Annah Gulliver, heiress to the historic Gladstone Plantation in South Carolina, raised in old wealth and aristocracy, realizes her life is shallow. Her deceased husband's affair awakens her need for change. Weary from on-going battles with her three adult children over their inheritance, she flees to Florida with her humorous friend to find peace only to experience more travails. A man not of her social status enters her life causing her to struggle with a love she cannot deny. Annah finds solace on the Sea Islands with her maid's Gullah family, and through these relationships and unforeseen experiences, she acquires wisdom and strength. Upon returning home, she shocks her family and community with startling news.