Nineteen long years after Ralph and Meggie's heavenly union in the sun-kissed Matlock Island, Cardinal Ralph de Bricassart returns to Drogheda, in December 1954. For the first time, Ralph meets Meggie's beautiful grown-up children: the free-spirited young woman and aspiring actress, Justine, and her deeply pious brother who wants to join the clergy, Dane. Against all logic--and even though both Ralph and the unattainable object of his desire struggle to suppress their deep feelings for each other--the attraction is irresistible. However, once more, Meggie stands powerless before God's will, utterly unable to comprehend His mysterious ways, and the tragedy that befell the Clearys. All her life, Meggie waged war against God. Is she punished for loving?
—Nick Riganas