When everything around her falls apart, Lily Carella abandons her old life and runs for her life.

Finding her way to sleepy little Hope Valley, she impulsively decides to stay and takes on a job in the local diner.

Short of funds, living in a tiny apartment, and still scared, Lily grits her teeth and makes the best of her situation. Gradually, she makes new friends, semi-adopts a timid pup called Nameless, and starts to feel at home—but Mike Agnew's interest in her has her worried. She can't afford for anyone to find out about her past: it's too dangerous for them.

Then a late-night phone call from an old friend threatens her newfound peace, and Lily has to make a decision—should she take her new friends into her confidence and stay, or run again?

Mike and her new friends vow they will not let Lily become a victim again. Mike, particularly, has earned a special place in Lily's heart.

Can she really start again—or should she quietly slip away to protect the people she has come to trust in Hope Valley?