Sallie Kincaid embodies resilience. Abandoned by her mother and later exiled by her father, she faces a harsh reality from a young age. Yet, these setbacks only strengthen her resolve. Returning home, she's not the naive girl who left. Sallie seizes the opportunities presented by the burgeoning moonshine business, navigating a male-dominated world with grit and daring. Her story is an empowering example of overcoming hardship and defining your own destiny.

The Kincaid family is a web of complex relationships and deeply buried secrets. Sallie's return unravels years of unspoken truths, revealing the fault lines within her family. The death of her mother, the strained relationship with her father, and the complexities of her half-brother Eddie all contribute to a compelling narrative about the ties that bind, even when broken. As Sallie digs deeper, she uncovers uncomfortable truths that challenge her perception of family and force her to confront the past.

Set during Prohibition, the novel highlights the societal impact of outlawing alcohol. The rise of moonshining becomes a central theme, offering a glimpse into a dangerous world driven by opportunity and risk. Sallie's involvement in this illicit trade showcases her audacity and resourcefulness. However, it also underscores the price of breaking the law, even when the lines between right and wrong become blurred. The novel captures the danger, excitement, and moral ambiguities of the era.