The small piece of gold which Anisett carries in her pocket causes grave danger for her family living in the rough world of the California gold camps.

Living with her family in the farming town of Palouse, Washington, during World War II, thirteen-year-old Josie worries about her brother's strange behavior and wonders why he has not enlisted.

When her wounded brother returns from battle, twelve-year-old Mary must get help for him without telling her father, a wealthy Tory, who has disowned his son for joining General Washington's Continental Army.

In Texas in 1886, Ellen finds her desire to be a cattle rancher discouraged by family members who do not think it a proper choice for a girl, but she proves her worth when drought threatens the ranch.