1860, Maryville, Missouri

Headstrong, fiery red-hair, Belle Stoval, orphaned at a young age, was raised by her aunt. Frustrated by life decisions made for her, she steadfastly wanted to have her way. Even if it meant leaving all she had known as a child and traveling west with her best friend, Mary. They traveled via stagecoach, clipper ship, attacked by bandits, privateers, and storms. In the face of the civil war and Mary’s sinister stepbrothers, they opt to go west to California to meet Mary’s, true love.

Belle’s life changes as she forges the new life. In this life, she faces the decision of choosing between the blond, handsome farmer who is determined to have her and the sheriff bound to protect her.