Return to Blessing, North Dakota, with the story of Andrew Bjorklund and Ellie Wold. After graduating in May of 1900, the two make plans to marry once the harvest is over and their new house is finished. They spend the summer working hard, and the Lord seems to shine on and in them in a special way. Everyone rejoices in their happiness. Everyone except for Toby Valders, who is determined to get even for all the drubbings he has taken from Andrew through the years. Andrew, however, has promised Ellie there will be no more fistfights. But when their new barn burns—and many of their possessions and dreams with it—Andrew throws his vows of nonviolence aside, reaping bitter consequences. Why is the life he has so looked forward to now unraveling so quickly?

Certain she can’t live without Hamre Bjorklund, the impetuous Sophie Knutson rejects her father’s request to postpone her marriage until after graduation and convinces Hamre to elope. But life as a fisherman’s bride in Seattle is not at all that Sophie had envisioned. Pregnant and lonely while Hamre’s out at sea, she hires on at a fish cannery, only to be fired after fainting on the job.

When tragedy strikes, heartbroken Sophie can think only of returning home to Blessing.

But will her family welcome her after the way she’s hurt them by her defiant behavior? And will she ever open her heart to love again?

Eighteen-year-old Grace Knutson loves Blessing, North Dakota, and sees no reason to leave. She is more serious-minded than her twin sister, Sophie, and is very sensitive to the feelings of others. In spite of her familys disapproval, Grace has always had a soft spot in her heart for Toby Valders. She has seen the vulnerable side he has kept well hidden.

The arrival of Jonathan Gould, the handsome scion of a wealthy New York family, creates a flurry of anticipation and speculation in Blessing. Jonathan’s father wants him to learn the value of manual labor and to appreciate the accomplishments of those not born to wealth. Surprisingly, the city boy takes to farm life, working from dawn to dusk alongside the others. Soon he finds himself inexplicably drawn to gentle, courageous Grace.