The story begins with Alexis, a modern-day woman who embarks on a holiday with her boyfriend, hoping to create some major changes in not only her own life but her relationship as well. She has decided to go to Plaka in Crete, where her mother, Sofia, grew up. Her mother has always shrouded her past and refuses to speak of it, causing an aura of mystery that entices Alexis rather than push her away. Once her mother discovers her daughters plans, the most she can summons is a letter for Alexis to give to an old friend, someone who might explain things better than herself.

Upon arriving in Greece, Alexis decides to spend the day visiting with her mother's friend and thinks it's best to travel alone, since she will return shortly. What happens next turns in a family saga that spans lifetimes and Alexis' plans are thrown out the window.

Fortina, the friend that Alexis' mother referred her, starts to tell a story not only of her mother, but her grandmother and her great-grandmother. Each story is tied with the others, all are intertwined together. And the infamous island of Spinalonga, the island of the lepers, is at the heart of each story.

This was definitely a family-saga-style book. At almost 500 pages (480), it was not a quick read for me. Yet I did find myself visualizing the aqua-blue waters, the white-washed homes with the bright turquoise doors. The beautiful red flowers growing everywhere. It was a lot for the senses to take in, yet it was well-worth the time.