The book follows the story of the lives of three families: Longoria, Garza, and Mendoza, each living in different regions of Mexico, and strangers to each other. The Mexican Revolution rages on during this time. In Tamaulipas, Mexico the Longoria family migrate across the border to Brownsville, Texas to keep their family safe and search for a better life. Meanwhile, in Monterrey, Mexico, a chance encounter between Margarita Garza and Encarnacion Mendoza leads to a union of the happy couple and they raise their family together. Although, somewhat insulated from the Mexican Revolution, they thrive in General Teran, Mexico until Plutarco Elias Calles becomes the president of Mexico and begins an anti-Catholic campaign. Encarnacion and Margarita are devout Catholics and are friends with the Calles family, including his son, Aco who acquired a large plantation nearby. A deadly conflict develops between Encarnacion and the Calles family. The Mendoza family flees to the safety of Texas. Eventually in McAllen, Texas, Encarnacion Mendoza and his wife Margarita Garza befriend Anselmo Longoria and they all continue their journey of assimilating into the United States culture. Their story continues as they struggle and succeed to protect their families, to become model citizens, and, in some cases, give up their lives to achieve their dreams.