Hattie is an 18-year-old girl who resides on Holland Island, a remote and picturesque community in Maryland. It's a tight-knit fishing village that thrives on harvesting oysters and crabs from the bountiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

However, the future of the island is plagued by the alarming effects of erosion and the ever-increasing sea levels. Hattie yearns for a life beyond the confines of the diminutive island.

However, her aspirations take an unexpected turn when she falls for a local oysterman. Their love is put to the test as they navigate through the adversities posed by war, the Spanish flu, and treacherous weather, all of which threaten their idyllic life on the island.

Fast forward to 1982, Hattie's granddaughter, Eden, mirrors her grandmother's age at 18 and is captivated by the curiosity surrounding her ancestor's past and the unique life on the island. Joined by her best friend, Eden embarks on a journey to explore the now uninhabited island, hoping to unearth clues that shed light on her heritage.

As the reader delves into the narrative, they will be transported through time, oscillating between 1917 and 1982. The story beautifully unfolds, weaving together themes of love, beauty, and tragedy that are deeply rooted in the enigmatic allure of the Chesapeake Bay.