A great building boom spread across America in the 1920s and the Fawcett Construction Company of New York has many projects in the pipeline. Carol Berkley, private secretary to the company's president, keeps track of them all and is particularly concerned about the lack of progress in a building out west. When two men who appear to have something to do with the project arrive to talk to her boss, she overhears them discussing plans to swindle the company. Their scheme is to share the spoils with the project's engineer, Philip Duskin.

Shay Martin has been collecting houses and buildings for her Christmas Villages since she was a child, but this year, she has a specific looking cottage in mind. While searching for just the right addition for her collection, she finds a picture of the perfect Evergreen Cottage. However, on further research, she finds the photo is of a real cottage. Shay had already decided to travel for the holidays to get away from sad memories and just be alone. After meeting the trail ride instructor, she's no longer sure she wants to be completely alone for the season.

While being accosted by an over-ardent admirer who takes advantage of their being alone, Hazel's pony is spooked and runs off with her. Unfortunately, the girl's horsemanship, restricted to civilized rides in Central Park, is powerless to control him. Hours later she's rescued by a handsome missionary and their attraction grows as they travel to rejoin her party. Both are profoundly affected by their encounter. The missionary returns to his work among the indigenous people of the desert; the girl to a social life that quickly loses its appeal.

Sixteen-year-old Effie Martin is in trouble. No one in her family understands her, some mean girls refuse to invite her to their picnic, her clothes are a mess, and she's mad at the world. Impulsively, she hops on her bike and soon finds herself in the middle of a drama where she saves the day. Her heroic act becomes a turning point in her life.

Deanna is supporting her small family while her father recovers in a nearby sanatorium, but just before she starts her job, the neighbor's child is found to be very sick and the father nowhere. Deanna calls to a stranger for help, skating on the frozen lake nearby...not knowing the man is also her new boss. Ryan finds pleasure in helping the small family with the neighbor's sick child, and he offers to help the girl's father as well. Although he is from a very wealthy family, he wishes to be part of the quaint Russell home.