Young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of Bethel colony an s religious community in Missouri that is determined to remain untainted by the concerns of the world A passionate and independent thinker she resents the limitations placed on women who are expected to serve in quiet submission In a community where dissent of any form is discouraged Emma finds it difficult to rein in her tongueand often doesnt even try to do so fueling the animosity between her and the colonys charismatic and increasingly autocratic leader Wilhelm Keil Eventually Emma and her husband Christian are sent along with eight other men to scout out a new location in the northwest where the Bethelites can prepare to await the last days Christian believes theyve found the ideal situation in Washington territory but when Keil arrives with the rest of the community he rejects Christians choice in favor of moving to Oregon Emma pushes her husband to take this opportunity to break away from the group but her longed-for influence brings unexpected consequences As she seeks a refuge for her wounded faith she learns that her passionate nature can be her greatest strengthif she can harness it effectively.
