Nineteen-year-old Lisa arrives with her husband Andy by boat at the New York harbor on September 18, 1950, ready to cut the ties to her fatherland: Germany. She encounters a new family, different customs, strange accentsaa new world: Detroit. A month later, twins are born. Two months later, a knock on the door. Andyas brother. Police. Armed robbery. Prison. Another baby daughter. In 1954, the family settles in California. Plenty of sunshine, ocean waves, miles of desert sands. They buy a track house with a large yard. Another baby, this time a son. A new job. Growth. Success. Camping, travel, parties. The ties unravel. Excess alcohol shatters dreams. Ties tangle. Black clouds cover the bliss of home. Stormy winds blow. The marriage cracks. Divorce. An unexpected grandchild. The twins start college. One is kidnaped. Fear. Prayers. Pain. A four-day trial. Pain turns into rage. Finally forgiveness. Peace and love return.