Catalina Smith has spent a long time looking at her past, wondering where she came from, but Madam Wigg, the closest thing to a mother she’s ever known, has presented her with an opportunity to move forward. After honing her skills as a teacher in New York City at the Wigg School and Foundling Home, she’s agreed to move west to Shady Creek, Arizona to marry Mr. Oliver Wilson and open her very own school. But Catalina quickly learns that life in Arizona isn’t as she’d dreamed.

After taking in his best friend’s daughter, Oliver Wilson’s had to change his life plan. With some help from his neighbors, he’s figuring it out but has recently decided that it’s time his little girl has a mother. When he decides to send off for a mail-order bride, he hopes that she will be able to be that mother, despite the fact that he can’t tell her everything.

But Catalina’s not the only one with a mysterious past. When a piece of Oliver’s previous life returns and threatens everything, can Catalina and Oliver’s new relationship survive the ultimate test?