Vonnie, aged 10, is a shining little star growing up on the dusty edge of West Texas. These compelling stories give a true, tender, and heartwarming account of a child's constant fear generated by Preacher Higgins and his fiery sermons of Hell. Although resilient, Vonnie faces challenging odds in this harsh, religious setting.

Vonnie's parents buy her and her sissy an old piano for $50. Vonnie's great love of the piano and joyful gospel singing offer her a way to moderate her terror of Hell. Can she somehow find a way to be "excused" from Hell?