Nessa is still struggling to find her place in Prairie River, and things aren't getting easier. On a personal note, Nessa wants to be Ivy's friend, so she decides to tell her a secret - someone else's secret - and it swells into a devastating rumor. Professionally, Nessa is reinstated as the town's teacher only to learn that countless townspeople still blame her for the death of one of the children. Mr. Applewood warns her that people have doubts about her and she will be under harsh scrutiny. Nessa strives to earn the trust of those around her, knowing it will take time. When a prairie fire sweeps toward the schoolhouse, Nessa must find a way to protect her young students.

This is #2 in the series.