Their mother had perished on the journey west. Their father was long since gone-was he even still alive? With the help of the wagon train master, 15-year-old Corrie Belle Hollister and her four younger brothers and sisters must find their way to the coast during the California Gold Rush.

When the children arrive in Miracle Springs and discover that the uncle they were looking for has skipped town-with the sheriff not far behind-the land of promise turns into one of fear and unknown danger.