The hot desert winds and gold mines of Goldfield, Nevada make California's cool valley breezes and peaceful farms seem like heaven on earth. And though O. T. Skinner constantly dreams of moving west, he and his family are still in the sin-filled boomtown. They don't have much, but they do have each other.

O.T. loves his strong-minded, independent wife who takes care of their family as well as the miners who depend on her warm meals and friendly nature. But the days in her café are long, and Dola Mae is finding out the hard way what it's like to be on the receiving end of a helping hand—and she can only pray it doesn't become permanent.

Dola Mae knows she is blessed to be married to a man who'd do anything for his family and friends, no matter the risk; but she's terrified she'll lose him. Her fear may become reality when O.T.'s generosity puts his life—and the lives of his loved ones—in jeopardy one too many times.

Through it all, the Skinners remain a portrait of virtue and strength, making them the rarest of treasures in a town built on gambling all for a little gold.