Nine years ago Mara Jameson, a pregnant wife and mother living in Connecticut, disappeared from her home without a trace. For nine long years Detective Patrick Murphy has been agonizing over Mara's disappearance, having long suspected that her husband Ed was responsible. One the nine year anniversary of Mara's disappearance Patrick goes to visit Mara's grandmother, Maeve Jameson, in order to discuss the status of the case. Maeve believes that Mara is still alive and yearns to see her grandaughter again. Maeve also tells Patrick about a strange call she received regarding an anonymous gift of a membership to a local aquarium. The wheels start turning in Patrick's head and he begins to wonder if Mara is alive. Meanwhile, in Cape Hawk, Nova Scotia, single mother Lily is raising her daughter Rose, who is ill with a severe heart condition. Lily is the founder of the Nanouks, a group of women in the area who have all endured hardships in their lives but who have bonded as a group of survivors. Lily, whose past is mysterious and shrouded in mystery, has fled a dangerous past. For nine years Lily has been friends with her neighbor Dr. Liam Neill, a scientist and a member of a prominent local family who has his own tragic past. As a child, Liam's brother Connor was attacked and killed during a shark attack during which Liam's arm was severed. Liam, who is called Captain Hook by the children of the island, is a close friend of Rose. Rose, who never knew her father, craves a father figure and is especially close to Liam. When Rose makes friends with Jessica, a girl her age who is new to Cape Hawk, Jessica tells her that her entire life is a lie. Jessica claims that her name, birthdate and other information is all false. Jessica's mom, Marisa, is also a single mother who has fled an abusive situation. Although wary of people, marisa befriends Lily, who assures her that she in particular can understand her past and her daily struggles. A moment of understanding passes between the two women during which they recognize each other as victims of abuse. When Rose, Lily, the Nanouks and other friends gather to hold Rose's birthday celebration on board a whaling ship, Rose's joy is unparalleled. Unexpected drama breaks out when Rose suffers a spell and passes out. Thankfully, Marisa, a pediatric nurse, is able to step in and save Rose's life. As Rose is hospitalized and Lily is informed of her daughter's failing condition and immediate need for surgery, Lily clings to Liam for support. Although Lily and Liam have always felt a special bond, neither one of them has had the courage to take the next step and forge a relationship.
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The review of this Book prepared by Sandra Calhoune
