Second-chance romance in a windswept beach town. Ophilie, the French-born wife of an American physicist and inventor, struggles with depression after her husband and son die in a plane crash. When her daughter Pip wanders the beach alone and meets an artist, Ophilie is frightened and comes to sudden life, fiercely scolding the man, who insists he meant no harm. Matt Bowles remembers his own daughter at that age, though his children are grown. He lost touch with them after a bitter divorce and his wife's relocation to New Zealand. A likely story, thinks Ophilie, who is nonetheless drawn to the attractive painter. A relationship blossoms as they share life stories and walks on the beach and Ophilie is surprised to find joy again. But a bitter betrayal awaits her. Steel softens her style in this quiet, poignant romance, generally avoiding the glitzy excesses and silly contrivances of some previous titles. Easy to read, easy to like.