When Myrtle's husband, Austin, dies on the bus one morning, her own life also seems to stop in a heartbeat. But in reality Myrtle had never really begun to live, having been locked into an emotionless marriage for forty years. So if the barriers have been lifted, why does she still feel trapped?
Her daughters are a mystery to her - one prickly and defensive, the other with a closely guarded secret. And thanks to Austin's cold presence, friends are a rarity, her garden her only comfort. How is a widow supposed to find herself when she's alone and unconfident of her place in the world?
Hope might rest with Gianni, the kind stranger in whose arms Austin died. And when nosy neighbour Dorothy discovers Myrtle's sad news, she also refuses to let her wallow. But Myrtle will never move on until she's dealt with her past and the reason for her devotion to Austin. The truth must out, even though the consequences might prove devastating for Myrtle and her daughters . . .
