In this collection of short stories, six women's tales of despair illuminate the horror and sadness of domestic abuse, rape, teenage pregnancy, childhood neglect, and addictions. Set in the small fictitious community of Maitland Valley near Wingham, Ontario, provides insights into the many issues women deal with in today's society-issues that are not particular about age, race, religion, or financial status. In the story "What Fruit May Fall," Jessica, who is seven months pregnant, recalls the day she lost her virginity during a rape eighteen years ago. "Dirty Water" tells of a thirty-year-old woman whose mother abandoned the family when she was twelve. She still feels the loss keenly and wishfully imagines that she sees her mother as she goes about her daily life. Including a variety of poems as well, provides insight into the tragic situations women often face. It seeks to empower women to seek help and guidance to deal with the problems they endure.