It's 1788, in Fitch's Eddy.
Sarah Chesney, almost eighteen, decides she's ready for marriage, but is she? She picks Josiah, a strong, decent young man from her own class, but keeps the choice to herself.
Just as she sets her cap for him, haughty, rich-as-sin, Benjamin Fitch saves her from a deadly snake. She assumes she's beneath Ben's status in life since his wealthy father owns the whole town. He disagrees.
Every young woman in Fitch's Eddy is after Benjamin, except Sarah. She runs into him often in the general store. The way he looks at her and doffs his hat makes her shiver. Who would make the best husband, Josiah or Benjamin? Who proposes first? Who will she pick? This is Sarah's Dilemma.