It’s 1882 in the Holy City, where a beloved handmade Christmas angel named Engel has been safely stored year after year in the prominent Witte family's attic. When a newly purchased, modern, factory-made angel with feathered wings is placed at the top of the tree, Engel's chance of reaching the top seems hopeless. So she decides to make a last-minute wish for real wings. Unfortunately, through an ironic twist of fate, the little ornament is unwittingly discarded into Charleston harbor.

Lost at sea, 
Unequiped to find her way home, Engel's fate will be determined by a delightful and sometimes terrifying cast of Lowcountry creatures inspired by local historical figures. Mentored by the likes of Francis Marion, Eliza Pinckney, and Quash Stevens, the little angel will learn to survive “according to nature” by identifying her strengths and eliminating her fears with empathy and courage. But it will take trying to save a nest of baby sea turtles during a hurricane for Engel to find her higher purpose and 
 the secret of the wings.