New homes, new hearths, and new lives push the continuing saga of the Hearthstones women forward, as Book II opens at a kicking bee. The frolic turns into unexpected birthing calamity, which brings Amanda Jane Harrison into crisis once more. Correspondence between Libby Howard and Ellie Mae Thompson turns to action, when Ellie strikes out on her own at Riverstop. Ellie manages to overcome circumstances that would flatten a woman of lesser confidence: after losing hearth, home and the support of immediate family, she's forced to make her own way in a man's world. Her friendship with Libby Howard grows stronger, as together they face the changes brought on by births, deaths, marriages and family catastrophe, related through their faithful posts. In the Harrison household, Amanda Jane continues on a journey of growth and ultimate acceptance. Her spirit struggles to break free from the guilt, fear and self doubt that have come to dog her. After a time in "Friends Asylum," Amanda ultimately finds the strength to face life squarely, as she comes to finally love and appreciate the man who's stood by her all along. In the end, she must face an enormous test of courage, not only surviving, but triumphing through her greatest loss.