George Petrauskas, son of Lithuanian immigrants, grew up hating his abusive father, but craving his approval just the same. He hated school and quit early, embarking on a long series of bad choices. George goes through life running from his problems, never taking a stand on anything.
Mary Visser was born to a loving Christian family in Muskegon, Michigan. Highly intelligent, strong-willed, and compassionate, she was destined for wonderful things. The Great Depression and a series of family tragedies gradually alter her future and her faith. Fate brings these two vastly different individuals together, forcing their lives onto different trajectories and changing them both for good.