Amy Catherine is a sixteen year old mountain lass, born ahead of her time with an ambition that impelled her to at least put a crack the glass ceiling of her age by taking charge of her own life. She is greatly influence by the strong opinions of her grandmother in the choice of a boyfriend.
Joining her in this book is Johnny who adores her, and eventually takes on the railroad and a raging river to protect her inheritance. Together, these two reflect the conditions and attitudes of those of their era. This book is written in the dialect of their community with their ways of speaking.