Irena's not sure where she's headed when she runs away from home-she just wants to leave the trailer she shared with her mamma and daddy far behind. When she stumbles upon the Banyan Tree motel, something tells her it's exactly where she's meant to be. The elderly owner, Carlotta, welcomes Irena, and the Banyan soon begins to feel like home. But trouble follows Irena wherever she goes, and the Banyan is no different: A mysterious guest, money problems, and secrets from her past soon threaten the stability of her new life. This moving story from a talented new voice revels in life's joys and pains, and uncovers just what it really means to be a family.