From a hospital tent in Viet Nam to a small village in the Shenandoah Mountains, Army nurse Karin Armstrong tries to escape painful memories and the trauma of her wartime experiences. Victoria, her hometown, offers the promise of a quiet life where death and pain can no longer touch her. Although Karin finds love and happiness in marriage and family, the peace that was Victoria's promise, eludes her.Mack Slaughter lost his best friend in 'Nam. Survivor guilt plagues him as he moves to Chicago and loses himself in a hectic career and lifestyle. He eventually learns that alcohol and affairs cannot satisfy him.Karin and Mack's paths cross several times for fifteen years before the time is right for them to meet and fall in love. In their own ways, each learns that healing is not found in a place of refuge, nor in a career and fast-paced living, but in letting go of the past and letting love into the present.