Jessica McAllister comes to South Bass Island because her brother-in-law is dead and her sister is at death's door; she stays because her dying sister makes her promise that she will look after her daughter, Maria. In order to do the job properly and to see that Maria feels that she is wanted and belongs, Jessie files almost immediately for legal adoption, and in so doing, convinces Maria's paternal uncle, Benjamin Whittaker, that she has come to steal Maria away from her home, her heritage and from him. Benjamin Whittaker fell in love with Jessie seven years before, but she was promised to another, so he didn't pursue her. Now, she has come to the island a widow, childless and apparently with the sole purpose of taking Maria away from him. Convinced that Jessie is exactly like his cold and conniving ex-wife, Benjamin sets out to make sure that Jessie will never get custody of Maria, and to see to it that Jessie is no longer welcome on the island. With the well-being of their niece foremost in their minds, Jessie and Benjamin struggle against each other to gain custody. With the guidance of a guardian angel, and the trust of a six year old girl, Jessie and Benjamin eventually give in to the love that they were destined to share. In Heavenly Persuasion, Lorraine Henderson makes her debut with a touching story of love overcoming animosity, with the help of a charming little girl and the vigilence of a guardian angel.