Graduating from college and preparing to enter medical school strictly to placate his overbearing father, Harris Hayes' friendship with his long distance pen-pal, Cassie Chandler, evolves into something much more, surprising them both. After a whirlwind summer courtship, Harris is struck by the realization that he wants nothing more than to to become a writer and marry the girl of his dreams. But when a stunning and callous twist of fate occurs, the lovers discover that their futures are not their own. Cruelly ripped apart from one another, the lives of Harris and Cassie are thrust into completely divergent worlds. While one is thrown into a dangerous, controlling existence and unwillingly shoved into the public eye, the other is left to pick up the pieces, and moves forward, seemingly living out the American dream. As their lives peripherally intersect over the decades, Harris and Cassie learn the importance of being true to one's heart while persevering in the midst of fear, tragedy and heartbreak.