Seven strangers converge in Smithtown. Among them are a monk, an abbot, a teacher, a preacher, and three women. Their backgrounds come to light, alternatively, as the life of each is described from childhood to the present time. In the course of the novel, told from the files and investigations of a lawyer, they, are forced to touch and be touched by each other. Love clashes with hypocrisy, discrimination, abuse, ignorance, intolerance, greed and deception. Nellie Miller, who grew up in a small town hopes to find fulfillment in a lesbian relationship and moves to the big city to pursue professional success and gain acceptance. She gives birth to a girl with congenital difficulties. Her relationship falters but the love for her daughter Celia keeps her life in balance. When tragedy, by way of a deadly car accident, hits, her life and those of the other major characters intersect with devastating results. The author introduces each character in turn and then, like a juggler with balls, alternates back and forth until they reach Smithtown and their own personal crossroads.