Shelly Neill's life was one of comfort and accomplishment. Born into wealth, she had become a well-respected doctor in her community, and she loved her profession. Her medical ideals were not met, however, by Dr. Ross Doran and his group of physicians. Their shady practices, right in her own hospital, caused Shelly much concern. And it didn t help when she met their latest member the attractive Brett Tanner.
She had reason to doubt his surgical treatment of one of her patients, but could not argue with him and cope with her growing feelings of warmth toward him.
In addition to Shelly's problems at work, the peace in her own home was being threatened. For, living with her were her younger sister, Lisbeth, and her niece, five-year-old Wendy. Years ago Shelly had encouraged Lisbeth to leave her husband, Heath, and "return to the fold." But now Heath had returned to claim his daughter.
Unable to protect either her sister or her niece, Shelly could not even find comfort in her old friendship with Bill Nugent, a psychiatrist. He disapproved of her over protectiveness of Lisbeth, whose growing irresponsibility toward Wendy was beginning to cause Shelly distress. Yet, in time of crisis, Shelly is forced to face the truth that she could not control the lives of those she loved."