A recent widow moves from New York City to a small town with her three children, her stepson and her housekeeper.
A student athlete disrupts substitute teacher Shirley's class and she is angered when the vice-principal insists that she overlook the behavior.
Shirley finds out the student's older brother is the vice principal at the school which creates conflict.
During Christmas time, Shirley recalls the happy moments with her husband and the tragic news of his death.
A historical society claims Teddy Roosevelt once slept in Shirley's house and subsequently invade her home.