James Fort at Jamestown, Virginia, 1608 In September 1608, Anne Burras is the only European woman in Jamestown when her mistress dies upon arrival. Laborer John Layton is one of only thirty-eight colonists who survived the first year in the colony. Both want Anne on the supply ship returning to England in three months, but neither foresee the difficulties they will face just to stay alive—or the painful sacrifices they will make to stay together.

In 1852, Sarah Ellis is teaching at the Belle Prairie Mission when she and three other teachers learn that they must marry by the end of the year, or they will be asked to leave the mission field. Luke Longley is at the Red Lake Mission in northern Minnesota, and he is given the same instructions. When he hears that there is a single teacher at the Belle Prairie Mission, he travels a hundred and fifty miles downriver to convince her to become his bride, even though he's never met her. As soon as Luke arrives at Belle Prairie, he learns that there are four single teachers—and each is eager to become his bride. With just a week to decide, how will he ever choose?

As the youngest of seven brothers, Hays Hart has never been first at anything—so he’s determined to be the first to marry. And after his father’s ultimatum, that each of his brothers marry before the end of 1874, Hays is more determined than ever. If he doesn’t marry, he risks losing his inheritance, a beautiful section of the family ranch. Hays sets his sights on the new teacher, Miss Emma Longley, but he soon discovers Emma wants nothing to do with marriage, ranching, or Texas and plans to leave Hartville in two short months. Will Hays’ charm be enough to convince her to stay?