An unexpected conflict forces Verna to re-examine her life. What was it Donald used to say? When it comes to children, you pay now or pay later. You never dont pay.Middle-aged Verna Macoun Woodcock returns to the family cottage for the first time in 38 years to scatter the ashes of her husband, father, and twin sister. At first she is alone except for her dads dog, the lake, bitter memories, and a barely hidden drinking problem. But soon Verna is forced to open up her tightly shut world to others strong-willed handywoman Winonah the neglected children of her sister, each lost and broken in their own way even the ghost of Winonahs dead brother, Lionel, who cant seem to make it to the Sky World.Just as Verna is starting to accept this newfound family, she discovers a menacing prospector who posts a notice on the cottage door, stating his intention to dig for ore.
