A familiar chill fills the crisp air of Partonville. It's the season of food, family, houseguests, and, above all, being thankful. With the Pumpkin Festival and Centennial Plus 30 behind them, Dorothy Westra and the citizens of Partonville turn their eyes to Thanksgiving. Even with worn-out backs, new love interests, morning sickness, lofty business ventures, and the impassioned fallout of a bygone courtship, they're preparing for a Partonville-wide feast that requires everyone to pitch in. It's sure to take a lot of work and a little unselfishness, prompting Dorothy to recall that "if we extend generosity to anyone, it's the same as if we've extended it to Jesus." But is success possible without Gladys in her usual take-charge role? And with no vacancy at the motel, can poor Jessica be expected to cook, especially since she can't even hold down a saltine?

As the big day approaches, Katie Durbin (wrestling with a few unexpected houseguests of her own) is cooking up a surprise worthy of her "Development Diva" moniker. She sees the potential of a bona-fide tourist destination in Partonville. But it's a more personal sort of development that excites Katie even more: the town she once dubbed boring reveals itself as the home she never expected.

With loved ones returning for the holiday, memories both precious and dear intermingle with heavenly aromas from the piping hot Thanksgiving banquet. Everyone knows Partonville has plenty to be thankful for, including a celebration that is twofold: Happy Birthday, Dearest Dorothy --- and pass the pie!