When Jacob Chalmers arrives in Coldwater Creek to marry Mary Armstrong, he's devastated to learn she has married someone else. Nursing his wounded pride at Mary's betrayal, he advertises for another bride.

Willa Stewart's mother has too many mouths to feed, so she leaves home and becomes Jacob's mail-order bride. She is immediately attracted to him and hopes that one day, she will have his love and a family of her own. However, Willa's newfound happiness is shattered when she discovers Jacob's motive for marrying her.

Betrayed and angry, Willa draws away from Jacob, sparking a bitter conflict between them. Meanwhile, Jacob, still haunted by Mary's betrayal, fights his growing attraction to Willa.

When circumstances change, Willa realizes she needs to try to forgive Jacob and give their marriage a chance. But can Jacob forget his past with Mary and fully commit to Willa?