"Mill River cop Kyle Hansen and teacher Claudia Simon are excitedly planning their wedding. When they learn that a new bed and breakfast is set to open in the old McAllister mansion, they hope the gifted Emily DiSanti will quickly restore it to its grand beauty. While refinishing the hardwood floors, Emily discovers a secret compartment and a mysterious briefcase. Inside, she finds years of correspondence between the reclusive Mary McAllister and her close friend--the town priest Father O'Brien's late mother, Anna O'Brien. Through the letters, Emily learns about the surprising relationship between Mary and Anna and a secret that will change everything for Father O'Brien. Karen Cooper, lives in town with her eight year old son, Nick. Her husband took a job as a government contractor in Afghanistan, and has been missing for a year. As Karen struggles with depression and Nick begins to have trouble at school, Father O'Brien is enlisted to offer his guidance, particularly for Nick, whose situation feels all too familiar"--Provided by publisher.