Usual sentimental story is the seventh film based on Janette Oke's novels. After her husband dies, grieving Dr. Belinda Simpson (Jones) accepts a job in rural Sikeston, Missouri. A cholera epidemic, which apparently started at the orphanage run by Hattie Clarence (Leachman), has the townspeople fearful and determined to shut the place down. Belinda must win everyone's trust, relying on her faith and the friendships of Annie (Duff) and blacksmith Lee (Bridges) to help her.