Dicey Tillerman faces the harsh realities of independent adulthood when her fledgling boat-building business is threatened by a manipulative and predatory dealer. Having finally found a sense of stability, Dicey must now navigate the complex financial and emotional demands of running a shop while protecting her autonomy from those who seek to exploit her youth and inexperience. The narrative follows her struggle to balance her professional ambitions with the lingering responsibilities of her family, forcing her to confront the limitations of her own self-reliance. Through a grounded, third-person perspective, the story examines the transition from adolescence to the unforgiving world of adult commerce.

This novel is widely regarded as a poignant conclusion to the Tillerman cycle, effectively shifting the focus from childhood survival to the complexities of adult responsibility. Readers often note the stark, unvarnished portrayal of Dicey's struggle, which avoids easy resolutions in favor of a more nuanced look at character growth. The book is frequently praised for its commitment to realistic stakes, particularly in how it handles the protagonist's vulnerability in the face of professional exploitation. It stands as a significant entry in the series for its refusal to romanticize the transition into the adult world, leaving a lasting impression through its grounded and honest narrative voice.