Just after the Civil War, 1865.Friendship. Deception. Passion. Obsession. Love. What else can one summer hold?Julia Wescott, a head-strong and independent widow, is happily married to her work as a healer throughout the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Despite the occasional drama entailed with helping vacationers and locals, Julia is able to maintain a life of peace and balance.That is, until a handsome stranger with alluring eyes and a seductive smile makes an uninvited visit to Julia's secluded cabin. She should have listened to her instincts and stayed clear of Edwin Wolfe, but when her two best friends dare Julia to find answers regarding this man with a questionable past, she has little choice but to play along with his flirtatious advances. To Julia's dismay, the game between her and Edwin is more exciting than she could have ever imagined, and somewhere along the way she risks breaking her own rule, never fall in love. Should she settle back into her comfortable life of predictability?In the midst of Julia's dilemma, something unimaginable happens, leaving her without the freedom to choose. Julia's life transforms into a battle of wit and survival. Will Julia's faith be enough to keep her hope alive?