As the sixth and middle child of eleven, Annie Fowler Hightower was an always mobile child of an Army sergeant and his homemaker wife. With laughter and tears, she describes her journey during the 1950's through the early 1970's as she seeks to adapt to living in the Deep South, dysfunctional familial relationships, race relations, and ultimately, an abusive husband. Finally, burdened with the constant threat of danger to herself and to her child, she simply prayed: "Lord, build a fence all around me."

Seeking safety for her and her daughter after escaping an abusive relationship and violence, Annie Fowler Hightower continues her story from the early 1970's where she begins a new life in California. Alone and fresh to the new world, Annie is faced with unexpected difficulties in balancing a career, obtaining a formal education, and parenting. As Annie attempts to succeed in her life choices, family members and new acquaintances undermine her and cause her financial hardship. Again, she encounters danger through romantic pursuers. Annie overcomes some fears by facing them. Despite the loss...

A story that will have all family members talking about the moralities learned in love, hate, loss, forgiveness, and bitterness. MAGGIE is a humble young elementary teacher and the only child of a multi-millionaire businessman. Her efforts to be with her dying father become problematic as her jealous and deranged stepmother, Jennifer, plans deadly schemes against her. Maggie finds support through unsuspected friendships and a love interest. Yet, the noxious situations and acts against her, distort Maggie's quest to follow her father's advice to be 'Never Bitter'. The story is part fable and...