Running away from an abusive husband, Amanda Sellington (who changes her name to Amy Smith), she eventually finds refuge in a small town. Amy has escaped with only her son and literally the clothes on their backs and some family diamonds. On the train, Amy meets Helga von Leigh, who is returning home to New Ulm, Minn.

Helga works for the German brewer master Jacob Hall. He is guardian to his nephew, Nicolas, because their family was lost during a Sioux uprising. Helga is a matchmaker of sorts and she invites Amy and Daniel to stay with her at the brew master's home.

Jacob assumes that Amy is a widow, who is very anxious. However, Jacob has dreams of his own; he wants to see life outside of New Ulm. Of course, the couple discovers each other but Amy already has a husband.

My concern about the story was that Helga was a bit too free with offering a place to Amy and her son. I've thought about this story for several weeks and have decided that a person like Helga could probably bring a total stranger to live with her family because of her close relationship with Jacob. However, it just seemed a bit too convenient. Other than that, the story travels smoothly to its final conclusion.

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