Thorliff and Elizabeth have given long-held ambitions to God, and everything seems to be falling into place. Thorliff's desire to become a writer fills his mind and heart as he attends college. He earns his way writing newspaper reports and magazine articles -- good experience on the way to his goal. Then catastrophe upon tragedy hits his hometown of Blessing, North Dakota, and family and friends are left reeling from incredible losses. Thorliff returns home to help shoulder the burden and assist in the recovery efforts, and too soon his writing seems only a distant dream. After graduation from college, Elizabeth takes a nursing position in a Chicago hospital for women while waiting to hear if any of her applications to medical schools are accepted. She soon comes face to face with the vast gulf between her life of affluence and privilege and the poverty-stricken patients under her care. Then a devastating experience on the hospital ward puts her faith in God and her very life on the line. They had followed their hearts and God's leading. Why was it all turning into ashes in the wind? - Back cover.