Set in rural Maine in the first half of this century, it tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch--obstetrician and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Clouds. It is also the story of his favorite orphan, Homer, who is never adopted.

Homer Wells has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud's Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch, to be his successor, Homer feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. While working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love, and home.

A young man leaves the Maine orphanage where he was raised to find his place in the world and his first stop is to work at an apple orchard.