While World War 1 rages across Europe, back home in St. Louis, sixteen-year-old Molly O'Neill is embroiled in huge troubles of her own.

The world of 1917 holds neither kindness nor sympathy toward unwed mothers and makes no exception for innocent Molly. When her mother threatens to harm her, she finds herself behind the high walls of the Good Shepherd Convent. But those walls can offer no protection when she suffers a dreadful fall while attempting to help her roommate.

The loss of her child and the realization that she may never be welcomed back into the arms of her family threaten to destroy Molly, but she refuses to give up. She determines to master her new job as waitress and cook. When her hard work and perseverance gain the respect and admiration of her young employer, Kevin Ryan, a new dream of a home and family of her own begin to take hold in her heart.