Cammie's mother died when she was young and she is on a quest to find a mother. Cammie lives with her father at a woman's prison where he is the warden. Therefore, Cammie begins her search within her own home. Cammie selects one of the inmates, who fulfills the role of nanny for her, to eventually become her mother. While Cammie attempts to force the inmate into this role, the inmate works to help give Cammie the strength to make the best responsible decisions on her own. As this occurs, a local murderer is brought into the prison and Cammie becomes popular because of her access to this person.

This historical novel was an interesting story of growing up.