John and Olivia must make a decision about publishing a manuscript John-Boy wrote while overseas. Jeffrey becomes very attached to the dog, Reckless, which is suffering from old age.
The family mourns Grandpa's death--and celebrates his life. John struggles to fill a huge lumber contract, while Mary Ellen and Erin become roommates in Charlottesville. Corabeth opens a tearoom.
Olivia's cousin Rose arrives for a visit, bringing her two grandchildren--and problems--with her. Ike and Jim Bob build a huge air raid siren.
A German POW escapes from a North Carolina camp and hides on the mountain. When Jeffrey befriends him, the family asks him in for Christmas Eve.
Mary Ellen and Corabeth both encounter men who bring romance into their lives.
