While visiting Ireland to evaluate a potential marriage proposal, Julia Probyn Jamieson discovers a clandestine land development scheme threatening the local coastal landscape. Julia, a former British Intelligence operative, seeks to integrate her young son into the life of her Irish suitor, Gerald O'Brien. As she navigates the social expectations of rural Ireland, she encounters a suspicious land acquisition project involving an American associate and a local poet. The narrative follows Julia as she utilizes her investigative background to uncover the motives behind the proposed hotel and casino, balancing her personal romantic considerations with the protection of the community's environmental integrity.

Readers frequently highlight the balance between the romantic courtship plot and the investigative mystery elements. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to render the Irish setting with precision and atmospheric detail. Critics note that the prose reflects the author's background in the diplomatic community, providing a specific social lens through which the characters interact. Many readers appreciate the focus on the protagonist's professional competence as she navigates both personal and public challenges.