From the time they were eight years old, Kip Stroud and Shelley Ballard spent their summers together on Block Island, swimming, biking, exploring...and growing up. As teenagers, they argued about books, complained about chores and learned from each other a little about the way boys and girls viewed each other. They were best friends—until a tragedy in Shelley’s life tore them apart.

Twelve years later, Kip has had to face his own tragedy. When he returns to the island to heal, he discovers that Shelley is now living there, older and wiser but bearing emotional scars. He is scarred, too—something they can share as they rediscover their friendship. But comfort and compassion aren’t love.

Kip believes he will never love again. Shelley believes she can’t love. Yet one night, their beliefs are shattered, and they realize they have a lot more to learn from each other.