Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, all Elise Parker wants is a normal childhood, but with her mother, it's impossible. As Elise struggles to free herself from the bondage of her mother's chains, she meets people along the way who bring her hope and love and help. Will their influence be enough to help her conquer her circumstances? And what are the dark forces that seem to threaten her no matter where she goes...? Rob Wright has it all. He lives in Bayport, New Jersey, a wealthy town along the Bayshore. The girls think he's sweet but shy; he's incredibly artistic, and he's certainly athletic enough. His parents are great, and his older brother improves with age. But he has so many questions, and even his parents don't know all the struggles that go through his mind, or his secret hopes and dreams. The only place he really feels like himself is on the open water of the Raritan Bay or the quiet backwaters of the local marsh. Will Rob find answers in the secretive marsh? And will Elise be able to leave her past behind? How many drops of grief does it take to become who they are meant to be?