Lily Crisp and her husband Paul are very happy living on their ranch in Idaho with their children, Pierre and Justine. There are 16 years between the two children. Paul inherited an old stone house on a hill above the sea in the French Riviera in the south of France, and each year they visit La Pierre Rouge with the children.

Lily is devastated when Paul dies after the truck he's driving is smashed. Pierre, being with his father at the time, is injured. Lily feels the need to return to La Pierre Rouge for some "alone" time. With her, she takes "Madame Olivetti," her ancient but loved typewriter, with the hope of beginning the healing process through writing a self-evaluation of her life.

Lily re-examines a love affair she had while married to Paul and reveals her trials and tribulations during that time of her life. While at La Pierre Rouge, a handsome and younger Frenchman, Yves Lebrun, satisfies her sexual appetite and helps her overcome the loneliness. In the revelations of the past brought to the surface with her writing, Lily is able to carry on her life and make decisions for the future.

Lily is a strong and warm woman who truly loves her husband and children, but she feels guilt in the secret she carries involving her daughter. She is on a roller coaster of feelings when she tries to confront her sorrow and deep regret. It's a time for rebirth and forgiving herself of her past sins. Annie Vanderbilt has explored the depths of the feelings a woman struggles with when life appears less than perfect. You will find this a tender love story of self-acceptance.