Stella Madison never really had a family, and so she hopes to find one now. As a child, she worked long hours to support herself and her mother, and she is grateful for the skills she learned. She hopes her ability to care for a home will make her husband proud—and she is about to find out because she has agreed to travel west and become the mail order bride to Bill Westone. But, as it turns out, Bill is not looking for a bride at all. At least, not by mail. Instead, the ad Stella answered was placed by Bill’s mother, who disapproves of Claire, the woman he is currently courting. So now, with nowhere else to go, Stella is forced to play along with Bill’s mother’s plan. But how can she possibly compete against the rich and beautiful Claire—and what will become of her if she fails?