A tightly knit New Zealand community is in an uproar when sixteen-year-old Delia, a feisty and unapologetic girl who packs cow hearts at the local meat-packing plant, insists that she had group sex with spacemen. The town wonders if she's just trying to be more hip, more "American," with her claim of alien contact. But then two other girls - also pregnant - tell of similar experiences. Fueling the talk is a dead cow lying in the center of scorched, perfect circle in a nearby field.

The rumor mill goes into overdrive with the sudden appearance of Phillip, the mayor's handsome young nephew. Enchanted with Delia, he discovers the secrets behind her past and gradually uncovers other sinister goings-on in the town. Deeply smitten despite his findings, he helps Delia prepare for the coming - possibly extraterrestrial - baby.

In the end, McCarten reveals the sincere emotions of a town shaken by revelation and honesty, which have changed the community far more than the landing of a flying saucer ever could.