The year is 1885. Maddie Parker is a thoughtful and innovative teacher. Teaching in a rundown, temporary structure while a new school building is being constructed, she has learned to make do with few supplies. A freak storm catches her and a handful of students that she had kept after class, to work on a program. Worried parents beseech the sherif to go after the kids and bring them home. When he finally gets to the school, he soon realizes that no one would be leaving any time soon. This interesting and at times tense novella still has a moment or two of lightheartedness and romance. Well written with likable characters, it is a charming and delightful Christmas tale.