The main theme of this novel is that of recovery following the end of a long-term abusive relationship, and the resulting grief and guilt carried by the main character, Jenna Grey. Jacob Jordan’s death is the catalyst that causes Jenna to finally remove herself from a dangerous situation. Her journey to regain control of her life is a long and difficult process, helped along the way by people such as Bethan, Patrick, and the dog Beau. Not insignificantly, the setting of Wales plays a role as well. Author Mackintosh’s depiction makes Jenna’s recovery an active yet slow process; she participates in ways that show both her restoration back to the self she abandoned when she married Ian and a revelation of a new bravery that allows her to fight for what she wants.

After literally breaking herself into pieces by shattering the statue that Ian has maimed, the steps are small; Jenna relights a stove on her own. She writes her name on the sand and takes a picture of it, knowing it will be washed away but she will have a small memento. Then, she takes stronger action when she rescues Beau and adopts him and when she takes on a new profession, which requires her to move forward in different ways as well.