At the age of fourteen, Madeline is a part of the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush. Unfortunately, both her parents die within two years, and Madeline, after a year's stay at a neighbor's home, leaves and fends for herself at the age of seventeen. She travels west to Holbarth and tries to start a new life, but a loss of a friendship and the death of her husband fails to bring happiness. She travels to New City as a Mail-Order Bride, but once again, her new life fails until she meets Henry Strictman.