Lynn Powers is facing the month of May caught up in the activities driven by a son who is graduating from high school. But that doesn't stop her from becoming embroiled in mayhem as she discovers an elderly black woman who has been assaulted. Throughout the story Lynn and her family learn about the history of many people in town, including the simmering feuds and sad stories among members of River Bend's African-American community. In addition, Lynn learns more of her own family history as she discovers a small diary belonging to her mother. Mix all this in with the usual antics of Lynn, Dusty and their family and it adds up to another installment of the River Bend Chronicles.