The Promise of the Willows — Jean Grant

Sam McLean believes that the Salinas Valley is the answer to his prayers. But his daughter, Carrie, yearns for her old life in San Francisco.

Ever since Carrie came to the Salinas Valley with her father and three brothers, she has seen hardship and natural disaster. She begins to wonder if her dreams for a secure future will ever come to pass -- especially when she meets Matt Hanlon.

As a drought threatens to destroy everything her father and neighbors own, Carrie scoffs at the farmers' assurances that there must be water underground because the willows still flourish. But Matt Hanlon, a dreamer just like her father, has an idea that could save the community.

Can Carrie stake her future on Matt's improbable scheme to drill for water in the arid valley? Or does city life hold the key to her dreams?