When tragedy befalls the townspeople of Candlewood, Emma Garrett opens her boardinghouse to those in need. But she's unprepared for the arrival of Lester and Orralynne Burke, siblings whose disagreeable nature puts them at odds with all the other guests. Emma's turmoil heightens when Zachary Breckenwith announces his plans to resign as her lawyer. Why would he desert her when the legal problems concerning Hill House are still unresolved? Had she been entirely mistaken about his romantic interest in her?