Haunted by the death of her two brothers, and living under the shadow of her pious mother, Miriam Kovatch is thirtysomething, pregnant, and suddenly widowed. When her husband suddenly dies, Miriam Kovatch finds herself thrust into a journey of self-discovery, at odds with friends and family. Her search for meaning will take her to the brink of despair. With her temperamental cat and only a few belongings, Miriam finds refuge in a motel under the watchful eye of a caring stranger, who gives her hope, purpose, and a mysterious dark oval stone. In this poignant debut novel full of unforgetttable characters, Miriam begins the painful process of embracing a much fuller life, sustained by unexpected friendship and surprising grace.