James Evans is a small town guy who lives the simple life. He dropped out of high school to help his parents pay the bills, joined the military to serve his country, and devotes his life to doing good for others. Rose Kuntz is a small town girl who just broke up with Charles, and is trying to figure out what to do with her future. Living in a small town, there's not many places for her to go, but when she meets James, she realizes that life has so much more in store for her than she originally thought. When James is shipped off to Korea during the war, the only communication they have are by letter. Over a period of time, the letters from James come to a halt, and Rose is left to think the worst has happened. This novel is inspired by the true story of a boy and girl who meet, and fall in love, as well as the obstacles they must face to be with one another.