Leah Ashley comes from a wealthy family in Surry County, Virginia. Enticed by her Uncle John's stories of life in the wilderness of Kentucky, she goes to live with him and his wife Rachel. The year is 1883. She at first believes she has found her true path, living among poor mountain people. Her best friend, Ruth, becomes a midwife, drawing both of them into life at Transylvania University. Leah's old life of refinement and high society begin to pull her in other directions. She begins to despair that her two natures will pull her a part. But then she meets Billy Combs, the man who will help her claim the one life that she was meant for.