Changes

The novel is set four years after the triplets' father, Greg, died in a multi-fatality car accident; the accident also left Hayden with severe physical injuries and emotional ones (as he witnessed his father's death).  The family had put aside many Christmastime traditions, notably one of inviting people to Christmas dinner who otherwise might not have any enjoyment during the season.

The novel is set four years after the triplets' father, Greg, died in a multi-fatality car accident; the accident also left Hayden with severe physical injuries and emotional ones (as he witnessed his father's death).  The family had put aside many Christmastime traditions, notably one of inviting people to Christmas dinner who otherwise might not have any enjoyment during the season.

Carissa Jenkins and her daughter, Rachel, have had misfortune over the years.  Rachel's father legally surrendered his parental rights at birth and his parents did not acknowledge a grandchild.  Carissa's parents, on the other hand, were supportive and helped Carissa into nursing school -- until their death in what she later discovered was the same car accident that took Hunter's father.  After their deaths, Carissa discovered that her parents were deeply in debt: she had to sell all the family possessions simply to pay for their funeral expenses, had to allow their house to go into foreclosure, and she was now unable to complete nursing school, forced to take dead-end jobs and live in sub-standard housing to support herself and Rachel.  But the last year was worse than others: Carissa lost one of her jobs, her car no longer ran (forcing her to walk or take public transportation in the bitter Minnesota winter), and she would need to find new housing as her apartment complex was being demolished after the end of the year.  Notwithstanding all of the above, she was still able to care for Rachel (who is an advanced student, one grade ahead of others her age), they had a small Christmas tree with ornaments, and they still had (though shaky, in Carissa's case) a faith in God.

Carissa Jenkins and her daughter, Rachel, have had misfortune over the years.  Rachel's father legally surrendered his parental rights at birth and his parents did not acknowledge a grandchild.  Carissa's parents, on the other hand, were supportive and helped Carissa into nursing school -- until their death in what she later discovered was the same car accident that took Hunter's father.  After their deaths, Carissa discovered that her parents were deeply in debt: she had to sell all the family possessions simply to pay for their funeral expenses, had to allow their house to go into foreclosure, and was now unable to complete nursing school, forced to take dead-end jobs and live in sub-standard housing to support herself and Rachel.  But the last year was worse than others: Carissa lost one of her jobs, her car no longer ran (forcing her to walk or take public transportation in the bitter cold Minnesota winter), and she would need to find new housing as her apartment complex was being demolished after the end of the year.  Notwithstanding all of the above, she was still able to care for Rachel (who is an advanced student, one grade ahead of others her age), they had a small Christmas tree with ornaments, and they still had (though shaky, in Carissa's case) a faith in God.

Around the holiday season, prior to the planned demolition, Hunter -- the new owner of the building -- checks on the few remaining tenants in the complex; he senses that Carissa and Rachel are struggling.  Accompanied by Heather, they make temporary repairs to the apartment so that Carissa and Rachel can have food and warmth.

Around the holiday season, prior to the planned demolition, Hunter -- the new owner of the building -- checks on the few remaining tenants in the complex; he senses that Carissa and Rachel are struggling.  Accompanied by Heather, they make temporary repairs to the apartment so that Carissa and Rachel can have food and warmth.