Determined to find life on her own terms, Marta leaves Switzerland and lands in the central valley of California with her children and husband in tow, and years later, when Marta's oldest daughter, Hildie, gains her independence by becoming a nurse, marrying and beginning a family of her own, each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.

In an attempt to help his sister, who has cancer, fifteen-year-old Harry again enters Frost Cave to travel back in time, but takes a wrong turn and ends up in Jerusalem in 60 A.D., where the teachings of Christ have been twisted and war and lawlessness prevail, making Harry's task seem impossible.

In 3000 B.C., threatened by the sword of Akish and the army of the Nephites, Mary, Becky, and Josh shelter a baby destined to become a great patriarch as Steffi is captured and taken to the Tower of Babel and Harry time-travels back to the battle between Akish and Gid.