Tally's looking for a new beginning. After ending atumultuous relationship with Mark, she looks forward to a simple, uncomplicated life with daughter Mel, and a new job teaching in tiny Plum Grove, Wisconsin, where she faces the task of creating a new music program for the schools. Dealing with the roadblocks of budget constraints and taxpayer concerns, she finds she has to win over not just the School Board, but the entire town.
    Through a humorous encounter, she meets Jake Miles, a handsome farmer and finds herself falling for him as well as for his three children. Tally is shocked to discover that his ex-wife, Beth, is the glamours superstar "Quinn." When Beth returns to reclaim her children, Tally fears Jake is once again falling for his ex. To add to the complications, Mark moves to Plum Grove to be closer to his daughter and--Tally fears--to her.
   The Ex Factor looks at modern blended families with an optimistic eye and a wry sense of humor, suggesting that positivity and an open heart can, indeed, combine to make beautiful music.