After a Texan stole another man's woman, a feud errupted into war. A son and daughter of the feuding clans fell in love, becoming pawns in a bloodbath that raged until no one was left to kill.

Pressured into marrying her grandfather's business partner, Ruth Virey endures an unhappy marriage with great self-pity. But as she gradually lets life in the dessert teach her strength, Ruth realizes she can prevent her husband from ruining the lives of several people.