During the late 1880's, Cassie O'Hara, a mail-order bride and devout Catholic travels to Dakota territory to be with her new husband and his family who are Lutherans. She is forced to hide her faith and the circumstances which caused her to flee her country.Cassie's transformation from a young girl to womanhood is described in riveting detail, as she comes to terms withher past and her growing love for her betrothed. Her lies about her faith haunt her throughout the book as Lars'hatred of Catholics causes her such deep pain. Cassie develops a relationship with Lars' sister-in-law whobecomes her strongest ally.Cassie endures many storms leading up to the fiercest one of all, a tornado that sweeps away all traces ofher girlhood.