Young Kathleen Dungannon meets her neighbor Kenneth Wayne, and they fall in love. Her adopted father John Carteret, who bears the painful memory of his thwarted love for her aunt, Moonyean Clare, refuses to let them wed, because of his hatred for Kenneth's father.

For young Kay, growing up in middle class America during World War II is a confusing and sometimes painful experience. Her stepmother, Amazing Grace, is a selfish woman who takes her unhappiness out on those around her. And for a little girl so concerned with pleasing others and doing the honorable thing, life with Amazing Grace is nearly unbearable. But Kay is also a believer. She’s determined to “keep smiling through,” as the song says, knowing that one day she will do something extraordinary. “A bittersweet historical novel.”—Kirkus Reviews