The holidays are over, and a winter chill has settled over Heather Creek Farm. The Slater children are still grappling with the sudden arrival - and departure - of their father, and they are uncertain about how their newfound relationship with the man who once abandoned them will evolve. Charlotte is desperately trying to come to peace with Kevin's reappearance, when she learns that her dear friend Melody is having a scare of her own: a medical test that leaves them all sick with fear and worry. Will the doctors be able to do enough? The town rallies around Melody, and with volunteers pitching in to keep her beloved restaurant open while she receives treatment, they all begin to notice unexpected blessings in the midst of this hard time. Meanwhile, Sam is floundering with his future plans and considers a career in the military. As Charlotte prays for direction for her grandson, Dana reluctantly agrees to let Emily design her wedding dress. Will they ever be able to settle on a style that suits them both? And when Christopher's class project outlining his family tree leads to uncomfortable questions about previous generations, will the family be able to talk frankly about their past - and their future?-- Provided by publisher