In 1943, the community of Mossy Oak is home to "the gang," a group of young people who have grown up together, sharing secrets, experiences, and discoveries of life. The war has turned them in to serious-minded adults trying to find their way in a world of uncertainty, and it has taken several members far away. Even so, they maintain a connection to each other through letters—a way to hold on to what they knew as security.

Mary Lou is a beautiful, precocious young lady—full of herself and yet kindhearted. Luke is a good-looking and gentle young man who chooses to become a chaplain in the army, and he adores Mary Lou. Even so, the man Mary Lou loves is Bill, a rugged, handsome man with a silver tongue with the ladies; he takes his place in the service to help with the war effort. Flora, another member of the gang, is cute, petite, energetic, and spontaneous; she captures Bill's heart but keeps him guessing about her feelings—that is, until Franklin catches her eye. What results is a tangled web of emotion that only time can undo.

Set during World War II, this tale of romance, based on a true story, follows five young people on a journey of pain, joy, and forgiveness, all while a war is raging around them.