History Heartwarming / AmericanGirlsCollection

** Ben and Felicity becoming friends and the conversation they share after freeing Penny

** Elizabeth's reaction to Fiona [[InnocentlyInsensitive wailing about her father being accusing of being a Loyalist spy when actually being a Loyalist nearly got Elizabeth's own father killed and then sent away to England]]: graciously accepting Fiona's apology and showing sympathy for her worry.

** Mother's conversation with Felicity after Grandfather died: about how while it'd be tempting to have things stay the same (she just being a child with her parents at the plantation), that'd mean her life wouldn't have progressed with a husband, children, and those children growing up. She also noted how Felicity has grown from being flighty to being more calmer and thoughtful.

** Jiggy Nye helping to birth Penny; he TookALevelInKindness; then Felicity, Ben, and Mrs. Merriman naming the colt "Patriot"

--> "No, Felicity, my dear," said Father. "It is never wrong to try to earn something you love. Indeed, 'tis only wrong not to try. You hoped for something and you put hard work behind your hope. I can only be proud of a daughter who can do that."

--> "Aye," said Felicity. "But I hope she doesn't feel I've abandoned her. That would break my heart. She knows I love her, doesn't she Ben?"
--> "She knows," said Ben seriously. [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy "She knows you love her so much you let her go free. You gave her what she needed most--her independence."]]

-->'''Ben:''' ''(smiling)'' [[SoProudOfYou You did.]] I watched you take care of your mother. I saw how you cheered Nan and William even when all of the things you had hoped for looked impossible. I began to think your father was right. Christmas ''is'' the time when our hopes for peace and happiness should come true. I wanted to help your hopes come true, too.

* April telling Lindsey that she was brave to speak out against the pet parade, and that she herself would never have the guts to do something like that.

* Ethan gets a case of stage fright before his bar mitzvah, but Lindsey is able to give him an encouraging speech that gives him his confidence back.

''Uncle Bernie''': Worm, schmerm! You're more like a butterfly. Sometimes you flit before you think, but you make the people around you feel light and sunny. Especially me. And believe me, it's not easy to make me feel light and sunny.

* Throughout most of the book, Lindsey and Josh dislike each other and find each other annoying, but it's Josh who finds Mr. Tiny when he's lost and brings him back to the Bergmans' house. Lindsey is so happy that she invites him to Ethan's bar mitzvah, and it turns out his cousin plays guitar for the Twisted Turtles, the band Ethan really wanted to book.

* Throughout most of the book, Lindsey and Josh dislike each other. But when Lindsey's dog Mr. Tiny goes missing, it's Josh who finds him and brings him back to the Bergmans' house.

** Ivy's family invites all the Albrights to their dinner at the Chinese New Year Banquet and where the girls receive the cheogasms they've tried on in Chinatown as a thanks for helping with cleaning the house. To Julie's relief, her whole family is getting along with one another.

** The last line

** Francisca and Josefina comforting Soledad, the former captive niece of their friends, due to the young woman feeling alone due to how she doesn't share the same experiences as the other New Mexican colonists, telling her how their mother died and even if the Montoya sisters don't completely understand, they'll be friends with her. Soon Soledad is introduced to Teresita, Tía Dolores's servant who was a Navajo taken from her people in her youth, the older woman embraces Soledad

** His parting words to Caroline before he's taken prisoner by the British.

* In "A Light in the Cellar", one of the patients Molly has been delivering magazines to hires a nurse who's been struggling to find housing for herself and her little girl to housesit for her.

** Rebecca lends Ana her beloved nesting doll for good luck at a school recital

** Bubbie comforting Rebecca after the girl was revealed to work on a Christmas related school project (Rebecca's family frown upon Jews taking to Christmas as a mark of selling out) of a centerpiece, telling her that she's proud of her for obeying her teacher and she'll never be mad at her grandchildren for doing their school work well.

** Her surprise birthday party, after she was dreading that her birthday would be forgotten due to it falling on Passover, with homemade egg creams and a birthday cake made from matzo flour and a lot of eggs (because her Mom said it's not everyday your kid turns 10); Max also gives her a pretty hat to wear and the twins give her a ticket good for watching a movie with them and having egg creams afterwords.

* Josef buys back his Mother's wedding ring after she pawned it for money after his father lost a job at the factory.

* ''Happy Birthday Kit!'' has it's moments:

---> Mrs. Howard is a pretty good person to be with when you're hurt. Fussy babying feels nice when you're on the way to the hospital for stitches.
** What's more Kit gets her a job in a Hospitality Shop based on her recommendation.

--> I don't really believe that life always works out happily like fairy tales do....and the wishes-come-true and the happy endings aren't the only reasons I like fairy tales. I like them because they show that no matter what happens to us, it's how we act along the way that matters. We still get to choose what kind of people we want to be. And, well, I guess I'd rather be foolish but hopeful about people than smart but stingy and distrustful.

* The Aloha spirit in general: Nanea grows up in a close-knit community where most members look out for one another and are willing to give any sort of support to their family and neighbors.
** Neighbors, friends, and family to take more time to "talk story" rather than rush through greeting one another.

** The philosophy that friends and families share in the triumphs and troubles of one another---no one is alone.
*** Many of the neighbors got together to replace items lost in a fire for a young widow and her newborn son (the widow also tragically lost her husband in the attack), Nanea even donates her beloved teddy bear for the baby.
*** One of the machinists lost his car in the attacks and his co-workers, friends, and the wives of the machinists started raising money to buy him a new car.

* How Nanea's family discipline her: there is no yelling, shaming, blaming, manipulation, or guilt-tripping but they do talk calmly to her and give her a go-ahead to figure out how to do the right thing. It is no wonder that she can actually talk to them about things that trouble her, they hear her out and explain what she could do or what they feel is another point-of-view.

* Uncle Fudge being released for Christmas, not even having to be exchanged for another man with the same name.

* Lily and Nanea try all they can to keep their Mainland civilian friend Donna from leaving the island and proving she is "essential" (alluding to how many civilians who are family of those journalists and military were shipped out back to the mainland for their safety).
* Before Donna is shipped out, the two other friends make her a lei and in a true greeting, Donna tosses her lei overboard (like in ''Film/FromHereToEternity'' she will return to the island one day).

* Nanea is very close to her Tutu (Grandmother) and Tutu Kane (Grandfather) even closer than with her [[DaddysGirl father]] and mother; she can confide in them about anything.
* Nanea's family has been inviting Donna's father to dinner every evening after his wife and daughter have been relocated to San Francisco, as Nanea said "we will treat him like family---except he won't have to do the dishes".
** Later Donna's father invites Dixie and her father to board at his house until his wife and daughter can come back. Two single dads supporting one another and a lonely little girl gets to have peace of mind and sleep.
* Nanea and Mele together, Nanea frets over losing Mele and they even start a hula act together.
* Mele cheering up soldiers far from their home and their own dogs.

* ''Molly Saves the Day!'' has Linda take ice cream to Molly and Susan, [[ItMakesSenseInContext after their color war team was exposed to Poison Ivy, and noting that they did great out there in the war and stopped being mad when she realized that they saw how serious she was taking the game]].
* The end of ''A Spy On The Homefront'' is bittersweet: the culprit framing her aunt and her friend Anna's brother was caught and taken away, but the the German-American Schulzes no longer feel safe in their hometown and leave to avoid being taken to a concentration camp. Molly and her friend Anna exchange letters, Molly's being very sweet.

* The premise of ''Molly's Route 66 Adventure''. It's 1946 and the [=McIntire=] family (sans Jill who is candy-striping) is having a cross country road trip to California. It's nice to see Molly's Father with his wife and kids after several years in-universe.

* Mrs. Larkin figuring that Maryellen was feeling under-appreciated...and that the young girl felt her mother felt that way and wanted her to feel special.

* The family;s welcome to Yvonne can count as this, even Yvonne exclaiming over the family, which also work in [[EstablishingCharacterMoment Establishing Character Moments]].

** Her Mother shows her pride

* Dwayne's letter to Melody, which encourages her to regain her voice for Youth Day at her Church, noting how even with all the bigotry he experiences on the road he won't let "any stupid laws or people with crazy ideas about us hold me back. I know I'm good! You're good, too...almost as good as me. Ha, Ha! Best luck on your big day".

* Melody's 10th birthday party: presents like a gold and cream colored ensemble to attend at the Watch Night service at Church, triple layered chocolate cake, loving family members that call New Years Eve "Melody's Eve". It's a great start to 1964.

** Ivy's Po Po (grandmother) talks to her about how she had to give a speech about the United States with her English and was nervous, but she remembers it's not about impressing others that it's more about her patriotism. She then tells her a "nice boy" helped her with her English when practicing, then Gung Gung (grandfather) notes she was the prettiest girl in Chinatown and still is.

* Mike tries to make a big family dinner for Maureen, but he is a LethalChef and can't keep his eye on multiple tasks at once. When he starts to struggle, Tina and Courtney--still in the fall out from a fight--decide to get along long enough to help him prepare the full meal.
* When Courtney, Maureen, and Tina go to the salon to get Maureen's hair done, Maureen immediately goes with what Tina suggests, saying she is the hair expert of the family. Tina shows longing for curly hair and Maureen agrees to pay for a perm. Courtney then gets her ears pierced (holding her mom and stepsister's hands--Tina assures her that it's "just a pinch") and, afterwards when Courtney says they could pass for sisters, Tina just beams.

** Also she suggests to Courtney that instead of Crystal Starshooter zapping her enemies to kill them, that she could use her gun to zap her enemies into becoming friends.

* Tia Dolores coming over to help the girls learn home-making skills and [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre move forward in their lives]]; the general mood has been uplifted in the rancho, one that has been down in the dumps since Josefina's mother's death.
* Senor Montoya showing the girls how he used to sign his name (which was a bid to impress their mother when they were courting), sweet to see he wasn't always the quiet and glum man that withdrew further into himself when his wife died.
* ''Just Josefina'' featured Josefina worrying that she can't live up to her grandmother's view of her late mother [[FelonyMisdemeanor (the girl dances before she's a teenager!)]], the fact that her mother's old skirt doesn't fit being the straw that broke the camel's back. Josefina later approaches her grandmother with the skirt to take back and telling her that even though her grandmother is disappointed, dancing to Tia Dolores's music makes her feel wonderful, even if her late mother wouldn't do such a thing at her age. And that she learned she is her own person with some traits of her mother. Her grandmother replies:
--> I've learned something too. I miss your Mama so much that I look everywhere for reminders of her. I saw many reminders in you, and they comforted me. But that wasn't fair of me. You're not like anyone else, nor should you be. You're yourself, and that's perfect. I love you because you are you.

** After the traditional altar cloth (which Josefina's Mother had embroidered) was found damaged after [[ContinuityNod the storm in the previous book wreaked part of the Church roof]], Tia Dolores and girls start to fix it and start to use objects that remind them of their mother (lavender sprigs, swallow feathers, and yellow primrose) to make the cloth like new; they even start to reminisce about their Mother together.
** A subtle one: the way Tia Dolores handles the situation when Josefina comes to her, angry at Clara for keeping and hiding Nina, the doll that should have been passed down to her as per family tradition. Instead of blaming either Clara for not giving her sister the doll or Josefina for getting upset, Tia Dolores sits down with Josefina and gently explains ''why'' Clara is holding on to Nina--[[TragicKeepsake it reminds her of their mother,]] who she misses very much--and cheers her up by promising to help them repair the damaged altar cloth.
** When the altar cloth is finished, Tia Dolores tells Clara that she shares her mother's skill at embroidery. Considering that most of the book is about Clara learning how to cope with her mother's death, that compliment is particularly meaningful for her.
** Clara completing her CharacterDevelopment by giving Nina to Josefina, complete with a new dress matching the one that Josefina made, showing that she has worked through the grief of her mother's death. Josefina is so happy that she instead decides they will share the doll from now on.
** [[SoProudOfYou The beaming of pride]] felt by Senor Montoya and Tia Dolores when Josefina declares that she will play Maria in the Las Posadas procession (when the girl playing Maria gets sick at the last minute).
** The whole village joyously celebrating Christmas after a year of mourning [[MissingMom Senora Montoya]] and dealing with the flood.
* ''Happy Birthday, Josefina!'' has Senor Montoya gifting Josefina a rattle from a rattlesnake he killed as a child (after it bit him), noting how proud he was then and he's giving it to her because she's his source of pride. D'aw.
** Josefina taking care of Sombrita, the orphaned baby goat whose mother was the late and terrible Florecita. Even when Papa warns her that the little goat may not survive, she's still determined to look after her.

** [[IntergenerationalFriendship Josefina's friendship with Patrick O'Toole]], the two are very close to one another and he even helps try to revive Senor Montoya's interest in the violin (he gave his away and stopped playing after Senora Montoya died) with the two men singing and playing a mixture of an old Spanish song and "Home Sweet Home".

** Papa playing the violin at the end and Tia Dolores is soon humming the song.
* Ahem ''Changes For Josefina''

** The girls love for Tia Dolores and how they try to keep her on the rancho.

** Josefina and Papa's heart to heart.
** Papa proposing to Tia Dolores.
** The end where Papa and Tia Dolores get married with all their friends, family, and neighbors close by, under the New Mexican turquoise sky.

** Francisca and Josefina comforting Soledad, the former captive niece of their friends, due to the young woman feeling alone due to how she doesn't share the same experiences as the other New Mexican colonists, telling her how their mother died and even if the Montoya sisters don't completely understand, they'll be friends with her. Soon Soledad is introduced to Teresita, Tia Dolores's servant who was a Navajo taken from her people in her youth, the older woman embraces Soledad

** Tia Magdalena, and later Josefina, comforting the lonely, elderly, house bound, and ailing Dona Felicita; with Josefina cheering her up with the herbal teas and letting her talk of the old days, which are helpful for the treasure hunting mystery.
** Later, after Josefina and Teresita help Pedro Zamora find the golden cross that was buried out in the wilderness over hundreds of years ago, they give it to the village church and get permission to bring it for Dona Felicita to view.
** Soledad comes to look after Dona Felicita, so the younger woman can feel useful and the older woman can get help with her household and companionship. A heartwarming version of LonelyTogether.
** Senor Roger Rexford, an Anglo American muleteer associated with Josefina's Abuelito, comes to Senor Montoya to ask to court Francisca. He will give up his previous dream of a home in his native Missouri with a maple tree, for a better one: marrying Francisca with going into the saddle business with her grandfather as the first step. The two are later seen dancing in the local plaza.

** Tia Dolores, in her MamaBear moment, calls Josefina her daughter.
** The end where [[spoiler: Tia Dolores is expecting a baby]].

--->'''Toe-ta:''' Let us give thanks to Hun-ya-wat that you're with us again!

---> "No, Felicity, my dear," said Father. "It is never wrong to try to earn something you love. Indeed, 'tis only wrong not to try. You hoped for something and you put hard work behind your hope. I can only be proud of a daughter who can do that."

---> "Aye," said Felicity. "But I hope she doesn't feel I've abandoned her. That would break my heart. She knows I love her, doesn't she Ben?"
---> "She knows," said Ben seriously. [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy "She knows you love her so much you let her go free. You gave her what she needed most--her independence."]]

---> "Now that is a difficult knot to untangle," said Mrs. Merriman. [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight "You must be well-mannered but follow your heart. You must be polite but do what you think is right."]] She lowered Felicity's head onto the pillow gently. "Rest now and think about it. [[SilkHidingSteel I trust you will find a way. You have become quite a gracious young lady these past few weeks."]] She kissed Felicity's forehead and left quietly.

--->'''Ben:''' ''(smiling)'' [[SoProudOfYou You did.]] I watched you take care of your mother. I saw how you cheered Nan and William even when all of the things you had hoped for looked impossible. I began to think your father was right. Christmas ''is'' the time when our hopes for peace and happiness should come true. I wanted to help your hopes come true, too.

---> "Lissie," said Father, "I know you love Penny very much. Wouldn't it be hard for you to be separated from her?"
---> "Aye," said Felicity softly. "But I will be happy knowing that you and Penny are together, looking after each other. I will trust each of you to bring the other back to me safely."

--->'''Father:''' John and I were both suitors for your mother's hand. I, of course, was the happy winner of that contest.
--->'''Felicity:''' ''(holding her father's hand)'' I'm glad you were the winner, Father.
--->'''Father:''' ''(smiling)'' So am I, Lissie.

--->'''Father:''' It is your mother and I who are grateful, dear Lissie, for the gift we were given eleven years ago when you were born--and the gift you've continually given to us ever since, just by being you.

--->'''Mrs. Burnie:''' My goodness. How extraordinary! Here I am with two new things in one week. They make a world of difference, and I am pleased as can be with both of them--my new eyeglasses ''and'' my new friend!

---> Remember, you are a sailor's daughter. Everyone must sometimes face stormy seas. Good sailors learn to ride the storms through to better weather.

---> My Sweet Wife!

--->'''Caroline:''' ''(Thinking while looking at the completed quilt)'' And many people care about me. People who are willing to take risks to stand up and do their best to protect American independence.

---> I've learned something too. I miss your Mama so much that I look everywhere for reminders of her. I saw many reminders in you, and they comforted me. But that wasn't fair of me. You're not like anyone else, nor should you be. You're yourself, and that's perfect. I love you because you are you.

--->'''Teresita:''' ''(speaking Navajo)'' Ya'at'eeh. I understand we have much in common.

--->'''Dr. Gardner:''' And who is that girl--the one you waved to, the one whose costume looks just like yours?
--->'''Marie-Grace:''' Her name's Cecile. ''(Smiling)'' And she's my friend.

--->'''Marie-Grace:''' You've made them smile Cecile. Some of the children need that even more than they need the food and clothing you bring.

---> As she sang, Cecile's prayer rose clear and strong, to fill every room and every heart in the house on Dumaine Street.

--->'''Ellen:''' I think I will be an angel. Angels, they're neither servant nor slave, miss. Angels are free to fly.

--->'''Madame Rey:''' I knew of one brother. And I know she had parents. I'll write to them. She was a kind, hardworking girl.

--->'''Cecile:''' Perrine needs a friend. I can do that.
--->'''Marie-Grace:''' Yes. You know how to be a very good friend.

---> When summer came and the sun beat down,
--->A season of sorrow began in our town.
--->Many people left because they were afraid,
--->And life in New Orleans changed for all who stayed.
--->Friends and strangers worked together,
--->Making each other strong,
--->And the best medicine was a soft voice
--->Or a gentle song.
--->When I see children all alone,
--->I know the cost.
--->I feel my heart break
--->Over what they have lost.
--->Though I am just a girl to most,
--->This summer has taught me what to hold close:
--->Happy memories of the past, our smiles today,
--->Friends and family beside us, and those far away.
--->Today we gather to help the children in need.
--->Under these cloudless skies, our city is great indeed.
--->My words may be weak, but my feelings are true.
--->These words--and my love--are my gift to you.

--->'''Maman:''' C'etait une joie de te voir! Ma fille precieuse! ''(You were a joy to see! My precious daughter!)''

---> Maman says true friends are friends forever. We are, aren't we?

--->'''Mr. Larson:''' I've never known a boy so young to have such a strong heart. And I've never known a girl to make a better choice than you did today.

---> "F-A-M-I-L-Y. Family. That's us."

--->'''Addy's Rescuer:''' This is a day you'll remember for the rest of your life, young lady. Don't you think so, sir?

--->'''Addy's Inner Thoughts:''' At least some people heading in the right direction.

---> Ruth and Ben Walker. Wed January 28, 1866.

--->'''Addy:''' My family. Together we fly.

--->'''Gard:''' [[spoiler: We don't know what the new baby will be. All we know is that we'll never love her--or him--more than the four beautiful daughters we already have]].

--->'''Admiral:''' To visit Ireland? Yes, why not! It's a beautiful country. Both you girls should see it, but most of all you, Nellie, because it's your family's homeland.

---> Dear Charles, Since I've become ill, I've learned that our greatest treasures on earth are the people we love. I've also learned my books are important to me not because they are rare but because of the rare knowledge inside them. I therefore plan to sell all my first editions so that I may leave a legacy for you and our beloved nephews to enjoy. If you are reading this, it means that I have not had time to complete my plan while I'm alive. I ask that you continue it after I'm gone. I love you, my dearest Charles, and I always will, even from beyond the grave. My hope is that you and Henry and Ian...

--->'''Admiral:''' You girls were able to solve a mystery that puzzled everyone else.
--->'''Grandmary:''' And you've helped a lonely girl go back to her family. [[SoProudOfYou We're very proud of you both]].

--->'''Nellie:''' [[TearsOfJoy I'm so glad to be your granddaughter. So very glad!]]

---> She knew Dad would have built her a castle in the air if he could have, but all he had was time, scraps, and love.

---> I don't really believe that life always works out happily like fairy tales do....and the wishes-come-true and the happy endings aren't the only reasons I like fairy tales. I like them because they show that no matter what happens to us, it's how we act along the way that matters. We still get to choose what kind of people we want to be. And, well, I guess I'd rather be foolish but hopeful about people than smart but stingy and distrustful.

---> To my dear friend Molly, I'm sorry I didn't get to say good-bye to you. Max came home last night. We were so excited! But then the FBI agents came back, too. They ransacked the house again. They said they still suspected Papa and Max were aiding the Germans. Oh, Molly, I was so scared. Then I thought of how brave you were. I told the agents that Mr. Kay was the Silver Shirt, not Max and Papa. The FBI agents left. But they warned us they would return. Papa said that he and Max were not safe anymore in Weston. Papa said they needed to leave. Mama said that we would all go. We packed quickly. We closed up the house. We are driving far away to stay with friends. I am giving you the address of where we are going. Keep it a secret! I will understand if you do not write to me. America is at war, and the FBI thinks my family is the enemy. I hope, dear Molly, that you will still think of me as a friend. Love Anna Schulz. P.S. I will wear your Camp Gowonagin cap every day.
---> Dear Anna, I am so sorry I didn't get to say good-bye to you, too. My aunt tried to explain to why the FBI agents still suspect your family. I don't understand it all, but I do know that I will always be your friend. Try not to be too scared while you are away. As soon as this war is over, you will come home! And try not to be too homesick for your farm. When I was homesick at Camp Gowonagin, my mother would send me a hug in a letter. So look carefully inside this envelope because there is a hug for you. Love, Molly [=McIntire=]. P.S. Please write back. P.P.S. Your secret is safe with me. P.P.P.S. Every time you wear my cap, think of me. I'll be thinking of you, my forever friend!

---> Wow Dee-Dee. Did you get taller? Got any new sounds, Dwayne? Lila, are those new glasses? Dad, you're wearing the birthday shirt we gave you! Big Momma, that roast smells really good. And Mommy, I know you made your triple-chocolate cake. Can we eat?

---> You have to take your time and open your heart to learning. It may not be easy, but the things worth having usually don't come easily.

--->'''Melody:''' My sister is really good with money and numbers, but this bank wouldn't let her apply for a summer job because she's black. That's not fair.
--->'''Confused Teller:''' Do you understand, dear, that if you withdraw everything you'll close your account?
--->'''Melody:''' Yes. I understand. This bank discriminates against black people. I don't want to keep my money here anymore.

--->'''Mrs. Ellison:''' Good job. You know, your daddy says voting is a way to speak up for what we believe. Money has a voice, too. What we do with it says a lot about what we believe.
--->'''Melody:''' Thanks, Mommy.
--->'''Mrs. Ellison:''' I'm proud of you, Melody.

---> "Back in 1863, ''that'' kind of freedom was just a dream. But I think on that first Watch Night, they could see freedom coming. How many times have you tried to stay awake on Melody's Eve, because what's coming is so special? When you're expecting something big, something wonderful to happen, you can't rest. And when that Emancipation Proclamation did come, our people celebrated. We've been giving thanks ever since, during watch night."
---> "Wow," Melody murmured. She was thankful that she was finally going to stay up for Watch Night. And she was proud that her birthday was linked to such an important tradition.

---> Happy Birthday, Dee-Dee. Stay Cool. Martha.

--->'''Julie:''' It's okay. I know all the stories by heart.
--->'''April:''' But what will you do now when you're mad at me? ''(puts arm around Julie)''

---> She felt as if somehow a line had been drawn, a line from some long-ago, dusty past that connected her, today, in 1976, with the birth of the nation two hundred years ago.

---> I know I'm different. I know I talk funny. I can't hear what you hear because I'm deaf. But everybody feels different sometimes. And even though I'm deaf, I promise to listen to you. I hope you'll give me a chance.

---> [[ItsAllAboutMe All you think about are yourselves]]. Did you ever stop to think for one minute about Joy--that I might be doing something for ''her'', not for you?

---> Gymnastics is in your heart. I can see that.

---> You can borrow him. He brings me good luck.

--->'''Julie:''' Gosh, Ivy. It must be nice to be part of a big family like this.
--->'''Ivy:''' ''(smiling)'' It's wonderful. I had no idea how lucky I was!

---> Friends ''stick'' together!

** Julie muses on how unlike her friend Carla's dad, that even though he's divorced from her Mom, he still is a big, active part of his daughters' lives.

** Carla and her mother being reunited with her older brother [[ShellShockedVeteran Todd]] at the Thanksgiving dinner Julie's Mother is holding for the Vietnam Veterans they know.

** Julie's Mother reunites with her own best friend and lets her stay at her apartment until she gets on her feet.

* In ''Felicity's Surprise'', Felicity's mother is very ill after having a baby (in the film) or overworking herself (in the book) and unable to finish the blue ball gown Felicity wants so badly. What's sweet is that Felicity's best friend Elizabeth and Elizabeth's mother help to finish the dress. What is utterly heartwarming is that snobby, disdainful ''Annabelle'' also helped to finish it, and Ben also helped by sneaking the dress out of the house and back in again.

** After the ball, Felicity Thanks Ben for escorting her to the ball and asks what made him change his mind (earlier, he had been angry that she wanted to attend, because it was being held by the English governor).

-->'''Ben:''' ''(smiling)'' [[SoProudOfYou You did.]] I watched you take care of your mother. I saw how you cheered Nan and William even when all of the things you had hoped for looked impossible. I began to think your father was right. Christmas ''is'' the time when our hopes for peace and happiness should come true. I wanted to help your hopes come true, too.

** After the ball, Felicity asks Ben what made him change his mind about the ball (earlier, he had been angry that she wanted to attend, because it was being held by the English governor). Ben says that she changed his mind by working hard to take care of her younger siblings and her ill mother.

* In ''Felicity's Surprise'', Felicity's mother is very ill after having a baby (In the film) and unable to finish the blue ball gown Felicity wants so badly. What's sweet is that Felicity's best friend Elizabeth and Elizabeth's mother help to finish the dress. What is utterly heartwarming is that snobby, disdainful ''Annabelle'' also helped to finish it.

** Felicity's Mother noting how proud she is of Felicity for taking care of the household duties and watching her younger brother and sister while she was ill. If the moment when Felicity runs into her mother's bedroom fearing the worst, only to see her awake, sitting up, and ''beaming'' with pride in her daughter, doesn't get you, then nothing ever will.