A dramatic story of the life of the author's mother, Stella. Janet Lee has created a vivid account that begins with the birth of Stella, the sixth of twelve children, who was literally born in a barn in Texas. Her father was an abusive, alcoholic, who regularly beats his wife, and demands hard labor from his children to keep him in whiskey. They travel the Country to wherever there is cotton or fruit to pick. At one point they are sheltered by the Salvation Army and put in a government camp, where Stella meets and falls in love with Clarence. He decides to go to California to find work, so he can save and send money for Stella to join him, but her father has other plans. Stella devises a plan to run away, and it becomes a very frightening and suspenseful night for her, as she waits for the chance to get away.. The dramatic ending caps the author's tale of heartache, love and finally redemption.