The second book in the Life on the Plains series continues to follow the life of Luke Henry. Luke remained at the Brewer Ranch following the death of John Brewer and tried to help the Brewer family cope with John's untimely death. Luke knew that if the Brewer family was going to stay on the ranch, that there would be much work to do, and the Brewers needed to work together as a family again. Luke and Barbara's relationship became stronger as they lived and worked side by side, and their love for each other intensified also into a relationship that they both hoped would last for many years. Todd missed his father and the relationship that they had together, but found a love for his friend Luke, who had become his companion, teacher, and more like a father to him than John had ever been. Luke always remembered the patience that his own father had with him, and tried to show the same patience with Todd whenever he needed guidance or support. They developed a bond with each other that became inseparable. Luke attempted to help Mary Brewer and Lisa also, and together they reestablished a family that had suffered an irreversible loss. Mary decided to remain on the Brewer Ranch and continue to raise her children, but felt lost and almost helpless without John. She had no money, knew very little about ranching and farming, and the house needed extensive repairs. Mary didn't know what to do next, but knew she had to do something if she were going to stay. Another terrible accident on the Henry Ranch would effect everyone, but also bring them closer together and remind them once again how quickly tragedy can strike. Lucas' brothers and sisters had never returned to the Henry Ranch since they left for the city life so many years ago, and he was surprised to receive a letter from his sister requesting that his niece be allowed to spend the summer on the ranch, and experience what farm and ranch life was all about. Luke finally got the opportunity to go to Kansas City and see what the big city life was really like. He had always wanted to see the things that Grandpa Lee had spoken of, but decided that the big city life was not for him, and returned to his life on the plains.