Colorado 1876: Dr. Molly Whitcomb abruptly gives up her position as a lecturer in modern languages and travels west to work as a teacher at a village school in the Rocky Mountains. But why does she buy a wedding ring in a jewelry store? What secret surrounds this talented young woman? James McPherson, the likable sheriff of Timber Ridge, is impressed by the new teacher's unconventional methods. Soon the whole village is talking about her, and Timber Ridge begins to change. But how long will it take for her secret to come to light? And how will the sheriff react when he starts to see more in the attractive teacher than just a gifted educator?.