Since she was born, Truly has paid a price for her large size. Her father blamed her for her mother’s death in childbirth, and he was ill-equipped to raise either this giant child or her sister, Serena Jane, the epitome of feminine perfection. When their father died, the sisters were separated, Serena Jane to live a life of privilege as the future May Queen, and Truly to live on the outskirts of town, subject to abuse and humiliation from her peers.

But Serena Jane’s beauty turns out to be as much a curse as a blessing, as it attracts the interest of the ruthless Bob Bob Morgan. When Serena Jane flees town, it is Truly who must become mother to her eight-year-old nephew while facing relentless cruelty from her brother-in-law. But when Truly finds her calling as a naturopathic healer, she finds some control over her life, as well as the possibility of love in unexpected places.