Christmas has never brought out the best in the MacDougal family. Still, year after year, they collect jointly in the Blue Ridge Mountains to attempt to make the season merry and bright. But this year is an especially strained one, with Shayne’s impending divorce, Morwenna’s slavish devotion to work and Bobby’s reluctance to face what life provides. They’ve never sensed less like a family. Then, in the midst of a snowy sibling shouting match, a secret stranger appears. He could be a criminal, a madman – or something far more unpredicted. Despite their worries and the developing danger in the dark woods around them, the MacDougals take a step of faith. But when another stranger will come over the mountainside, they don’t really know which of them to think. One of these men can’t be respected. And one is about to bring Christmas into their hearts.