To escape an abusive father, Jo Tyson runs away from home. Her unplanned journey takes her across Texas to a small, coastal town where events unfold that she could not foresee. Blindsided by handsome Jay Hughes, she is soon married-a crucial misstep. Just months into their marriage, Jo discovers that she and Jay have little in common. Her need for independence and her desire for a fulfilling job strains their fragile relationship. At nineteen, she has no idea how to reconcile their differences. She is confident, though, that she can find another job and persuades Parker Harris, the editor and publisher of The Benton Sentinel, to hire her. The job gives new meaning to her life.

Then a fateful event-the bombing of Pearl Harbor-turns her world upside down. Along with many young men in town who rush to join the Army, Jay signs up despite Jo’s protest. And to her dismay, Parker is called up and must close the newspaper, forcing Jo to make a difficult decision-one that will impact her adopted town and her life.