The aunt of Heck Tunnel’s first love, Gloria, finds him and urges him to return to his hometown for an urgent message. After 65 years, he returns to the small Texas town he fled at age 18. He’d left behind a destitute family and the girl he loved. Gloria’s aunt has died, but he finds out that the message can be found in special place known only to him and Gloria in l934.

Heck reminisces with a boyhood friend, and that night his mind goes back to May 1934. He recalls details of Saturday night country musicals, butter and egg routes and conflict between passion and lasting love as he struggled to support his dysfunctional family and become a country music recording star.

Gloria was the proper girl from the town’s rich, powerful family. Courting her prompts problems with his coarse ex-girlfriend and Gloria’s vicious aunt, who files criminal charges against him for rape, robbery and assault. He flees to avoid incarceration so he can continue to support his family. It appears that his dreams to improve his life are gone forever.

Jump ahead 65 years, and Heck finds himself receiving messages and gifts he never thought possible, causing him to suspect that life can be good for bitter old clodhoppers after all.