A faded coastal resort comes to life when Tory, recently divorced, begins a passionate affair with her neighbour Robert, the local doctor. Meanwhile Beth, Robert's wife and Tory's best friend, continues to churn out successful melodramatic novels, oblivious to the relationship developing next door. But daughter Prudence is aware, and is appalled by Robert and Tory's treachery.

The resolution of painful matters is conveyed with wit and compassion in this enchanting and devastatingly well-observed novel.