Celia Smalls, born in Charleston, SC, orphaned at six years old, raised by her grandmother until distant relatives take her to New York, refuses to return to Charleston. She suddenly begins having visions of slaves named Sudie and Hendry, and her deceased grandmother commanding her to return. She goes, but intends to be in Charleston only as long as it takes her to complete an assignment. However, she discovers the handwritten journal of a slave, which intensifies the visions that are now guiding her to a deeper understanding of her heritage. Charleston's atmosphere, which is steeped in history, adds a sense of being in another time and she meets Graylin Wilson, a life-long resident of Charleston, expert in slave history, and widower. He mentors her through her research and exploration of the city, and begins to fall in love with her. Her life is further complicated by an adoption she is trying to complete. Her faith in God and deep spiritual connections help to sustain her as all these circumstances twist and turn and interweave to a surprising conclusion.