First published 2004
Jessie Sullivan's life is molded to the smallest space possible—until she's called home to her mother's shocking violence. On the remote Egret Island, Jessie finds herself drawn to Brother Thomas, a monk nearing his final vows. As they grapple with forbidden desire, Jessie unlocks the roots of her mother's tormented past. In this lush, sensual tale, Jessie must choose between the security of her marriage and the freedom of self-awakening.
Genres: romance, literary-fiction, contemporary-romance, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, lyrical
Tropes: forbidden-romance, second-chance
Setting: South Carolina, Egret Island
368 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books
Content warnings: domestic-violence