When two members decide to leave the fold, the Elm Creek Quilters must buckle down and choose a new pair. Excitement over the open slots is palpable. The top candidates include history lover Maggie, chef Anna, the groundbreaking Russ, the deeply gifted Karen, and the soulful Grethcen. Under the guidanceof the master Sylvia Compson, the quilters deliberate, knowing full well their decisions will have a profound impact on their legacy.

What happened to Eleanor? Through a miraculous turn of events, Debbie buys a fixer-upper craftsman-style home near the historic train depot. When she uncovers an old Victrola and a crate filled with WWII-era memorabilia, she pays a visit to Raymond, the longtime former homeowner. Among the items is a recording of a woman singing, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" with a handwritten label that says To Ray, With Love, Eleanor. Seeing it brings tears...