When Ray and Georgia McKenna-Nye are killed in a horrific car crash, leaving their daughter Keefer Kathryn an orphan, the couple's respective families both believe they are the right people to raise the girl, and consequently file for custody.

This book is essentially about the events surrounding the ensuing legal process which will decide Keefer's future.

The paternal family, meanwhile, are the Nyes, born again Christians living in Florida who, though much more financially better off than the McKennas, do not appear to be as close.

The final chapter of the book catches up with Keefer as a ten-year-old, and she narrates the events of the intervening years.

Delia's daughter, Alex, goes to live with her father, while Craig raises Hugh with Gordon's help and advice, and the two become good friends.