When a handsome drifter rescues Carrie Butler from her runaway buggy, she things he may be the fulfillment of all her dreams. But is John Thornton really the chivalrous and "mysterious stranger and " of Carrie's thoughts? Or does his sudden appearance have a darker purpose? The foreman of the Circle C Ranch thinks the young ranch hand is hiding something - and wonders about his interest in the old Nolan place. When Carrie begins to ask questions about the burned-out Nolan homestead, people want to change the subject. What secrets lie buried there? Without doubt, Carrie's life as about to change, but will it be for good or evil? Will her love for John Thornton bring salvation to her heart or the destruction of her family?