Sima Goldner runs a shop in her finished basement in Brooklyn, NY. She sells undergarments for women and has an eye for picking the perfect size and type of bra for any woman who walks in. In her sixties, she is reflecting back on her life and marriage.

One day, in walks Timna, who from the beginning appears to enchant Sima. When Timna returns another day asking for work, she is hired. The two develop a friendship and spend time talking. Lonely Sima begins to obsess over Timna and her lifestyle. Soon she is following Timna to see where she goes and who she is seeing.

When Timna disappears for a while, Sima becomes concerned. Sima's husband tells her she is getting too involved. All this time, memories of the past flow through Sima's mind especially at night in bed. Guilt and regret begin to fill her thoughts night and day.

Things come to a head and Timna quits work, giving Sima many things to think and mull over. Sima learns that in life there are always second chances, for those willing to take them; that it is not too late to try. Here is a story about life, love, regrets, friendship, business, obsession, shame, fear and marriage. It makes for a good read.

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The story is set in the Hasidic Jewish section of New York, in Boro Park. Sima, although Jewish but not Hasidic, runs a ladies undergarment shop out of the basement of her building. These hidden-away shops are part of an 'underground'community where the women get to be themselves and share their lives and secrets.
In a world where motherhood is the expected ideal, Sima, in her sixties is childless. Her disappointment and lack of self-worth as a wife and women have colored her life a toneless grey. Then Timna walks into her shop and becomes her employee, and unknown to Timna, Sima's surrogate daughter. This is a story of obsession, second chances, women's friendships, and learning to trust and to forgive. Well written and enjoyable to read.

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