search of a new life in California. What she find, though, is rejection from Luther Buchanan, who wanted help in his store more than he wanted a wife-especially one with a secret disability. Yet they begin a loveless marriage. Maura had hoped for a new start, but the obstacles against this marriage seem like mountains. She prays that God will change her husband's heart-unaware that her own attitudes, including her fear of rejection, have played a major part in the problem. Will Maura give up on the marriage and leave when the stress becomes too great? Can she find something to love about Luther?