During California’s 1849 gold rush, Lula’s father sells her to a madam for a few coins. At first, thirteen-year-old Lula's mind drifts to positive thoughts to flee terrifying moments with lustful men. Over time, viewing most gentlemen callers as lonely, wounded boys, she attempts to help soothe their emotional scars. During free hours, Lula aids folks in the community by setting up broken bones, stitching wounds, assisting women in childbirth, and curing common maladies. One day, she removes a bullet from handsome young Jess. From then on, thinking of him makes her heart sing. Although she knows the absurdity of a respectable man courting a woman from her sullied profession, Lula can’t resist fantasizing about Jess. Can Lula’s inner glow and quest for healing others raise her from the depths of darkness to the heights of love’s eternal light? |