Stella Bingham has lived a bleak and restricted life in Bingham Holler. As America enters WWII, Stella's father dies. Someone claiming to be Sam Bingham's son, contests the will, laying claim to half of everything Stella inherited. In addition to her legal problems, she has to deal with her mama's sordid past; good-hearted, nosy neighbors; and unwanted advice from friends and relatives. Raymond Fox, abandoned by his unwed mother, grew up on a farm with his grandparents. Barely 18, he left home under a cloud of disgrace. Now, four years later, he is back fixing up the old home place. However, his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Through a chance encounter, Ray and Stella meet. She vaguely remembers him for his blemished past. He remembers her as the girl who always had her nose in a book. As they worry over the war, and share family stories, their views of each other change. Both reveal secrets that bring them closer together. However, when Ray joins the Marines, they both wonder if their small slice of happiness can last or be destroyed forever.