Drought has forced farmers around the small town of Bountiful in the
Hope region of Oregon to mortgage their property. Then word comes of
plans for a spur line to run through the area and join the railroad in
nearby Milton. Folks with money see an opportunity to fill their coffers
by buying farmland cheap then selling to the railroad for a profit.
The Bank of Bountiful, owned by Eli Whitman, appears to be doing that,
as well.
Widowed two years earlier, Eli, with a son and daughter to
raise, sought a hard-working, educated Christian woman to care for them
and his home. Olivia Moore filled the bill, and as soon as Eli
recognized her as an excellent investment, he offered her first
employment, then a marriage of convenience.
While Olivia is an
excellent choice, her large family gives Eli pause. He knows about the
problems posed by in-laws, so he’ll do whatever it takes to avoid a
repeat of his earlier experiences.
When Papa tells Olivia the Moore
family must move according to Eli’s terms for the new railroad line, she
fears for their safety, since they’ll be homeless during winter. Where
will they go? How will they survive?