Hazel Thompson prides herself on being a beacon of earnest goodwill in Cedar Springs, Utah, where she works alongside her mother as a cook in a raucous restaurant and dance hall. But lately, Hazel wonders if she hasn't clipped her own wings by always putting her family and neighbors first, leaving no time for her own wants.

Lida Jones, the daughter of roving Eastern European immigrants, treks West with her father in search of a better life on the rapidly developing American frontier. To help make money, Lida takes a job in the Pack Horse Library and gets to know the rowdy, tough residents of Cedar Springs. Getting close to anyone is a waste of time, though. She won't be here long.

Hazel and Lida can't help but get to know one another as Lida travels through on her route. When Lida's father begins to struggle at work, Lida fears she'll have to leave Cedar Springs—and Hazel—behind. But how can she when, finally, she's found a place, and a person, to call home?