The story begins the summer of 1983 as plain, smart Erin Martin and her best friend, Josie Jones, prepare for high school in small town, Iowa. Erin is obsessed with fitting in – wanting to shed herself from her family’s gritty, blue collar reputation. Then turmoil strikes the community when a drug operation is uncovered. Josie’s father is arrested. Erin discovers an uncomfortable truth about her own family’s involvement. Being accepted into the popular social circle takes a backseat to the mystery unfolding. The novel weaves themes of family, friendship, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.