Pennie Sulcliffe, a young woman of twenty-two, carries the weight of a tragic past that shapes her every decision. Born during the tumultuous times of the Salem witch trials, her life was forever altered when her parents were accused of consorting with witches and sentenced to death. Orphaned and passed between relatives, Pennie's childhood was marked by secrecy and fear. Her unique quirk is a nervous habit of twirling her long, chestnut hair around her finger whenever she feels anxious or uncertain, a silent testament to the turmoil within.
Pennie's deepest desire is to reunite with her siblings, Sulcliffe and Blevins, who were separated from her during their parents' arrest. The obstacle to this reunion is the societal stigma and the lingering fear of witchcraft that still haunts their family name. Determined to overcome these barriers, Pennie seeks out her uncle, Tate Pennie, who possesses the mysterious ability to bring people back to life. She hopes that through him, she can restore her family and reclaim the life stolen from them.
Her journey is fraught with challenges, from the distrust of those around her to the moral quandaries of using dark powers. Yet, Pennie's resolve and her love for her siblings drive her forward. Her plan works because of her unwavering determination and the unexpected allies she finds along the way, including a wise old woman who once knew her mother.
The story concludes with a bittersweet reunion. While Pennie successfully brings her family back together, the resurrection leaves them forever changed, haunted by the shadows of their past. The conflicts in Pennie's life are not just external but internal as well, as she grapples with the morality of her actions and the cost of her desires.
Throughout her journey, Pennie remains a product of her time, her actions and beliefs shaped by the fear and superstition that dominated the era of the Salem witch trials. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the unyielding quest for family, set against a backdrop of historical tragedy.