In the 1930's, men carved out their realm on parcels of land on the Alberta frontier. With their wives and families, they coped with poverty, hard work and loneliness.

After her mother's death, Evelyn is left on a remote Alberta homestead to care for her sisters and the household.

Soon her father bargains to marry her to a man she has never met, and she sees a chance to leave her meagre existence behind. Her dreams for a life shared with love begin to fade as she is left alone once again to care for the home, but this time, completely alone in the middle of the vast prairie.

At last she finds work as a housekeeper for a bachelor, who makes her a bargain. Will Evelyn be able to find her way to a better life? Or will her hopes be shattered once again when all is not what it seems.