Helen Ames is drowning. Recently widowed and coping with loss and grief, her problems are compounded by a shocking discovery that her mild-mannered husband was apparently leading a double life. But at least he's left her financially secure...

Or has he?

Coming to terms with the fact that her retirement fund has been withdrawn without her knowing, Helen finds herself sinking even deeper. But with the help of Tessa - her beautiful, patient, twenty-seven-year-old daughter - and her host of straight-talking friends, she is forced to reassess what she knew about herself, being a mother, and what it really takes to make a home and a family.