This book continues in the life of Raymond, Leonas son, as he carries on the duties at the Assistance House that his mother had started years ago. Although this book will show the softer side of Raymond and his family, we also see the effects of abuse. Raymond is forced to face the brutality of his biological father his mother had gathered the strength to leave shortly after giving birth to Raymond. Never had his mother said a bad word about George Mackey Jr. but George shows a side of himself that even Leona could not have imagined possible of the beast she had been forced to marry. Like his mother, Raymond stands his ground against the terror George causes at both ranches that are home to Raymond, but also rises above the tragedy that George leaves in his wake.