The novel focuses on the marriage of a middle class African-American, Celestial and Roy, who live in Atlanta, Georgia. their lives are torn apart when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a rape he did not commit. Roy is a young executive and Celestial is an artist on the brink of an exciting career but as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood best friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy's time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that ahs been her center. After five years, Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together. This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look in to the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control.