Author Michael Dorris explains how traditions of spirit and memory weave through the lives of many Native Americans and how alcoholism and despair have shattered so many lives. Also chronicles the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome on their adopted son and on the Native American community as a whole.

Laural Lockwood's 15-year-old son Andy is "special". She lost him once through neglect, but is determined to make up for her mistakes. When she allows Andy to attend a local church social she is terrified when the church is consumed by fire. Andy survives and saves other children as well. Initially Andy basks in the role of unlikely hero but when the suspicion of arson is cast upon Andy, Laurel must ask herself how well she really knows her son, and...

"Responsible for his young daughter and two teenage sons for the summer, Dr. Ryan Tremaine wants to reconnect with his children, but after hiring Carly Mason as his daughter Penny's nanny, Ryan's attraction to Carly complicates his plan"--