Snow Owl Abby Johnson is a young aristocrat who has come of age in Hardin County, Kentucky. Her true nature is rebelling against belonging to the privileged class. As tensions move toward the outbreak of the Civil War, the Johnson family begins to clearly side with the cause to abolish slavery. They are personal friends with Abraham Lincoln who had grown up on a neighboring farm. When Abby discovers a young man, Samuel Johnson, camping on their property, she convinces her father to give him sanctuary. Her affection for the dark-haired Samuel is forbidden because he is comes from poor people of uncertain origins. When the very wealthy John Ramsey comes to court her she is pushed into a betrothal that goes against all her instincts. Her heart wages its own battle which has nothing to do with class, and everything to do with love.