As Canon of the Parisian cathedral of St Michael's, Crispin Wakefield has attracted both a loyal, devoted following but also the jealousy of his Dean. And while his faith demands frugality, the expensive indulgences of his wife and daughters are threatening financial ruin. Into this turmoil steps Julia Kramer, international actress and childhood friend from Crispin's family home back in Kansas. And despite the different paths their lives have taken, Julia and Crispin find comfort in a friendship deeply rooted in a common past. With her partner Jona frequently away, Julia is drawn into the cocoon of Crispin's family and his beloved cathedral. Deeply indebted, Julia uses her celebrity and wealth to promote Crispin's career, and offers him the moral strength he needs to stay the course. But though it is Crispin who guards the secrets of Julia's traumatic childhood, he knows nothing of the crippling fears that have left her dangerously in thrall to Jona. When Jona's business dealings lead him into deadly waters, she turns to Crispin for support, igniting vicious gossip that consumes the already fragile underpinnings of their lives ...