Chapter 1 :

In this chapter, Landon talks about his small southern town, Beaufort, where the local Baptist church puts on a big Christmas play every year. The play, written by the minister Hegbert Sullivan, is based on his own life. Landon also mentions his father, Worth Carter, and his grandfather, who was known for charging high interest rates. He introduces Jamie Sullivan, Hegbert's daughter, who is a kind and religious girl and will play the angel in the Christmas play.

Chapter 2 :

Landon struggles with his father’s high expectations to attend an Ivy League school and decides to run for student body president to boost his college chances. After winning the election, he needs a date for the Homecoming Dance and, despite initial reluctance, asks Jamie Sullivan. She agrees with the condition that he must not fall in love with her, revealing more about Landon’s relationship with his father and his evolving connection with Jamie.

Chapter 3 :

Landon is anxious about the Homecoming Dance, worried that Jamie might be teased for her appearance. Despite his concerns, Jamie looks nice and they spend the evening dancing and talking. When Landon's ex-girlfriend Angela creates a scene by getting drunk, Jamie steps in to help, preventing a fight and assisting with Angela’s cleanup. Despite the night’s troubles, Jamie thanks Landon, showing her kindness and maturity, while Landon comes across as self-absorbed and unable to appreciate Jamie’s efforts.

Chapter 4 :

Landon's life returns to normal after his father leaves for Washington DC. He avoids Jamie, worried about what his friends might say. When Jamie asks him to come over, he finds out she needs him to replace another actor in the Christmas play. Moved by Jamie’s tears and her love for her father, Landon agrees to help out.

Chapter 5 :

Landon secures the role of Thornton in the play but initially resents Jamie and struggles to learn his lines. His friends tease him about Jamie, and he downplays his involvement. When Jamie brings up performing for orphans, Landon is motivated to take his role seriously and spends the next day preparing to avoid embarrassment.

Chapter 6 :

Miss Garber supports the idea of performing for the orphans but insists that the entire cast participate. Landon and Jamie visit Mr. Jenkins at the orphanage, who declines the performance due to its potential impact on the orphans but invites them to celebrate Christmas with the kids instead. During their visit, Jamie expresses disappointment over the change and reveals her dream of a simple life, contrasting sharply with Landon’s more privileged background.

Chapter 7 :

As rehearsals for the play continue, Landon agrees to walk Jamie home after practices to avoid any awkwardness. Jamie shares her plans to forgo college and her deep connection to a Bible that belonged to her late mother. When Eric spreads the news of their walks, Landon faces teasing at school, which frustrates him. His irritation leads him to distance himself from Jamie, causing her pain and marking the start of Landon’s internal struggle as he grapples with his growing feelings for her.

Chapter 8 :

Landon apologizes to Jamie for his earlier behavior, and Eric comments that Landon seems to be growing up. Landon is deeply moved when he sees Jamie in her angel costume on stage, which helps him deliver his lines with genuine emotion. This chapter marks a turning point for Landon as he begins to act from the heart, showing maturity and acknowledging Jamie’s beauty.

Chapter 9 :

After the successful play, Landon is disappointed not to walk Jamie home but learns she remains isolated at school. When Jamie asks for his help with a charity drive for orphans, Landon adds extra money to the collection jars and joins her in distributing gifts. Seeing Jamie’s kindness and beauty during the event, Landon realizes he has fallen in love with her. This chapter marks Landon’s transformation, as he becomes more empathetic and genuinely committed to Jamie.

Chapter 10 :

Landon notices that Jamie’s father, Hegbert, seems troubled and invites Jamie to his home for Christmas dinner, which she happily accepts. After a pleasant evening, Landon and Jamie share a tender moment, and he kisses her in a private moment on her porch. This chapter highlights their deepening relationship as they express their love and begin to discuss spiritual matters more intimately.

Chapter 11 :

Landon and Jamie start dating, and Landon wins Hegbert’s permission to take Jamie out, noticing Hegbert's emotional response and Jamie’s worsening health. They enjoy their time together over the break, but Jamie reveals to Landon that she is dying after he sees signs of her declining condition. This chapter deepens their relationship, with Landon admitting his love and Jamie confronting her fears about how others perceive her.

Chapter 12 :

In the longest chapter of the novel, Landon learns that Jamie has leukemia, which she and her father had kept secret to avoid pity. As Jamie’s condition worsens, Landon finds solace in the Bible and supports her through visits and home care. He also organizes a wedding proposal, hoping to bring her joy in her final days. The chapter highlights Landon’s emotional growth and selflessness, as the community rallies around Jamie, showing their deep sympathy and admiration.

Chapter 13 :

The narrative returns to the present with Landon reflecting on how his life changed forever at seventeen. He recounts marrying Jamie out of genuine love, not pity, with Hegbert officiating and his father as the best man. The wedding is a poignant moment, marked by Jamie wearing her Christmas play gown. The story ends with Landon looking back after forty years, expressing his unwavering love and belief in miracles, though the nature of the miracle remains ambiguous.