Diane Fontneau

Thirty years ago, something horrible happened to the love of her life, and she was forced to pay for it. Now, sitting in a confessional rigged to blow if the Father makes one wrong move, only the truth can set her free. It all began with Jenna and Sam, two cringey young lovers determined to find happiness together, but cursed to be forever kept apart. One was born and raised to serve her country. The other—is a brat.

Gloria Norris grew up in the projects of Manchester, New Hampshire, with her parents; her sister, Virginia; and her cat, Sylvester. A snapshot might show a happy young family, but only a dummkopf would buy that. Nine-year-old Gloria is gutsy and wisecracking. Her father, Jimmy, all dazzle and danger, is often on the far side of the law and makes his own rules - which everyone else better follow. Gloria's mom, Shirley, tries not to rock the boat, Virginia unwisely defies Jimmy, and Gloria fashions herself into his sidekick - the son he never had.