Young Maria Neubauer's heart is happiest when it is singing. With dreams of performing for admiring fans across the globe, she says farewell to her German home for fame and fortune abroad. But what Maria finds in America is not quite what she had envisioned. Her hopes of being idolized are dashed when the American Civil War prevents her rise to stardom. Could God have another path for her life? Is this the love of honor she should be seeking when orphans and freed slaves are being mistreated amid a war?

Thomas Krueger's sights are set beyond the Missouri farm life of his German immigrant family. Books and adventure call him to continue his studies in St. Louis; however, the Civil War tugs at him to do more for his adopted country than study. Becoming a Union soldier beckons him to fight for the preservation of the nation and against the injustices of slavery. His love of honor is stronger than the need for safety or his parents' wishes.

Through the perils of the Civil War, Thomas and Maria's lives are linked by unknown forces guiding them to lives that honor God.