Publisher's Synopsis
With unerring insight and emotional power, Belva Plain, in her extraordinary
novel, tells the story of a family divided and of the proud matriarch who takes
a bold last stand to unite her warring children in what may be their last Homecoming.
It is a crisp December day when Annette Byrne walks to the end of her long,
curving driveway and drops five sealed envelopes into the mailbox, quickly,
before second thoughts stay her hand. Shortly thereafter, with the holidays
approaching, her estranged family will be gathered at her country estate for
the first time in years.
The sons. . . two brothers embittered by a breach of ethics, honor, and trust.
The grandchildren. . . one young couple on the verge of divorce; another, lovingly
united against the parents who have tarnished their lives. As the ill-fated meeting
hurtles toward a bitter and abrupt conclusion, not even Annette Byrne's indomitable
will can heal the rift--until a shattering event alters the landscape forever.
