Louisville-born Amanda Carrigan relished her childhood summers spent at her aunt and uncle's humble farm near Dubre, Kentucky. Although first impressions were less than favorable between Amanda and their neighboring farm boy Clay Reed, the two not only gained a tolerance for each other, but also in time fell deeply in love. Amanda's mother vehemently opposed the union as she had more ambitious plans for Amanda's future. As World War II separates the two, Amanda's struggles only begin. When Clay and Amanda lose contact with each other, tragedy and poverty force Amanda to accept refuge in a loveless marriage. As Amanda's life takes a downward spiral, she wonders if her belief in the excerpt from 1 Corinthians ("Love never fails") will ever be fulfilled.