Struggling to find her feet and reintegrate into society after a long, painful, twenty-year stint for manslaughter, hardened ex-convict Ruth Slater is now on strict probation. As wary Ruth meanders through the bustling streets of Seattle searching for a job and a place to stay, one thing haunts her mind: a fervent desire to reconnect with her little sister, Katie. But life goes on, and Ruth has lost the privilege to make amends, let alone make demands. After all, people will always see her as a horrible, violent killer.—Nick Riganas