Set in rural Canada from the 1930s through the 1950s, this five story collection flows chronologically and presents a historically accurate depiction of life in a rural Canadian community. In the lead story "Becca's Star" the Stones, a "depression era" Ontario farm family, find their already meagre Christmas threatened by winter's wrath and then made forever memorable by an unlikely ally and a mysterious star. In "Home for Christmas?" the drama increases when, separated by war, with a son missing in action, the Stone family can only hope to be reunited for Christmas. In "Our Christmas Carol" Christmas is marked by two births in the Stone family, only one of which was planned, and in "The Gift of Giving" the Stones find a way to brighten the Christmas and the future of a neighbouring family. In the finale, "A Community Christmas", a snowbound train, stranded passengers and surprise gifts contribute to a remarkable celebration of Christmas in the Stone's community.