Finally in her new home after what felt like years walking the Oregon Trail, Emma Williams is excited to be courted by Jared, a man she’s loved from afar since they set out on their journey. They are compatible in every way but one, and she fears that one way will make him break off their courtship. Jared Appleby is a hard-working man, intent on starting the largest ranch in the west with the help of his father and two brothers. He’d lost his mother along the trail, and his sister—who is a newlywed—has been cooking for his family and her new husband. He knows that him marrying will not only take some of the pressure off his sister, but it will make his life better. Emma and Jared have had feelings for one another since before their journey began. Now that the journey is over, will he be able to see past her shortcomings to the wonderful woman she is? Or will their marriage be doomed from the start?

Sadie Beckham missed her best friend, Grace, terribly. Her friend had gone to a town in the west called Clover Creek as a mail-order bride, and though Sadie knew Grace was looking for a husband for her, it seemed it would never happen. Stanley Gabriel had lost the love of his life, leaving him with three small children. His mother helped as much as she could, but it was difficult to be a full-time farmer and a part-time father. He needed someone who would marry him in name only. Someone he would never love. When Sadie received a telegram from her friend Grace inviting her to come to Clover Creek as Stanley’s mail-order bride, Sadie jumped at the chance. Upon meeting him, she was unsure she was doing the right thing. Together, Sadie and Stanley must find a way to create a family full of love. Sadie was certain Stanley could ever love again. Would she be able to convince him that he both loved and needed her? Or would Sadie spend the rest of her life in a loveless marriage?

Fiona Jefferson knew all she needed in life was to be married, and she’d be happy. She imagined dancing with her husband under the moonlight. She wanted twelve children, six boys and six girls. But first she needed a husband. Unfortunately, she knew every man in town from their two-thousand-mile journey along the Oregon Trail, and none of them appealed to her. When she talked to her friends, Emma and Henri, about her situation, they both responded with the same man, one she’d already considered and decided wasn’t for her. Sam Appleby knew he was in love the first time he saw Fiona in Independence, Missouri. Unfortunately, he was too quiet to do anything about it. His younger brother did all the talking for both of them, and half the other men on the trail. When Fiona and Sam were set up by Emma and Henri, they immediately felt a connection. Within a week they were married. Everything was great for Fiona except she didn’t believe he loved her. She hoped one day he would say those three words, but within a few months, she’d almost given up hope. Would Sam ever say he loved Fiona? Or was she destined for a life of heartbreak?

Having lost her husband on the way to Oregon City, Melody was unsure how she should continue. She had no idea how she would make it on her own when they reached the land the government had promised. When she was offered the opportunity to marry a stranger in Clover Creek, a town her wagon train was traveling through, she jumped at the chance. Jacob Appleby lost his wife on the Oregon Trail almost a year ago. Settled in Clover Creek, three of his four children are married and living their own lives. When his daughter-in-law Fiona suggests he marry one of the women in the company coming through town, he speaks with the woman and agrees. It doesn’t take long for her to feel as if she’s part of his family, and she’s thrilled as she was unable to have a child of her own. Her days are filled with work made easier by spending the time with her new daughter and daughters-in-law. When something unexpected happens, she is unsure whether her marriage will last. Can the two of them work through their dilemma? Or will they grow to resent one another?