内容简介：
Lauren Marlowe, a young American woman, is working in South Africa when she becomes the victim of a violent attack that exposes her to the HIV virus. The nightmare of abduction and assault strengthens her resolve to complete a project helping AIDS orphans. Her situation is complicated as she falls in love with a South African man. In California, shocking secrets emerge as Laurenas family copes with the death of their patriarch. Her predicament further tests their tolerance of each otheraand their differing religious beliefsawhen bio-ethical issues arise regarding birth and death. In the turmoil, lifelong jealousies and animosity erupt. Some of the characters become victims of events through circumstances beyond their control; others are victims of their own prejudice.