Factory worker Warrell Swanson has always found meaning in work, dogs, hunting and waitresses. After suffering an injury, he escapes the summer heat at the local tavern with his best friend, and the library, where he falls in love with Defiance, Ohio's beautiful new librarian. But old lust challenges new love and Warrell grapples with a promotion, an indifferent management and the looming threat of a rising river as he considers escaping Defiance for good.