Once Without Dying explores the unfolding friendship between Sheeawna, Akilah and Mali. As a child, when she overcomes death, Sheeawna, the protagonist, learns the extent of her religious mother's hatred for her. She survives the onslaught with Grampy's guidance and support, until his death when she is a teenager. For comfort, she begins an intimate relationship with Kevin, a boy her age. As a young talented adult Sheeawna is under Kevin's manipulation. Breaking free of him she finds a new love interest, only to be drawn in again by Kevin, until he can no longer escape his comeuppance. She meets Akilah after the house she and her husband, Halim, rent from Sheeawna's boss explodes. Halim dies. Sheeawna's college roommate Mali is raped by her boyfriend after they break up. The three women help each other through a variety of challenges, uncover their commonalities and discover love's finest nature. They embrace the fulfillment of an ancient legend symbolized by a powerful medallion handed down to Sheeawna from her Toltec grandmother. Three young women pursue a common purpose with Claire, a mystic; Rebekah, a female rabbi; her son Michael, a Zenist; Dakota, an elderly artist who follows Native American spirituality and Harry, who believes love is the way....