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While Anna Stanton teaches Thomas Bishop to read, they fall in love. But he's a slave on a Missouri tobacco plantation in 1860, and she's the master's daughter. Anna's father beats Thomas. Angry over her father's cruelty, Anna mistakenly tells him she loves Thomas, compelling her father to secretly remove him from his plantation and lie to his daughter that her lover is dead. Anna swears she'll never forgive her father and moves to Kansas Territory to live with her Aunt Leah. Meanwhile, Thomas suffers the cruelty of a new owner while secretly teaching slave children to read and write. Pressure to marry a house slave threatens what's left of his humanity, leading him to escape.
The suspense and stakes build and rise on every page of this book before resolving to a satisfying conclusion. Anna is admirable for her strength of mind and will, while Thomas is endearing for his kindness and composure. True historical characters also appear, such as the courageous Quakers who, supported by their faith, help Thomas to freedom. In fact, faith-based conviction forms the foundation of this book's message.
Several moments in the story reflect the theme of innate human dignity. Yet the author's greatest strengths lie in creating tension. For example, the threat of slaveowner cruelty with bloodhounds hot on a runaway's trail comes across as most convincing. Some of the resolutions, though, seem like quick fixes. However, this aspect is redeemed by the lessons in wisdom this book illuminates. The characters learn about miracles, kindness, faith, and courage. This story pays homage to the faith and beliefs that played a central role in supporting runaway slaves through moments of mortal fear while traveling the Underground Railroad.