Vanessa Del Fabbro

When journalist Monica Brunetti enters the town of Lady Helen, she is awed by its beauty. The picturesque South African village takes hold of her heart, especially the beleaguered residents of Sandpiper Drift, who are threatened with eviction from their tranquil neighborhood beside the lagoon. And so Monica packs up her laptop, her adopted sons and her housekeeper, Francina--who's wrestling with a major decision of her own--for the journey of a lifetime.

In the picture-perfect seaside village of Lady Helen, South Africa, Monica Brunetti has the life of her dreams--two adopted sons, fulfilling work, loyal friends and a special closeness with her former housekeeper, Francina. What's more, she's in love.Then everything comes tumbling down. Monica's happiness is destroyed by a young girl's resentment. Francina, too, is plunged into grief. And a series of crimes rocks the village. Yet Monica must go on, as a mother and a journalist and a woman of faith--who believes, even in her darkest hour, that the risks of love are worth taking.

A loving husband, two beautiful adopted sons, an amiable stepdaughter and the possibility of an addition to the family—Monica Brunetti has it all. But suddenly her idyllic life in a picturesque South African village unravels. Her boys respond to the siren call of America, and her husband's daughter may be leaving as well. Change might be easier to bear if only a baby were on the way....Then Monica's friend Francina, also threatened with an empty nest, sets off on what may be a fool's errand—or her household's salvation. Can Monica, too, find the faith and courage to reunite her family?

South African journalist Monica Brunetti had it all -- promising career, loving family, marriage-minded boyfriend. Then a life-changing encounter landed her in a hospital bed next to gregarious Ella Nkhoma, whose wit and caring challenged Monica's worldview. Their remarkable friendship would lead Monica far from the gated white suburbs, and toward a parting that left both women transformed -- and Monica the mother of two sons.