Still wounded by her husband's affair with Morna Jean Sommero - an affair ended only by Morna Jean's tragically early death - Hannah Sutherland struggles to make a life for herself in Kinvara's close-knit community. At least she is coming to terms with the fact that her son, Andy, suffers from cerebral palsy, and is learning to love the boy despite his disability. The rugged beauty of the coast is a comfort and solace to Hannah, but can she reconcile herself to the fact that to Rob, she's always been second best and probably always would be.

C M Fraser first introduced this lively Scottish community in her novel Kinvara, and her many fans will be thrilled to reacquaint themselves with old Kinvara friends and make many new ones, like the ever-multiplying Law family (nicknamed the Outlaws) and the splendid 'Henderson Hens' - two sisters whose eccentricities are a continual source of curiosity to their neighbours.