In his late twenties, only child of a mother widowed in the war, Ewan Mathieson has found happiness in a loving family of his own until, in 1963, this is shattered by the actions of a criminal. Against the advice of family and friends, he takes up an unexpected opportunity to leave London for life in a remote highland croft.
Facing the demands of acquiring different skills, fitting in with new people, coping with bereavement and feelings of loyalty to his late wife, he meets two women. Both Cat and Sally will have an impact on him over the next few months. Separately, an old friend suggests the possible identity of the criminal responsible for his loss and whom the Police may suspect, but have no evidence against.
Over a period of eighteen months, after beginning to establish a new life and to start to come to terms with his suffering, he can see a future, even love, ahead. But a link to that seminal issue of his past arrives, unexpected, on his new doorstep. Surely lightning will not strike twice? Or will he suffer another tragic coincidence?