In the summer of 1952, American is in the midst of the Korean War and Eisenhower is running for president. These events are far removed from the Appalachian-Mountain world of Fern Creek and the Spurlock family. Coralee, a devoutly religious woman has her soul in the church; Jasper her alcoholic, mean-as-a-snake husband has his heart in a jug of moonshine; and JC their music-loving grown son has his head in the clouds. Surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains they are caught in a vortex of hope for something better. Then the local minister is dismissed for sexual misconduct, Jasper comes up with a get-rich-quick gambling scheme, and JC returns home with dreams of playing guitar for Hank Williams. Following disappointment, heartbreak, and soul searching, they find themselves in the right place after traveling the long road home.