Laurel Worth, a teacher who also has nurse training, is hired under President Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s to go into homes in remote areas of the North Carolina mountains to teach adult literacy. However, she soon encounters problems more serious than not being able to read. Justin, her husband, a well-liked traveling photographer, joins her in the struggle to bring hope and a better way of life to these people. They become known as persons to go to with any problem. They never know who might show up at their door! The struggles and fun of family life form the background of the story. As the Worth children grow to adulthood, their encounters include wild boars, a mad dog, snakes, and an enraged bull. Their big house-considered the center of the community-resounds with young people who gather for ball games, first aid classes and parties, until World War II calls the young men to fight for their country. Will the Worth sons survive? Will Laurel and Justin's efforts succeed?