The only thing the masses love more than a scandal is a sensation, and who needs the truth for either? Fleeing Philadelphia for the sanctuary of Beach Haven, spirited socialite Marguerite Thorp craves nothing more than the lure of her island, and fading into obscurity. She's about to be betrayed twice over. To her vexation, Marguerite catches the attention of an intrepid sea captain. Even civility is off the table as she resists him. But when tragedy strikes in the surf, her calloused heart is drawn to the alluring stranger. The trouble is, a suitor outside of the Philadelphia aristocracy is no suitor at all according to Marguerite's mother. As more victims are claimed by the sea, Marguerite and the rest of the summerites will be faced with questioning perception, and what they're willing to drown for.