Helen Rathbone's decision to end her thirty-five-year marriage provokes a massive upheaval in her life. Her first plan is to move in with her son and his family, but when that proves unsuccessful, she returns to Scotland with a sense of exuberance and liberation.

Hilltop is shabby and rundown, but there is a wonderful view from the verandah and it does also have its own cottage in the grounds. Helen is delighted to rent this out to Catriona Finlay, a young woman who runs the local second-hand bookshop. Catriona's friends extend a warm welcome to Helen and she finds herself with a lively circle that includes Jake, the bookshop owner. Jake is some fifteen years Helen's junior, but that doesn't prevent her feeling drawn to him. He, however, is in love with the shy and gentle Catriona. Luckily the friendship between the two women is strong enough to survive this potential clash.