Nessa is feeling at home in Prairie River until one blustery night. Reverend McDuff arrives unexpectedly at the Lockett's door. At once Nessa's hopes of leaving her past behind are shattered. She had told only Ivy and Mrs. Lockett her secret -- her reason for fleeing Missouri. Now the whole town will find out. Nessa keeps remembering that Albert had promised to warn her if the reverend headed west, but she hasn't heard a word from her dear friend. Now she will have to face Reverend McDuff on her own. In what promises to be a long and fierce winter, Nessa must be stronger than ever.