Lucia Vail, an American, has come to Bloodrose House for what she hopes will be a peaceful visit, so that she can write her book--and recover from a very unhappy divorce. Instead, Lucia becomes involved in a most unsettling mystery.

The elegant English home--named for the flaming mantle of flowers that cling to its facade--has a disturbing past that has left many unanswered questions. Why will no one in the village talk about the late mistress of Bloodrose House, Helen Farr? Why does Tony Farr hesitate to enter the house? And are the ominous cries in the night real--or only Lucia's imagination?

Lucia's awareness of something unexplained begins to hover like a gathering cloud...leading her toward a stunning secret...and the tender promise of her most passionate desires.