It is October 1895 as sixteen-year-old Courtney heads across the river with her parents to stay with her sister, Denise, and her husband, Frank, for a few weeks. Her mother and sister have agreed to do whatever it takes to help Courtney find a husband before she becomes an old maid.

After Courtney learns that Frank is a controlling husband, he corners her in the barn, kisses her and then robs her of her virginity. No longer good enough for any man to consider for marriage, Courtney heads back home where she harbors her shameful secret until her belly begins growing. Unable to hide her pregnancy anymore, Courtney tells her family about her horrifying experience. After Frank denies the encounter, Courtney eventually gives birth to a daughter she calls Deedee and marries a less-than-ideal man. Unfortunately as hardship and despair overshadow her new family, Courtney has no idea of what horrifying events are about to unfold.

In this gripping tale inspired by a true story, a new mother embarks on a challenging journey after her brother-in-law rapes her during the early twentieth century in Ontario.