Faith Garrett regrets her hasty marriage to a charismatic minister. Her husband’s charm masks his cruel and abusive nature. In 1867 Oregon, the law gave women little control over their children and property, and few mistreated wives could escape their tormentors.

David Pershing, Faith’s childhood sweetheart, questions why she didn’t choose him. After years of wondering, he turns his energy to building a successful business.

When circumstances force David to come to Faith’s aid, her husband’s jealousy erupts, leading to violence. Death strikes their families, seeming to shatter any hope of happiness for Faith and David—alone or together.