Book summary
A romp in old Florida with a lady pioneer who steals hearts but ignores her own. Take a look from a past perspectives at the decades which shaped a once deserted tropical paradise and the woman who played her hand there.
Chapter 1 summary
In this chapter of the book, set in 2004, we meet the resilient Aida Mae as she contemplates staying on her beloved Anna Maria Island despite a mandatory evacuation order due to an approaching hurricane. As the storm draws nearer, Aida Mae reflects on her close friendship with Bonnie, who has already left for safety with her family. Aida Mae's determination to remain in her home, the changing landscape of the island, and her deep connection to its history and her own roots are central to the unfolding story. With the suspense building and the island's fate hanging in the balance, this chapter sets the stage for a compelling tale love, history, and survival in the face of nature's fury.
Chapter 2 summary
In this chapter, Peggy recalls the painful experience of giving birth to her daughter, Aida Mae, during a hurricane in 1921. Her neighbor, Francis, assists in the delivery, and despite the chaos of the storm, the baby is born healthy. Peggy wonders why her husband, Joe, hasn't returned with the other men from the waterfront after securing their boat. When they finally venture outside after the storm passes, they discover that the hurricane has caused immense destruction to their village, Cortez.