Ellison (Ella) Clark has an unusual and somewhat scandalous dream of becoming a doctor. In 1909 this is not widely accepted, but she heads to Macon, Georgia determined to bring her dream to fruition. While living in a boarding house under the care of the strict and formal Mrs. Watkins, Ella finds challenges that she wasn't prepared for. Swept up in the societal grandeur of gowns and balls, Ella must fight against the confines of the time's traditional expectations of women.

Quickly, Ella is caught between the egocentric and extremely wealthy Jasper Tillman-who demands her hand in marriage-and the kind and passionate William Thompson, who only wants what makes her happy. Through a series of conspiratorial events, Ella finds herself trapped in the darkness of shame and guilt, and only through the unconditional love of the unexpected can she find her streams in the wasteland.