Near Monroe Falls, Ohio, the black earth gives and it takes away. The Streeter boys learn hard lessons and a valuable work ethic, but life on their grandfather's farm takes them from their father and the Friday night lights. On the black earth, families work together to produce God's bounty. It's the black earth that heals old wounds but creates new heartache. Joe and Susan's sons learn a work ethic that few know exist under the iron hand of Eduard Van Wert. The Friday night lights are a fading memory to all but Andrew Streeter. The Streeter boys had to leave Monroe Falls and their dream of playing football for their father to live with their ambitious mother and her uncompromising father. Would they ever return to the little village along the peaceful river to fulfill their destiny? Charlie Resor seeks a way out for all his wasted years. When he met the needle it was love at first sight. Then one day Andrew Streeter showed him the path to real love in the most innocent of gestures. Will Charlie win that last race on the black earth for redemption? Mary Horner's beauty is both an asset and curse. She says her love for Joe is real, but is it only a twisted scheme for power and glory? Will the black earth lead to the destiny that all in Monroe Falls are seeking?