In 1826, strange occurrences on eleven-year-old Josefina's New Mexican "rancho" lead the young healer to wonder if old legends of lost treasure and the wandering ghost called La Llorona may be true. Includes a Spanish glossary and historical background information.

Nine-year-old Josefina, the youngest of four sisters living in New Mexico in 1824, tries to help run the household after her mother dies.

Josefina and her sisters distrust learning to read and write, as well as other changes their Tia Dolores is bringing to the household, because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother.

When Tia Dolores, the beloved aunt who has cared for the Montoya family since the death of their mother, announces that she is planning to leave, Josefina and her sisters try to find a way to change her mind.