Langston Braverman finds herself back home ten years after leaving Haddington to pursue a career as an academic. Romantic Literature qualifications and philosophical digressions don't hold much weight in Haddington though, and Langston's mother forces her into the role of carer for two suddenly orphaned little girls, daughters of her childhood friend Alice. Amos Townsend, the local preacher, has his doubts about Langston's suitability. But is he, suffering a crippling crisis of faith, any better placed to act as the girl's spiritual counselor? The four embark on a moving and funny emotional journey that might just be the biggest leap of faith any of them has ever taken.