Every summer Bea Marissa and Emma meet at Seastone Emma's family home on the remote Suffolk coast to retreat from their daily lives and take comfort in their friendship. Over the years their paths have not been easy. For Bea the aftermath of a broken-hearted love affair influences the decisions she makes. For Marissa the fear that her traumatic past will catch up with her haunts her still. And for Emma the sacrifices she has made for her family leave her full of longing and regret. At Seastone Emma's extraordinary mother Tamar is on hand to offer support and encouragement but Tamar harbours her own heartrending secret that stems from a brief encounter during the Second World War. Coming together as friends each summer these courageous women gain the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead . . .