When middle-aged mother of three Francie Newburg goes to visit her doctor, she tells her she must lose weight. Francie begins a daily, early-morning walking regimen that sends her walking and watching through her little town of Shady View, Ohio. One day, on her morning walk, she becomes a hero when she rescues a man trapped in an abandoned building. Now a local celebrity, Francie is soon approached by the big guns in town.
The Society for the Beautification of Shady View likes to keep things tidy. They plant flowers where flowers are needed, and they keep an eye on outsiders. Francie joins the society, and it feels good to give back to her community. Even so, Francie’s observations soon lead to trouble for Lanie and Bill Blau, owners of the With or Without Café.
Lanie and Bill like giving second chances. By hiring Paul Santone, a waiter with anger management issues and a criminal background, the restaurant becomes a target for the Society. When Lanie and Bill refuse to fire Paul, tension escalates, and the lives of everyone associated with the café become endangered.
The Society’s efforts to beautify the town may ruin lives, and Francie’s helpful nature may prove to be the source of serious trouble—but it’s never too late for compassion.