Deep River, Alaska, boasts a fiercely independent though small population. The people who live here love it, and they don't much care what anyone else thinks. But then one day Silas Quinn comes back and tells them an oil reserve has been found below the town, and now it's neighbor vs. neighbor. Some want to take the money and run, while others want to tell the oil company to put its rigs where the sun don't shine.

Hope Dawson never expected to leave Deep River. Her mom needs her. Her grandfather died and left her the local hangout to run. Her dreams of college and adventure died long ago. But then Silas comes back to town, holding the key to set her free. But freedom means she loses him again, and he's the one she's always really wanted.