Amanda Lawrence, a wealthy East Coast woman, relocates to the Arizona desert to visit her idle husband, Jonathan Dartland. Dartland, of Apache descent, works as an engineer in a mine owned by local businessman Hugh Slater. Amanda finds herself struggling with the vast cultural differences and Jonathan's mysterious and aloof nature. The small town's gossip and Jonathan's enigmatic behavior sow seeds of doubt regarding their marriage. She meets Dr. Mable Kildare, who reveals more about Jonathan's tribal heritage and the ongoing conflict between his identity and his modern ambitions.

Gradually, Amanda becomes embroiled in life at the mine and the surrounding community, seeking ways to bridge the gap in her marriage while also navigating the social dynamics of the town. As she attempts to draw closer to Jonathan, tensions rise, threatening to widen their emotional chasm. The story explores themes of identity, love, and cultural integration, set against the harsh yet beautiful backdrop of the Arizona landscape.