In the little town of Cape Light, Reverend Ben Lewis reflects on Christmas past—while his beloved daughter, Rachel,  looks to the future.
 
A box of old photographs sparks long forgotten memories for Reverend Ben, images of himself when he was a young minister, a newcomer to Cape Light and his congregation. He remembers the very first Christmas at his new church, when nothing turned out as he expected.  A prominent church member and benefactor, Oliver Warwick, stood accused of a serious crime, and the entire town and congregation were quickly torn apart. Ben knew that he must carry the banner of God’s love and mercy into the fray, all the while struggling to win his church’s confidence and respect and prove to all—including himself—that he was worthy of his calling as a minister.
 
As her father looks back, Rachel Anderson looks to the future, trying to imagine a life without her beloved husband, Jack. But then, single-dad Ryan Cooper appears on her doorstep like an unexpected package. Her son’s basketball coach is just the man Rachel needs to shake up her world and show her there’s such a thing as focusing—and fretting—too much. Ryan’s gentleness, charm, and understanding are a convincing combination, and Rachel soon finds herself imagining a new world filled with hope and love. But deep loss and old fears are not so easily dispelled, and Christmas brings Rachel a serious choice: cling to a past filled with comforting memories, or reach for a future of bright possibilities.

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