In the turbulent mid-1800s, Charity Morgan's devout religious community is losing its Pennsylvania homestead to the economic recession. To survive and stay together, she and the other members make plans to form a wagon train to Oregon. No wagon master is better equipped to lead them safely west than inmate Casey Tremayne and his ragtag band of felons. Charity is aghast, but her warden uncle offers the men parole upon completion of the journey.

Lanie's strong-willed sister, Maeva, heads to Los Angeles in search of the woman who can prove their father's innocence, but as her family begins to unravel, Lanie's dream of writing becomes a reality.