In the small Oregon town of Hutcherson, Emma Anderson is a complete misfit. Artistically gifted but prone to slipping off into her fantasy world, her only friend is her older brother, Trey. After an accident kills both of their parents, Trey takes charge of raising Emma. When Trey marries, the siblings' happiness is hampered by Trey's wife. A series of painful misfortunes drags Emma to the edge of the abyss. Fortunately for her, Jeremy Greiner, the great grandson of the local "witch," is there to rescue and protect her when she hits rock bottom, and sticks by her through her worst ordeal. The Secret Place chronicles a young woman's passage through the dark world of incest, rape, and mental illness, emerging on the other side a whole, strong individual.