As the U.S. descends into the Civil War, photographer Brenton Baldwin travels west with his sister Jordana, taking pictures of the developing lands and in search of their sister. Along for the trip is young Caitlan O'Connor, who has just arrived from Ireland. Will they make it to California to find their family despite the danger that looms ahead? And can early romance grow into love in the face of trials and tragedy?

The Race to Complete the Transcontinental Railroad Accelerates.... Will Sabotage Thwart Their Dream?

The strife of the Civil War has ended, but the Indian wars on the Plains have intensified and the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads are locked in a high-stakes competition to link the eastern states with their western counterparts.

Jordana Baldwin had come to California by stagecoach to help her sister Victoria, but after three years she has grown restless and feels the need to do something different. When her writing catches the attention of an eastern newspaper, she takes on the guise of a man to report on the progress of the rail line -- and spy for the Central Pacific.

But Jordana has continued to correspond with Captain Rich O'Brian, who has left the army and now works for the Union Pacific. When they meet again, romantic sparks fly, but Rich's past still looms between them. Since his wife's death, he's made it clear he wants no ties to another woman, yet he realizes he's fallen in love with Jordana.

As the last tracks are laid to join the East and the West, will competing interests keep Jordana and Rich apart... or bring them together?