Trails in the Sand follows environmental writer Caroline Carlisle as she reports on endangered sea turtles during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. As she delves into the story, she uncovers secrets about the past that threaten to destroy her family unless she can heal the hurts from a lifetime of lies. Her journey reveals the truth behind mysteries that have plagued her family for three generations. Lost journals, a fake tablecloth, and nesting sea turtles lead her to discover why her uncle committed suicide, why her sister developed anorexia, and why her mother only wanted acceptance from those she loved. Caroline and her husband Simon discover love lasts despite decades of separation when he was married to Caroline's sister. Caroline's niece Jodi, caught in the crossfire of family tensions and lies, struggles to find a way to forgive the past so she can move into the future. Trails in the Sand explores the struggles to restore balance and peace, in nature and in a family, as both head to disaster. Through it all, the ancient sea turtle serves as a reminder that life moves forward despite the best efforts to destroy it.