Violet Dimond, the Holy Terror, has delivered many of the town children - and often their children - in her capacity as handywoman. But Violets calling is dying out as, with medicines advances, the good old ways are no longer good enough. Grace, Violets adopted daughter, is a symbol of change herself. In the place where she has grown up and everyone knows her, she is acc Violet Dimond, the Holy Terror, has delivered many of the town children - and often their children - in her capacity as handywoman. But Violets calling is dying out as, with medicines advances, the good old ways are no longer good enough. Grace, Violets adopted daughter, is a symbol of change herself. In the place where she has grown up and everyone knows her, she is accepted, though most of the locals never before saw a girl with skin that colour. For Violet and Grace the coming war will bring more upheaval into their lives: can they endure it, or will they, like so many, be swept aside by historys tide?