The war in Europe still rages in 1918. Carrie's work with convalescing soldiers continues. The Belgian refugees have returned to their homeland, leaving behind a request for her to visit when the war is over, one she readily accepts. The day of Arnold's funeral has passed, much to Carrie's relief, but her mind still conjures with the knowledge she holds about the gold and diamond Star of David pin found near Arnold's body. Someone killed him, and until she knows who, she will not rest, even though she had no love for Arnold because of his treatment of her and her son, John.

She knows the Star of David is a symbol of the Jewish faith, and remembers her first love and John's father, Johan, wearing a pin on his lapel, yet cannot bring it to mind enough to challenge him.

And then there is the disappearance of her sister Elsie. Her little daughter, Rose, pines for her. Carrie has run out of answers, and is left only with many questions as to why, if Elsie is safe and sound, she would not have let them know and ensured Rose's safety. 

The drama of the war still plays out in Europe and beyond, yet unknown to all of them, another enemy is about to make itself known in the most devastating way, and will challenge Carrie and her family more than they ever thought possible.