Writing
In 1800s California, Patricio and Dolores are in love but are torn by politics--he believes California should join the US, while she believes it should remain a part of Mexico. Convinced that Patricio is a coward and a traitor, she becomes engaged to Juan Diego, an officer in the Mexican army. However, Juan has a dark secret that Dolores knows nothing about that will affect not only his relationship with her but put all of California in jeopardy.
In the rural village of Mosville, inventor and fire chief Lem Blossom, the son of a pumpkin farmer, falls in love with unsophisticated country girl Mary Griggs. His rival is the worldly Tom Perkins, who is conspiring with her father, Joshua, to corner the pumpkin market. Unable to sell his pumpkins, Pa Blossom turns bootlegger in desperation. Lem learns that the pumpkin crop up north has been destroyed by frost and attempts to corner the market himself by offering a $1,000 prize for the largest pumpkin. When the Griggs home catches fire, Lem saves Mary and Joshua with the aid of his water pump and folding ladder, both of which he invented. Joshua then partners with Lem and approves the young man's betrothal to Mary.
A shy and sensitive young man is disregarded by his parents and his older brother. Bill becomes jealous and schemes to send his brother away when Ben wins the affections of pretty neighbor Adeline. Ben wins out when the trip on which Bill has sent him becomes a great success.
