On Thanksgiving Day, 1954, Samantha "Sam" McCaslin was content with life on her family's ranch in South Dakota. It was her birthday, and to her and the family and friends that surrounded her, her life was just beginning. She had just turned twelve and was certain that the year ahead of her would be a special one, as had all the years previous. But that world quickly shattered. Sam stumbled across the body of an Indian friend who was a hired hand helping her father on the ranch. With her mother sick, Sam is determined to bring the magic of Christmas back to her family, and to the family of her murdered friend.
Realizing suddenly that the world outside is not the perfect one that her family created for her on the ranch, Sam will make a harrowing ride on horseback the night before Christmas to spread the joy of Christmas even if there are those who wish to destroy it. And she will learn much about the world.
Anti-Indian racism, and the ignorance of the world outside her own door are brought to full light, as Sam finds herself being stalked by her friend's killer. Blending suspense with poignancy, a young girl will undergo an epiphany that will change her life forever in a Christmas story that will remain a classic for many seasons to come.
