Would-be artist Sarah Colebrook is caught up in the long haul of married life, raising children, working part-time, and trying to remain philosophical about the approach of her fortieth birthday. When she sets off for an old friend's housewarming bash, leaving husband and boys behind, she has little idea that the next twelve hours will change her life forever.
Under the heady influence of stimulating company, champagne and a little too much good living, Sarah makes one fatal error. There's no hiding it. Like ripples in a pond the story spreads outwards, reaching those who relish gossip and those who will be forced to lie in their turn.