Newfoundland 1860. Amanda finds it agonizing to be away from Adam for two months every year. Yet his dory and crew must return North and fish the angry Arctic swells. She kisses him slowly on the lips, tasting him into her memory. He tastes like a summer morning, the first snowfall in winter, a full moon in autumn, and the beginning of life in springtime. While she awaits his return, Amanda throws herself into helping community members in an unusual way. She knows the power of lovemaking with the man she loves unconditionally. This knowledge spurs her to open a house of tryst for lovers who are not yet able to marry. The clandestine meetings of young lovers in her home provide comfort as she watches from the widow's walk for the return of her lover's ship. Sudden gales on the Atlantic capsize many dories, creating a watery grave for their crews. When Adam's dory is the only one yet to return home, Amanda refuses to believe that he is alone at the bottom of the Atlantic. Will his last words "I love you, Amanda" be enough to keep her heart from breaking? Even through a bizarre twist of fate?