In the winter of 1936, twenty-nine-year-old Billy Mazzeo meets with a tragic accident. The impact of his death greatly shatters every member of his extended family, especially his niece, seven-year-old Carina, who worshiped her Uncle Billy. She struggles to cope with the loss and has difficulty believing life can go on without him. When the family receives a graveside bench in memory of Billy, an unusual connection ensues between Carina and her deceased uncle that makes the reader wonder if there can be communications beyond the grave. The Bench follows the enthralling story of the Mazzeo family as they navigate heart-breaking loss, survival, and resilience, with a love so strong that only a large closely-knit family will experience.