Liv Callaghan inherits her grandmother's cottage in Ireland. This unexpected legacy offers escape from her paralysed marriage to Douglas, an alcoholic. Liv travels to Cork, to the glen where she spent childhood holidays. There she begins to create a tranquil life which is enhanced by the welcome from relatives and community. Unexpectedly, Liv encounters Aidan, her first love. Twenty years ago he ended their relationship, leaving her in despair. Now he is married, living locally with his family.The novel traces the course of their brief, intense affair and its impact on those around them. The chaos caused by their passion reveals troubling family secrets and leads to the shattering of their hopes for a joint future.