Toppy is coping with an empty nest and must rely on her wits to forge a productive life for herself. The boys, Hub and Fat, are entering a competitive stage and their relationship is threatening to become strained. It doesn't help that their mother, Honey, has been away at a sanatorium. When she returns, she still needs the support of her loving husband Max and family.
Grace has all but given up on love until one Jim Flett makes an impression. And, presiding over everything is May Bailey, who seems to be trying her hand at empathy. Despite the light-hearted nature of this season’s stories, the effects of The Depression are still being felt in New Bedford.
As they rally together to face adversity, the Baileys find out, once again, that 'what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger'.