After her husband loses his commercial fishing boat off the Atlantic City coast, Kate Bannion must find a nursing position to support her family. Despite misgivings, she starts working at Bellehaven, a nursing home nestled deep within the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Although the former turn-of-the century estate house has fallen into disrepair, its essence speaks to Kate, and she is quickly drawn into the lives of those who reside there. The year is 1965, a time filled with anti war, civil rights, and women's lib movements. However, there are no civil rights marches for those who live in nursing homes nor much support for women who must work. While she struggles to help improve the care at Bellehaven, tensions rise at home. Her husband's resentment at their changing roles causes her to question their relationship. Can she bridge their emotional chasm and still stay true to what she believes is becoming a calling? This debut novel is a moving exploration of what it's like to live a long life, how generations relate and support one another, and speaks to whom we will eventually become.