Parent-Child Relationships

There are multiple parent-child relationships in this novel. The first is the obvious one between Laura Templeton and her daughters, Ali and Kayla. Kayla is a sweet, open child and at only eight years old, she seems a great deal more perceptive than some of the adults around her. Kayla is aware that her father is an unkind man incapable of loving those closest to him. At the same time, Kayla falls in love with Michael at first sight, making it clear that Michael is not the bad guy that Ann Sullivan is convinced that he is. At the same time, Ali is a moody, difficult child who openly blames her mother for the divorce between Laura and Peter. This causes a great deal of friction that only adds to the difficulties Laura has had in adjusting to life after ten years of marriage. However, Ali comes...