The setting is the mid-West, 1850. Young newlyweds Aaron and Marty Claridge (played by Katherine) travel west in a covered wagon, seeking a place in the wilderness to build a home, raise a family, and grow roots. Tragedy strikes as Marty's husband Aaron is killed in an accident. Left alone with a child on the way, Marty is taken in by a kind widower, Clark, and his young daughter, Missie. Feelings grow between Marty and Clark, and she finds herself in a dilemma, having to decide whether she wants to stay with Clark and his daughter or return home.

“Love Comes Softly” was directed by Michael Landon, Jr. from his original teleplay, co-authored with Cindy Kelley. The movie is based on the first edition of what is a very successful series of eight "Love Comes Softly" books for writer Janette Oke.