Deep in the hollows of Appalachia, in the shadow of Big Black Mountain, there used to be a coal-mining town called Bent Creek. When the workers went on strike and the mine closed the town disappeared leaving behind the families whose lives depended on the mine for their meager living. Rachael Riley was one of six children born to one of these coal miners whose life had come to a halt. Rachael didn't know how or when she was going to leave Bent Creek, but she knew in her heart that someday she would escape her life of poverty. Her life is changed forever when a twist of fate lands her in the midst of a scheme that will help her make enough money to leave Bent Creek and start a new life. Will she be brave enough to step up to the challenge?