Alison Wells has built a successful career lecturing in women's studies at a university in Perth, Australia. When her life unexpectedly falls apart, she decides to escape to the coastal town of Bellbird Bay on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Neil Simpson loves teaching and his position as principal at a prestigious boy's school in Brisbane. But when scandal rocks the school, and he learns his father's health is failing, he believes he has no choice but to return to Bellbird Bay, the town where he grew up. Determined not to be a burden to her brother and his new partner, Ali is considering her options when her life and Neil's collide. Having avoided commitment all her life, Ali is unprepared for the force of her attraction to the man who is trying to come to terms with the upheaval to his own life. At fate conspires to keep them apart, can these two build a new future together; can this small town work its magic on the two lost souls?