Amelia Farnsworth is conspicuously unmarried.
Her father decides she should venture two states away to become a teacher in the small town of Little Sicily, Ohio. Amelia soon discovers the people of her new town are threatened by her progressive teaching philosophy. Even more, it is clear she has stepped on the dainty toes of Rebecca Sapp, a local young woman who seems to hold a grudge after applying for the same position. Amelia wonders if it is her abundant imagination, or if the other woman may wish her harm. If it weren't for her kind host family and Jon, her fellow schoolteacher, she might catch the next train home.
When Amelia meets the brooding carpenter, William, her intuition senses mystery. The two clash as her innocence collides with his dark past. After discovering pieces of secrets he tries to hide, Amelia can't resist knowing more. When the puzzle reveals the life he left behind, she will be forced to choose the future that is safe, or find the courage to chase her dreams to the unexpected place she may truly belong.