North Carolina, 1960 Clever and hardworking, Berry Smith saves every penny she earns from cleaning homes, while longing for a better job, a college degree, and, most of all, her own beautiful house—dreams she can only realize if she escapes the South. Then Josephine Walker arrives, running from problems of her own. Headstrong and ambitious, Jo wants the same things Berry a higher education, better paying job, a beautiful house. Their deep, binding friendship soon evolves into a secret, powerful love neither girl expected. But tragedy forces them to flee North prematurely—and to separate. Alone and heartbroken, Berry finds refuge in a strict church sect, desperate to feel safe. But safety in a world not made for her isn’t given—it’s a life she must create for herself.