Love and politics: what could be more spellbinding? Born during the radical era of early 20th century politics, author Jo Anne Troxel is the product of a tumultuous affair between her idealistic mother and the infamous Communist sheriff of Plentywood, Montana. This engrossing memoir explores her complicated family history, the hardscrabble life carved out by the inhabitants of Montana's eastern plains, and the challenges faced by three often parentless children whose only option for survival was to band together.