Dan McBride

Percival takes over the family business when his father dies, which means that he and Nellie will remain in New York permanently. Distraught by the news, Harriet and Nels decide that adopting a little girl would make them happy, but when they visit the orphanage, Harriet gravitates to the most unruly. Meanwhile, Adam struggles to make a living as a lawyer in Walnut Grove.

When Percival's parents Benjamin and Edna arrive for a visit, Harriet and Benjamin clash miserably over their grandchild's religious upbringing. Nellie's joyous pregnancy is tainted by the strenuous fighting, but the families eventually reach an unusual agreement.

After finding a number of bottles containing messages, including a photograph, from a mysterious girl, Laura finds an abandoned baby. Laura takes the child in and cares for it like it was her own, not knowing it belongs to a timid young woman with an abusive father.

Albert’s carelessness results in a tragic accident that leaves Alice Garvey and Mary’s baby son dead. As families are torn apart and faith in God is tested, it is sure to be an emotional road to recovery for everyone involved.

Mrs. Oleson decides that reopening Nellie's Restaurant and Hotel as a franchised restaurant will result in big business for the fledgling business. Does she have what it takes to meet the demands of a tough franchiser, and can she fight off unexpected competition from Charles and Nels when they open up their own restaurant?