Bernard Doyle, a Boston politician, is the father of a biological son and two adopted African-American brothers. When a woman pushes one brother out of the way of a speeding car, questions arise about her connection to the family. While the woman is hospitalized, the Doyles shelter her 11-year-old daughter and forge a bond with the girl.

The nature of family in all its forms is at the center of this novel. Politics, responsibility to others in society, adoption, religion and a belief in an afterlife are also important themes. While it does feel incredible that so much could happen to a family in a 24-hour period, the characters are interesting and the novel kept my interest. 3.5 stars.