A traveling librarian who delivers books on horseback to the superstitious coal-mining communities of Depression-era Kentucky bonds with a local man who has been shunned for pursuing an education.

1930's Kansas. Neva Shilling's husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence she runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins. Then a deputy delivers three young children-- Warren and his wife have died, and their last request that the three children go live with "Aunt Neva." Neva's heart is shattered; she wants nothing more...

Can a frustrated composer find new inspiration with the woman who once made his heart sing? Four years after leaving town to make a name for himself as a composer, Gilbert Baty has returned temporarily to Falke, Kansas. Now, he's trying to keep everyone from learning the truth about his disastrous years in New York City. He hopes to start writing music again in Falke, but he can't help being distracted by Ava Flaming, the brown-eyed baker to whom...