When 12 year-old Ruth's father left for the Civil War, she was left to operate the farm while her handicapped mother ran the house. Follow Ruth as she has maturity thrust upon her, not only operating the family farm on her own, but also marrying a worthless husband and dealing with his immaturity.

Ride along as Ruth and her husband Sam head across the country to a new life in the Pacific Northwest, breaking through the Union Army's battle lines along the way.

Agonize with Ruth as she is faced by one roadblock after another in her attempt to build a normal life.