It's the summer of 1969 in western Nebraska. Merle Hart is homeless and doesn't have two dimes to rub together. At nineteen, he dreams of moving to sunny California and marrying a celebrity. His idea is on the verge of becoming a reality when he's given a job on a cattle ranch. With a roof over his head and money in his pocket, Merle can finally put his big venture out west into action. Or can he?
Merle isn't only mucking the stables and mending fences these days. He's falling in love with his boss's daughter, Peggy. A talkative, blonde beauty who is changing Merle's plans left and right.
Merle is smitten. But can a girl who dreams of living on the east side of town, among rich doctors and business owners, ever love a penniless ranch hand?
Young Hearts is a short story about two people falling in love when they least expect it and the prequel to the Harts of Idaho series.