Story of a Southern Family (The Big House, #2)

In 1928, Minnie's mother, Nora, arrives at her nursing college after abandoning Minnie as a child. What does Nora want?
An unexpected visit to Grandpa and Marie at The Big House offers Minnie shelter and refuge, but not the carefree days of her youthful experiences. There, she discovers secrets. Shrewd and hidden manipulations of power insure the survival of The Big House in this small Southern town, where a smile can mask suppressed rage and hostility.
A power struggle ensues between Minnie and Nora when honor, wealth and influence are risked by young love. Both will have their say, but only one will prevail.
Guns and violence become signs of a new era. The 1929 Great Depression explodes, engulfing everyone. Minnie and the family must confront the Depression, as well as threats to the land from those who would rob them.
Driven by her own convictions and courage, Minnie refuses to give in to chaos and fear. While poverty and cruelty surround her, Minnie's spirit, character and hard-won experience prepare her to survive and keep her values. Will the past and her circumstances overwhelm Minnie, or will she embrace the future and triumph?