An editor of romance novels goes to a cottage for the summer, taking her daughter and son-in-law. As she pencils scenes of romantic bliss she realizes the son-in-law is cheating on his wife, just as her ex-husband cheated on her. A story with a violent end.

Matthew Halland is an architect, intimately involved with the new face of the city, while haunted by earlier times of destruction and loss in its history. Although he is divorced and lonely, Matthew has a rich and moving relationship with his daughter Jane. She offers a fresh perspective on love, loss, and even the city of London. Matthew becomes entangled with an array of fascinating characters, from Rutter, a corrupt real estate developer whose...