Kati, Cara, and KT: Chronicling a family's lives

College student KT Cantori has always considered her family somewhat ordinary. While she knows that they originally emigrated from Germany, the young woman has no idea of the sacrifices they made and the dangers and prejudice they faced. Then KT discovers the diary of her great-great-grandmother, and it all comes to light.

In the late 1800s, Kati Scheu Krieger arrives in New York City with nothing. She has no one to help her adjust to a new country or save her from the devastating situation in which she finds herself. When the father of her child deserts her, Kati is left to build a new life for herself and the baby in Hell's Kitchen.

As KT delves deeper into Kati's story, another voice emerges, that of Cara, Kati's granddaughter-KT's grandmother-who translated Kati's journal into English. Cara Maurer has her own struggles, and her uncertainties, as well as her triumphs, are reflected in the historical notes she adds throughout the journal.

As she listens to these two amazing women speaking to her across time, KT finally finds the strength she needs to fight the coming battles in her own life.