Janet Spaeth

Provides an analysis of Wilder's ninevolume chronicle of her pioneer childhood.

When Tess Mahoney, owner of Angel's Roost store, meets Jack Cameron, the owner of a coffee shop, they find they have more in common than being business owners. As she realizes her feelings towards him are changing, she begins to wonder--can she help him restore the faith he's lost?

Although massive flooding nearly destroyed the town of Wildwood, ND, youth minister Ric Jensen is determined to bring it back to life. He turns the extra rooms in his church into a daycare to help parents get back on their feet, but he finds it a daunting job. When he meets Lily Chamberlain and her son, Todd, at a church retreat, she seems to be the answer to his prayers. But Lily and Todd have suffered their own losses - from the accident that took her husband and father away years ago, to the recent loss of her job and comfortable existence, to a ruthless and crooked employer. Maybe she can run a daycare, but can she overcome her past? Or will her past catch up to her and destroy the dreams that grow in Wildwood?