In this contemporary romance, Maisie is an 18-year-old "preacher's daughter" who decides to take control of her life by losing her virginity to a stranger at a bar.

In the final chapters of the novel (roughly ages 18-19 in film adaptations or older teen in the book), Maisie faces a final choice between her stepparents and her governess.

The relationship contrasts Wilder's "broken," trauma-filled past with Maisie’s optimistic, determined personality.