The Honorable Veronica Marshall has returned to her hometown of Hector, Minnesota to attend the funeral of her favorite teacher, Mrs. Jane Mitchell, a poor widow with no living relatives. While balancing a busy court schedule, supporting her wife as she recovers from a serious accident, and enduring the judgments of a small community; Ronnie discovers Mrs. Mitchell's life was much more complicated than anyone believed.

Crystal is a fighter. A single mother and paralegal from Southern California, she is fighting crime, abuse, and, most of all, Lupus. Through it all, she finds reasons to keep on fighting. Witness to the horrific murder of a new friend, Crys becomes more engaged in her own life even as it is in danger of ending. Family, friendship, and love create the moments of joy that keep her pressing forward.