In 1923 East Texas, young Leola leaves her loving family for a teaching job in a backwoods community miles from home.She knows there will be challenges, but doesn't anticipate a bitter, unkind co-teacher, a parent who wishes to harm her—or the man from the woods.As a bride, Leola begins a lonely life on an isolated river road in the bayous of western Louisiana.Over the next six decades her faith and love are tested by poverty, death, and a disabled child.Leola's response to these adversities will affect not only herself but generations to come.In this parallel memoir, the connection between Leola and her granddaughter spills out in the telling of similar stories of poverty, love, faith, and resilience.
