Adeline Estella Rose, as the eldest child of early pioneer settlers in Farmington, Utah, faces a life of hard work, sacrifice, and heartbreak. Due to her mother's ill health, she is obligated, while still a young child, to take over the care of her parents' home and large family. Later, at the behest of her father, she forfeits her chance at romance with the only man she will ever love, while her best friend is embarking upon her own journey of marital joy and motherhood, the two things in life that Addie most desires. Nonetheless, she forges ahead, doing what is required, and subjugating her own needs in deference to others' comfort and happiness.