At the close of 1903, Rebecca has been caring for her mother who has terminal cancer. She lives with her father, a medical doctor, who encourages her to get out of the house to attend a New Year's Eve dance. While away, her mother dies unexpectedly even though her death has been eminent. Her father decides to move back to his hometown. Rebecca struggles to adjust to her new life and meets Rupert who she marries, and they begin their family. Rupert is called away to WWI. This is a quiet novel about grief and family. It moves slowly because it is a contemplative novel of Rebecca's life which is touched by deep sorrow. There are unexpected events that move the plot. I enjoyed this read.