1857. In a bid to outrun her past, Carrie Ballentyne accepts a nursing position with a doctor in the New Mexico Territory. The trip west is only the beginning of her challenges, though. In Santa Fe, Carrie helps women bring new life into the world, making her beloved among new mothers. Soon, however, she realizes that her employer and his wife are keeping secrets from her, and she must ferret out the truth to protect their young daughter. But to save the little girl she's come to cherish, Carrie will have to confront the demons in her own past - a feat that will take all of her bravery with the help of the man she's grown to love and depend on above all others.