After being jilted at the altar, Ed Brown seeks a fresh start by moving to a remote town in Alberta to teach. He aims to produce a school performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, but faces opposition from the local pastor, who threatens to keep his congregation's children from participating. As Ed navigates the challenges of rural life and community dynamics, he strives to bring the joy of theater to the town while confronting the pastor's influence.
The narrative centers on the extraordinary lives of Jack and Joan Verney, who navigated significant historical events from the Great Depression to post-war challenges. Their story highlights Jack's rebellious spirit as he ran away from home, their unconventional marriage based on limited encounters and wartime correspondence, and their bold decision to relocate to Canada with three young children in 1957. Throughout their journey, both made impactful contributions through teaching, writing, and community service, exemplifying resilience and dedication to family and society.