Heartland tells the story of immigrant families (Swedish, French and Czech) that settled on the plains of Nebraska during the second half of the 19th Century. The tale, like the novel from which it is based, focuses on the life of Alexandra Bergstrom, a young Swedish girl who inherits the task of managing the family farm after her father’s death. Working the land is hard and many leave; however, Alexandra vows to stay and make a success. The action sweeps ahead twelve years where we see Alexandra has become a land baroness. The ensuing action focuses on the romantic relationships between Alexandra’s brother, Emil, and his childhood sweetheart, Marie, the tension between Alexandra and her brothers, and the return of Alexandra’s best friend, Carl. Crises ensue causing rifts between the family, jealousy by Frank over Marie’s naive flirtations, and Carl’s conflict between staying with Alexandra and finding his own way in life. Tragedy and death occur for the young lovers, leaving Alexandra alone without hope or a future. She remembers the lessons of the land and the encouragement her father gave her as a young girl. She vows to carry on, taking care of her family and the land that was entrusted to her. In a final triumphant moment, Carl returns to be with Alexandra for the rest of their lives.