Just before the turn of the 20th century, Jacob Hudson grows up on a farm in the Canadian prairies, near the small village of Abbington Pickets. As a child, he witnesses an incident that scars him deeply and leaves him unable to trust or understand his strong, proud, and often harsh father. 

Shy Jacob grows into a handsome, talented young man still carrying a dark secret. Just when Jacob thinks he will never be able to follow his dreams, he meets Abigail, a beautiful, boastful English girl with a chip on her shoulder. His heart falls wide open, but she doesn't give him the time of day. 

Unable to bear his father's injustices, Jacob eventually leaves to work at a local ranch, where he finds kinship, acceptance, vocation, and, possibly, love. When circumstances change, Jacob moves into the village. Despite the many wonderful things his new life brings, his existence in Abbington Pickets is not an easy one. 

Will this kind and virtuous young man ever find happiness? Will his relationship with his father find resolution? 

Jacob's compelling story of loss, perseverance, and faith unfolds amidst the background of 19th- and 20th-century rural Canada.