In the novel, The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, Lily loses her mother, Deborah, at a very young age; however, she finds compensation for her mother’s absence through August and Rosaleen. Lily’s mother died in the most tragic way; she was only a toddler when she accidentally killed Deborah with a gun. Life is very arduous for Lily, considering she not only was the cause of her mother’s death, but she also had to live life without her mother present to guide her. Soon after Lily’s mother dies, Rosaleen is hired to accomodate around the house instead of the peach orchard. She quickly becomes almost like a second guardian to Lily through her caring and loving qualities. Sue Monk Kidd describes Rosaleen and Lily’s relationship