"They are love, those rare early friendships." As she travels to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a reunion with three of her college chums, Kate Abrams ponders the past. Had she ever known anyone as intimately as these three? There's smart, tough Cecie; foolish, lonely Fig; and pert, wealthy Ginger, who married young Kate's great love. Kate wonders whether such sublime bonds -- and such deep betrayals -- can survive the years. She is, after all, no stranger to life's ironies. Her father, a poor Southerner, filled her life with social illusions -- and took his life in the process. Her husband sustained her through later deaths. And now an ongoing battle with cancer puts Kate's own life on the line.

Forced to face dark truths about her 'golden' past, Kate discovers the meaning of life and the power of true friendship. Mystery, madness, revenge and awakening await Kate Abrams on the Outer Banks.