Julia has been volunteering as a massage therapist at the nursing home where her beloved grandmother lives but because of money and new ownership must leave. 
There is where Matt's grandmother lives also and it's facing eviction and while Julia had all the love from hers, his was cold towards him though she raised him after his parents died. 

Matt is a very complicated character and for much of the book, I was kind of indifferent to him. (TW- lots of drug/booze use from him). Though he didn't deserve the hate/silence from his Grandmother. But I feel he was redeemed at the end and I came to care for him. 

In phone conversations, a journal, and the spotty memories of the two grandmas.. The past is slowly coming together. These two women have a history but because of their mental ailments it's hard to piece together. 

True to Kerry's books, this is full of drama, secrets, lies, love, and astonishing conclusions. Matt's journey takes some interesting turns as he tries to make it to California.