Luanne Rice tells the story of two characters from her previous novels: Sister Bernadette and Tom Kelly. Sister Bernadette is the head nun at the Star of the Sea Academy on the rugged Eastern coastline. Tom is the groundskeeper and maintenance man at the Academy. The two share a great deal of history. WHAT MATTERS MOST finally delves into that history and will satisfy new readers and Rice followers alike.

About the time Sister Bernadette received her "calling" she was also madly in love with Tom. They conceived a child together in Ireland. After much agony, she decided to place the child up for adoption and dedicated her life to religion. Tom never got over her and, at times, the reader thinks that Sister Bernadette might not have gotten over him. After 23 years, she is clearly conflicted and has buried her emotions about her love for Tom and the decision to give up their child.

Sister Bernadette and Tom travel back to Ireland in search of the young man they gave up for adoption years ago. They encounter an angry nun from the past who seems to have an ax to grind with Sister Bernadette and tries to impede their mission.

In addition to the main plotline, there are two other stories interwoven into the book -- one about a young man named Seamus and another about a young woman named Kathleen. At first, the stories seem random, but the reader knows if they keep reading, connections will appear. Everyone seems to be searching for something important that's been lost. If you're looking for an enjoyable, engaging, soul-searching book, Rice delivers with WHAT MATTERS MOST.