A horse trade in rural Hominy Ridge, Mississippi, in the early 1900's leads to a cold, snowy night tragedy. Zaddie was born in 1878 and is pregnant with a much wished for son for her husband, Bill Chisholm, as they had two girls, Wanda and Sara. Zaddie's life unfolds as she deals with tragedy and struggles to find new meaning and courage in her life. A court trial, WWII, an accident, and life on the farm all play a part in her struggle. After her mother's death, Sara continues to want revenge for the loss of her father and for years she plots.