Raised by her older sister, Annie, to whom she was given as a Christmas present because her mother, Pearl didn't want her, Einna (Annie, spelled backwards) quickly discovers that she doesn't fit in, so she looks for escape in whatever form she can find it. As an adult, Einna continues to long for peace and acceptance, but finds mainly intolerance and cruelty. At every turn, the crocodiles continue to snap. Despite this, under the guidance and giggles of her three friends, Einna eventually spreads her wings, gains her independence and accepts that, even if you can't always smile, with the help...

Maggie enjoys a mixed childhood of escapism with her friends, and the love of her father, coupled with her mother, Edith's, obvious favouritism towards her younger brother, and the natural jealousy which arises from that. As she grows up, she discovers a world of freedom from Edith's rules and marries Trevor, who she believes shares her ideals and values. However, the birth of their son brings unexpected and unwelcome changes to their relationship, which leave Maggie re-evaluating her life. This is a stand-alone novel, although it features the same characters as those within Carolyn Belcher's...