When Dr. Jamie Frothington embarks on a service trip to Liberia, he isn't prepared for the horrors of death and pain. The terrible effects of the highly contagious Ebola virus send his mind into the past as he relives the heartless murder of his parents. Drowning the pieces of his shattered heart in gin, Jamie allows his demons to take over.

The undeserving target of his angst is his colleague, Nurse Sarah Ellison. Despite emotional turmoil, Jamie's busted heart finds a way to fall in love with Sarah—and she with him. Their newfound relationship is severely challenged, though, when they are forced at knifepoint into the blistering heat of the African desert by terrorists.

Sarah, an eternal optimist, finds her positive attitude impossible to sustain, especially when the local terrorist's ruthless son threatens both her life and virtue. Jamie's weakened body and faltering heart may cost him everything, including the woman he loves. He is on a pain-filled tragic trajectory that will end in death if he cannot find hope in the depths of despair and hold on to the warmth of Sarah's love.