In a remote mountain town, an extended family looks forward to gathering at Christmas. But one of them is missing-Charlie, a deputy sheriff. Though loved and admired, Charlie is not well understood, and because he leads a solitary life, he often goes away without telling anyone. Still, he promised to be with the family Christmas day. Charlie has been a devoted family member, but he is a poor communicator. No one knows if he's somewhere enforcing the law or buying horses, his favorite pursuit. As Christmas day approaches, family members share their tasks, treasure their time together, and try to suppress their growing fear that Charlie is in trouble. Increasingly they believe they must do something to find him. They have no idea that Charlie's devotion to duty is about to alter his way of life in ways that will affect them all. features many of the best-loved characters of the popular Mountain Women series.