Millie Ledford Lee

Savannah Calhoun's life is in disarray. Her association with a corrupt senator has rendered her tabloid fodder in Washington DC. On top of that, her advertising agency boss is allowing a coworker to take credit for Savannah's work. While trying to extract herself from both situations, her beloved grandfather, Judge Roy Stonewall Jackson Calhoun dies. Returning to her grandfather's home in Jackson Creek, Kentucky, Savannah gets a fresh perspective on what her life is and what it could be.Lance Donovan pulled up stakes in Nashville soon after his wife died of a heroin overdose. Moving to Jackson Creek near where his mother grew up, he starts his own electrician business, which allows him to devote more time to his four-year-old son, Brandon. Lance hears gossip about the newly arrived Savannah, googles her, reads the sordid stories, and decides to steer clear of her. But Brandon has latched on to Savannah and declares her his friend.Because of Brandon, Lance and Savannah keep running into each other. The attraction between the two is mutual, but hurt by past relationships, they both come up with reasons to keep their distance. They have to work through their own misgivings, but are bonded by the powerful love and outspoken truthfulness of a four-year-old boy.

Stella Bingham has lived a bleak and restricted life in Bingham Holler. As America enters WWII, Stella's father dies. Someone claiming to be Sam Bingham's son, contests the will, laying claim to half of everything Stella inherited. In addition to her legal problems, she has to deal with her mama's sordid past; good-hearted, nosy neighbors; and unwanted advice from friends and relatives. Raymond Fox, abandoned by his unwed mother, grew up on a farm with his grandparents. Barely 18, he left home under a cloud of disgrace. Now, four years later, he is back fixing up the old home place. However, his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Through a chance encounter, Ray and Stella meet. She vaguely remembers him for his blemished past. He remembers her as the girl who always had her nose in a book. As they worry over the war, and share family stories, their views of each other change. Both reveal secrets that bring them closer together. However, when Ray joins the Marines, they both wonder if their small slice of happiness can last or be destroyed forever.

Brad McKinnon has returned to his roots in Cedar Ridge, Virginia to begin a horse breeding business. He's off to a good start when super model and tabloid queen, Chloe Cassidy shows up. Though intrigued by her natural beauty and elusive qualities, Brad is suspicious of her motives, and determined to keep his distance. When nude pictures of Chloe go viral on the Internet, she escapes to Cedar Ridge, hoping to rely on her sister. However, plans go awry when a snowstorm throws her and Brad together. Previous heartbreak has left Chloe emotionally scarred and unable to trust, especially a good-looking, female magnet like Brad McKinnon. Despite mutual distrust, their attraction is undeniable. Soon they realize things are not what they seem, and they share many of the same values. Yet, if they are to form any kind of relationship, each must let go of past hurt, deal with old jealousies, and learn to trust.

In the summer of 1952, American is in the midst of the Korean War and Eisenhower is running for president. These events are far removed from the Appalachian-Mountain world of Fern Creek and the Spurlock family. Coralee, a devoutly religious woman has her soul in the church; Jasper her alcoholic, mean-as-a-snake husband has his heart in a jug of moonshine; and JC their music-loving grown son has his head in the clouds. Surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains they are caught in a vortex of hope for something better. Then the local minister is dismissed for sexual misconduct, Jasper comes up with a get-rich-quick gambling scheme, and JC returns home with dreams of playing guitar for Hank Williams. Following disappointment, heartbreak, and soul searching, they find themselves in the right place after traveling the long road home.