With the Rector Peter Harris and his family back from Africa, the villagers of Turnham Malpas are relieved - everything is back to normal. But Peter decides that he should fulfil his promise of working in Africa for a year and returns, leaving behind a troubled family. Caroline's emails to Peter hide the fact that their experiences in Africa have traumatised the twins, Beth and Alex. The villagers miss Peter's guidance, and there are the troublesome newcomers, Jenny and Andy, to worry about. Meanwhile, Jimbo's store is in danger of closure. And Beth, unsettled after her African experiences, faces more challenges at home. Everyone relies on Peter's return to restore equilibrium to the village. But will he make it back before things get out of hand?