when james lawson discovers a scenic river valley, he's found his ranch site! but is it available? can he buy the land and make his dream come true? alice bowman started teaching school with enthusiasm and high hopes. when she meets james, her heart turns cartwheels! but he's seen how a woman ruined his father's life, and he's running scared from his attraction to alice. he's focused on establishing his ranch. she's dedicated to teaching school in town - until things go terribly wrong. can alice's love for james conquer his fears about marriage? will rustlers, fire and hardship destroy what they have started? will their love be strong enough to overcome the obstacles they face? together, they establish a legacy of love and family unity that will flourish for many generations.