Ten-year-old Eric Archer finds himself at a new school and living a new life. He's still despondent over the loss of his grandparents, and none of his teachers--except Monica Powell--seem to understand him.

Eric's father, Lyndon, has left him in the care of his brother. Dave--Eric's uncle. Thus Dave comes to meet--and fall in love with--Monica. (Despite the clear disapproval of Val Langstrom, his business partner and would-be wife!) Then Lyndon meets Monica's friend Lisa. And Dave's friend Duke befriends Monica's disabled father .... And the circle of love and friendship continues to expand, drawing other people into its sphere.

It all starts with one small boy. And it all culminates at Christmas....