Mercy Goodman has simple needs in her young life. But when Mercy's father dies, she suddenly finds herself cold, hungry, and homeless on the streets of Trenton, New Jersey, with her mother and younger sister, Anna. She has just one wish: a warm, safe home.

When Mercy's mother finally finds a job, an old friend offers them a room in her boarding house, where they spend many happy months together. Soon, however, Mercy's life is once again turned upside down when her mother is tragically killed in an accident. When they can't pay their rent, Mercy and Anna are forced to leave the boarding...