Previously . . . Katie went home to Kataan, hoping for a fresh start as a high school junior. But, to her horror, the whole village already knew about her promiscuity and abortion while she was away. Her aunt condemned her sinfulness, resulting in Katie’s suicidal emotional collapse. Fortunately, Kataan’s pastor discovered her before hypothermia killed her, and his wife nursed Katie back to health. With Katie unable to stay in Kataan, the pastor arranged for Katie to return to Ketchikan to live with her Uncle Andy, and hopefully get a fresh start there.