For years, eighteen-year-old Kate has struggled on her own as a Christian. An orphan at age five when her parents were killed by Indians, Kate and her sisters have been living with Mattie Tucker, a kind, hard-working women who has not accepted Jesus Christ. Only Kate's memories of her godly parents have nurtured her faith. Now Kate's lonely walk may be ending, in more than one way. Just arriving in Beaver Creek, Ohio is Reverend Wheeler and his two strapping sons, Ben and Luke. Ben, a strong Christian, is attracted to Kate but the presence of an unscrupulous local ladies' man, and perhaps a secret beau, threatens to undermine his confidence. On the precipice of the nineteenth century, Beaver Creek needs a new church to reach out to those in need, and a man of proper intentions to claim the heart of a beautiful women, faithful women.

The first decade of the 19th century is full of promise and adventure for the infant state of Ohio. But for the three Carson sisters, it is filled with trepidation as they struggle with the loss of their parents in the battle for statehood.

Wrongly accused of a crime, Reverend Luke Wheeler, for the sake of his infant son, determines to persevere after the death of his wife. Subterfuge becomes Luke's stock-in-trade as he, along with Claire Larson, his cousin by marriage, and son Davey are swept up into an adventure into frontier America. Their dangerous cross-country trek reaches a climax as Luke navigates a keelboat down the untamed Mississippi. Yet even more terrifying than river pirates to Luke is Claire's declaration of unwavering love. What kind of future can a fugitive offer a woman? Will truth prevail or will Luke remain a wanted man?

Josephine Cline and Dr. David Wheeler clash over how to meet the needs of the German immigrants flocking to Cincinnati.