Caught in that difficult period between childhood and adulthood, Virginia struggles against what she considers to be unreasonable restrictions and expectations. A lively new girl arrives at school, and a day comes that neither girl will ever forget.

Virginia Simpson is about to graduate from high school and continue her education at college when a family crisis derails her plans. She comes to feel that the rest of the world is moving on without her.

Virginia Simpson's courtship with an old beau is rekindled and the couple marries. The early days of marriage prove difficult as Jonathan builds their home and starts his business. Things are further complicated when the couple takes in the child of an old friend who is an alcoholic.

Virginia is completely overwhelmed with the circumstances in her life. Her elderly grandparents can no longer stay on the family farm, and her nephew Slate longs to leave for a home of his own. Her brother and his wife leave for Kenya; and Mindy, whom Virginia has raised as her own daughter, may be torn away by a cold-hearted birth mother.