Set against the backdrop of the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire, the story follows widow Jessie Wagstaff as she navigates life alone with her son, Linc. Struggling with the challenges of single motherhood, she faces her hesitations about allowing Lee Smith, a stranger who befriends Linc, into their lives. As the fire tests the community's resilience, Jessie must confront her fears and the possibility of new beginnings amidst the chaos.
