For 13-year-old Sophie, spending the summer with her aunt and grandmother seems anything but exciting. After her parents' divorce, Sophie is left with her mother's family. Expecting the worst, she soon finds herself amazed by her surroundings. As a young adult growing up in the 1960s, Sophie has grown accustomed to racial segregation and discrimination, but these views are soon tested when she finds herself able to transport back to the times of slavery. With her tan skin, Sophie is mistaken for a slave.
In a what seems like a twist of fate, Ava Bingen, a young seamstress, comes to the court of Skyggehavn after she is cast out of her village. There, she witnesses the deception and treachery of powerful members of the king's court. A mysterious illness ravages the court, extending up to the royal family itself. Ava finds herself unwillingly pulled into the network of spies, which threatens her existence at the court. With her unlikely companion Midi, the mute nursemaid, Ava must tread carefully for her own survival.
In the midst of the turbulent 1960s and the Vietnam War, the young girls in Miss Renshaw's class have no idea what a simple outing to the gardens will bring them. What begins as a field trip ends as an unforgettable experience when their teacher never returns after their outing. The girls are left questioning the events of the afternoon and the significance of their teacher's disappearance. They struggle over telling the truth or remaining faithful to their promise to Miss Renshaw not to tell anyone about the mysterious cave where they last saw their teacher.
In the midst of World War II, Jayna, a young orphan, must piece together her family history after her beloved older brother enlists in the army. Her longing for a family counters her constant worry over her brother's safety, and Jayna finds herself losing hope. When she finds clues of her parent's past, Jayna discovers the possibility of finding a grandmother she has never known. Jayna, along with her turtle and an old family recipe book, endeavors to find her grandmother and reunite with her brother.
In just one afternoon, teenage violinist Aurora Lewis finds her familiar world turned upside down when she discovers that her violin teacher has been murdered. As she struggles to make sense of the tragedy, she also begins to uncover secrets she never knew about her old teacher. With her trusty band of actor friends, Aurora searches for clues that will lead her to the killer, even if it means going against her parents' wishes. Her sleuthing leads to encounters with shady characters, a world famous violinist, and a stubborn police chief.
