The oldest of seven daughters, Ruth Schrock has grown up believing that her uncompromising father has never really approved of her independent nature. Though devoted to her community and her faith, she's always found it difficult to follow the straight and narrow path of a deacon's daughter. When Ruth is asked to teach in a nearby community, she jumps at the opportunity - feeling that God has given her a chance at a life of meaning. Ruth never could have guessed that her new path would lead to Levi Yoder. Ruth and her all-embracing love of life confuse yet captivate Levi. With her school across the road from his farm, the attraction grows - but so do the conflicts.