A rags-to-riches-to-rags story. Navin Johnson, adopted son of a poor black sharecropper family, has invented some crazy inventions that lead him from rags to riches and right back to rags.

Three women's lives share a common core. They have all been profoundly affected by adoption. At age fourteen, Karen placed a baby for adoption, and has been haunted ever since by the daughter she never knew. Elizabeth grew up as an adopted child. Even though she is a bright and ambitious lawyer, she is a flinty loner in her personal life. Lucy and her husband are just embarking on the adoption odyssey, hoping for the opportunity to become parents....

Missie's adopted daughter Belinda is determined to become a doctor, but despite her dedication and ability, Doc Jackson believes women should stay at home-- and so does Belinda's suitor, Drew Simpson. But with faith and hard work, Belinda begins winning the hearts and minds of everyone around her, including a wealthy dowager, who just might help make Belinda's dreams come true.