Irini Triantafillou is a damaged nineteen the first time she falls in love with Kostas Andreou, former bad boy, future Greek Orthodox priest. Kostas is about to step onto a celibate path, and Irini is desperate and determined to escape her home village to pursue the education her mother doesn't want her to have. Friendship is their consolation prize, until tragedy rips even that small hope away from them.
Ten years later, a horrific crime brings Irini-now a psychologist-and Kostas together again, giving them an opportunity to rekindle their friendship ... and their feelings. And then Irini is presented with a shocking choice, and once again, she finds herself one rumor away from banishment-from her family and from the village that was her childhood home.