A haven of peace: When Frederic Mason returns home from the Civil War, he finds that Becky Sue, his fiance', has married another man. Hurt and bitter, he throws himself into the work on his family's farm. As he finds God revealed in the beauty of the land, his heart heals.

A time to love: The people of Waterville, Maine, are getting on with life and love, but when will Emily and Robert ever have their own time to love? She never expected that God would lead Robert to serve in a small mission church far away in the wilds of Pennsylvania. A whole year apart tests both Emily's faith in God and her love for Robert.

The best laid plans: When Peter McClough mysteriously disappears soon after their betrothal, Louisa Bradford is devastated. She wrestles with bitterness, and in her impatience for Peter to return or at least explain his actions, she seeks companionship with another man.