This is the story of three people who are having a hard time in life but in the end their hope is restored. It is Christmas season and Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are preparing to deliver Christmas gifts to wounded people. This year, they seem to be having an agenda of working in Los Angeles and in their quest for troubled people, they come across Karen Woods, Paul Morris and Catherine Goodwin. Karen is a twelve year old whose parents are divorced and she keeps having nightmares in her sleep. Her mother, Maureen is bitter towards her father Brian and any mention of his name upsets her. Karen also wants a horse really bad but her mother keeps reminding her that it is never going to happen. Paul Morris on the other hand is a reverend who lost his wife a few years ago but is still yet to get over it. The experience has been devastating to the point of him doubting his faith. In his position, many people are looking up to him for help but he gets to a point where he feels he is not the right person to handle other people's issues. Finally is Catherine Goodwin who really wants the best for her grandson Ted especially with regards to marriage. Ted has just introduced his girlfriend Blythe to her but something about them suggests incompatibility.
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In order to help out Karen and her mother, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy figure out that they have to find a way of getting Karen a horse. They first set up Maureen with Nichols riding stables and fortunately, she agrees to try it out and have Karen undertake riding classes. This is the best news Karen has received in the recent past and she is determined to start the classes at the earliest convenience. Thom Nichol, the owner of the stable and a widower seems to be attracted to Maureen at their first encounter. Paula, Thom's daughter and Karen become good friends and this means that Maureen cannot avoid Thom. After having dinner together they end up kissing and get busted by the girls who immediately conclude that they might become sisters after all. Maureen tries to avoid Thom after that but she has to accompany Karen to the stable twice a week. With time, she develops trust towards Thom and the two become great friends and later on they start dating. After spending more time with him, she learns how to love again and even goes ahead and asks for forgiveness from Brian for all the troubles she's been causing him ever since their divorce.
Joy is the receptionist at Catherine's apartment who gets along with everyone around her. She is Catherine's favorite person within the apartment and gets to meet Ted when her car crashes on Blythe's. Blythe threatens to sue Joy but Ted intervenes and ensures that she cools down since the damage caused is not that much after all. Ted gets attracted to Joy and later on offers to accompany her to a basketball game. After that evening, Ted seems to be stalking Joy despite the presence of Blythe in his life. He is attracted by her humility something that is missing with Blythe who is always out to prove her superiority. When she learns of Ted's new found love, Blythe tries to trap him by asserting that she is pregnant for him. She however confesses later on that Ted is not responsible and he is now free to propose to Joy. Catherine's prayers have been answered and at this point she is the happiest person on earth.
Paul has been carrying out his duties reluctantly especially after realizing Madge, a member of his congregation is dying from cancer. He fails to understand why people have to suffer that much and the pain of losing his wife comes back to him afresh. He loses a lot of weight and his commitment to church activities seems to be wearing out. Mrs. Johnstone, a receptionist at the church keeps him on track. His daughter Bethany and son Joe come around much often to keep him company. His turning point comes when Madge starts responding to medication and eventually is declared to be out of danger. She gets well and according to Paul, this is a miracle since she had reached a point of no return. Paul becomes enthusiastic once again and even decides to take a break in order to write a book. He recalls his resignation letter and decides to continue with service.
Best part of story, including ending:
I like this story because it illustrates renewed hope in difficult situations.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Maureen apologizes to Brian after being stubborn for such a long time. This is because she manages to get rid of so much bitterness
Opinion about the main character:
I like the fact that Karen, Paul and Catherine end up coming out of their difficulties at the end.
