For thirteen years, Rebecca Rice has suffocated under the social restraints of widowhood. Now it's 1895, and Rebecca is ready for change. She can't remember a time in her life when she hasn't done exactly what is expected of her—until now.

Armed with a knowledge of nursing and faith healing that she learned from a visiting missionary group, Rebecca heads for the hill country of southeastern Oklahoma, Indian Territory, to share her new vocation. But the clannish folk of the hill country, reared and groomed in suspicion and superstition, resent Rebecca's presence. Faced with such human conflicts as hate and ignorance, Rebecca must also struggle with the tornados and floods nature sends her way. But her greatest adversary is the circuit-riding preacher, Zake Daniels, who fears Rebecca's teachings will threaten his hold on his flock.