Kevin Channing, the laid-back Chamber of Commerce person, is charming, subtle and very hospitable ... unlike Brann Havelock, the irascible point man for a development corporation bent on destroying the ambiance of Autumn's new home town. Together she and Kevin hatch a plan they hope will send Havelock & Co. on their way.

As Autumn struggles to turn the decayed store into a successful enterprise, she discovers a new talent in herself-- a gift for psychometry. Occasionally, through touch, an old item reveals its history to her, which she then relates to her customer. To her dismay, a few townspeople don't appreciate such revelations.

Meanwhile her attention seesaws between Kevin and Brann. Drawn to the security of Kevin's warmth, she puzzles over Brann's mesmerizing effect on her. At times they blend like old comrades or lovers, and sometimes he seems almost afraid of her.

Finally, guided by her psychic gift into the past, Autumn is led into the future. The Autumn in Cranky Otter series is a 20th century American family tapestry, woven of the love stories and luminous psychic threads binding four generations.