In the 1860s, the strong-willed French-Canadian Vivienne Le Coudy sets out on an adventure with Danish newcomer Holger Olsen, as they try to build a life together in the arid settlement of Elk Flats, Nevada. When Holger chooses to join the Union forces in the escalating Civil War, Vivienne is left to navigate life on her own, a challenging task in a town dominated by a crooked mayor.