Louisa Shumaker is torn between grief and enthusiasm. When her father left for America two years ago, she did not know how long it would be until she saw him again. Finally he has earned enough money to have his wife and three children join him in St. Louis, Missouri. And though the 17-year-old cannot wait to see her father, it means leaving all that she loves in Germany.

After a dangerous journey full of disease, frightening men, and uncomfortable lodgings, the Shumakers arrive in St. Louis. Again, Louisa's heart is torn--so glad to be with her father, but their new life is not what she dreamt it would be. Their small city apartment will not allow for a garden like the one she had on their beautiful farmland. And with Mother forced to work to help the ends meet, Louisa and her siblings must assume more household responsibilities. Yet as the years pass, the family is happy and growing.

When tragedies come, though, Louisa will find strength in knowing that God is faithful--and discover hope in a blossoming love.