In early Chicago, a starving girl of French and native blood deliberates taking the road to the re-settled tribe or crossing the river to seek the one who told her, "Return to me." Later, shattered by loss and caught by church dictates, babies at her breast and the minister at the door, she must decide her future again. Follow this sensual period drama of life in the 1830's when pestilence raged and magnates made fortunes. Can love survive clashing cultures, an overly attentive younger brother and slaughterhouse labor? Allow this sultry period drama to sweep you back to an earlier time.

Following the losses of both her father and husband during her 30s, Kate O'Neill digs through the experiences and explores many of the other feelings that the five commonly-known stages of grief don't cover, such as gratitude, moving forward, and creating meaning. Part memoir and part reflection on social norms surrounding death and grief, this book explores the opportunity for a fuller, more hopeful picture of life after loss.