Here's a breakdown:
* Anna and Caleb's Need for a Mother: They are missing the love, guidance, and nurturing that a mother provides. They live in a harsh environment and struggle with their grief over the loss of their mother.
* Jacob's Loneliness: He is overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising two children and running the farm on his own. He longs for companionship and someone to share his life with.
The arrival of Sarah, Plain and Tall, a woman who answers Jacob's advertisement for a wife, presents both a potential solution and a challenge.
The problem is further complicated by:
* Sarah's mysterious past: The children are unsure of her intentions, and they question why she would want to come to such a remote and harsh place.
* The family's fears of attachment: They are afraid to get their hopes up and then be disappointed, especially after losing their mother.
The story revolves around how Sarah, Anna, Caleb, and Jacob each face these challenges and learn to cope with their individual anxieties and desires. The resolution lies in finding love and acceptance, even in the face of loss and uncertainty.