Poor railroad workers live in deplorable conditions, and Kathleen sets out to help them and their families.

Ruth is forced to make a difficult decision after she is offered a position with the Associated Press in America. Ruth's article on the founding father of Paterson's Ridge threatens to unearth a Blackwood family secret.

The residents of Paterson's Ridge are given a look into the future when a hot-air balloon crashes. The pilot charms the townspeople - especially Michael, who is inspired to build a glider.

The arrival of a family of Russian refugees in Paterson's Ridge creates friction with the locals, just as the completion of Colin's new church is uniting the community.