Winter Seedlings is a story of survival from childhood sexual abuse, the journey to heal the heart, mind, and body. It is a story rich with characters struggling to define their sexuality, reach self-acceptance, and understand what it means to be loved. Jute's mother married Earl in 1984. Within minutes of moving into his trailer in Maryville, Tennessee, they were shown just how evil he could be. Her sister chose to try to please him. Jute chose to try to avoid him. If she could, Jute would have made herself invisible. Instead, she made herself repulsive, even frightening. This kept Earl's hands off her, so it didn't matter if people mistook her for a boy or call her a freak. Jute was certain she didn't need love anyway, didn't want it. She didn't even know how to love. But if she did, she would love Allie. Allie is beautiful, wears vintage dresses, and craves approval. She has suffered her own abuse, but she blames herself. She knows if she becomes a better person, a person worth loving, a person willing to give up everything, a man will love her. If only Allie could see herself through Jute's eyes... When Allie inadvertently puts Jute in danger, they are forced to face their demons. If they drop their guard, will love be able to penetrate their scars and repair their hearts, or will their self-loathing destroy them before it can?