Fourteen-year-old Rebecca Grace Shaw and Caroline Anne Shaw, her older sister, are as close as any sisters can be until tragedy strikes. A storm capsizes a boat occupied by Carrie and her father, Andy. Andy drowns and Carrie, full of guilt, runs away.

After searching a year for Carrie, Becca and her brother Travis move to Newport, Rhode Island, where their mother Maggie has accepted a teaching position. Newport is Maggie's home and also where J.D. Blackstone, Maggie's first love, lives as an invalid following a terrible fall from a bridge.

Becca, devastated without Carrie, is disturbed since the tragedy and compensates by stealing small items. As their search for Carrie continues, Becca is humiliated when her stealing is revealed and she chooses to run away. No one knows that Carrie spent time at the same hospital where J.D. was recently recovering from near-death and in a coma.

J.D. and Maggie were deeply in love when they were younger and admit it is still so. Becca only wants to find again the love she shared with Carrie. Now everyone is searching to reunite their family and restore the love and trust they once shared, enabling them to once again be complete.

Luanne Rice has written a moving, heart-rendering tale of a "perfect" family split apart by tragic circumstances and striving to restore what they once had. The characters are unique and interesting. She portrays each and every one as a unique personality. It's a moving story with a terrific look into each of their souls. The plot will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I would recommend this novel as very worthwhile reading.