Alexandria Keegan works as a Harvey girl at El Tovar. While she loves her work, she isn't all that fond of her father. Indiscretion happens to be his middle name. Yet everyone allows his adulterous ways to continue due to his political clout. But to his family, Rufus Keegan is simply an embarrassment. Then he does just as his true nature dictates. Unfortunately, Alex catches him in the act and proceeds to tell him exactly what she thinks of the man she calls father. Before she can do irreparable damage, Luke Toland enters the cozy scene and diffuses Alex's temper.

Luke is a simple man with one focus: everything he does is for God. He lives by the Gospel and strives to rebuke all temptation. Luke's heart is set on Alex. And while Alex is also a God-fearing person, she believes all men are like her father. This makes it difficult for Luke to court the woman he loves, for he wants Alex to trust him. So he allows her to believe it is just friendship between them. In reality, he wants to fulfill his dream of owning a ranch and marrying Alex. And he won't do one without the other.

Meanwhile, Senator Winthrop has set up court at El Tovar. His daughter, Valerie, is also on the scene with her boyfriend, Joel. But they aren't steadfast and true to one another; they go after whomever catches their fancy. So when Joel decides Alex is his, he does everything in his power to make her do his bidding. At the same time, Valerie is intent on Luke. But Alex and Luke want none of their games. With accusations being bandied about, neither knows what to believe.

Then Alex's mother decides she is going to get a divorce. Before that is set in motion, someone dies, casting speculation upon El Tovar, Luke, Alex, and her mother.

In all, Tracie Peterson's Shadows of the Canyon is rife with teachings for those who are willing to listen. Readers may have difficulty believing Valerie's change of heart, but none should be dissuaded from the true faith shown by Luke and Alex through the entire slow-paced tale.