Where the Heart is opens up on Novalee Nation a pregnant 17-year-old who's boyfriend, and father of her child, leaves her at a Wal-Mart in Oklahoma while he is on his way to California. With no place to go Novalee ends up living in the Wal-Mart where she hopes no one will find her. Browsing the maternity racks by night and meeting people by day, Novalee creates friendships with various people in the town who welcome her with loving arms. Once Novalee's baby is born, everyone wants to know about the mother who lived in Wal-Mart and the baby that was born there. With the help of friends and strangers, Novalee and her baby get out of Wal-Mart and start their lives in Oklahoma. As you read this book you grow to love, and understand, each of the characters who have their own personality and place in this story.