The Ebb Tides of Innocence

Carly Morton, single and middle-aged, is sophisticated, well-traveled, forthcoming and tough-minded. Maria Boggs is a recent high school graduate: shy, sheltered, anxious, empathetic and innocent. Together, over time they will form a friendship that transcends generational boundaries of life-style, values, beliefs, behaviors, historical events, changing culture and personal experience.

In the northern California coastal town of Crescent City, Morton, after thirty years as a master Chief in the Coast Guard has been forced into retirement and is recovering from mission-related injuries. Leasing a cottage on the outskirts of town and now alone, her life is on hold as she labors to regain her mobility and pursue a new path after decades of service in the Guard.

In June of 2022, in the aftermath of the tragic Covid pandemic, Maria Boggs is working full-time at a local supermarket when she notices a want ad on the community bulletin board for a Saturday housekeeper, Currently, without transportation and desperately in need of cash to get her car repaired, Maria answers the the ad.

Emerging after an awkward beginning, Carly soon acquires an ongoing interest in Maria's personal development when the young woman innocently reveals, "My mother never prepared me for life." After that admission, the Coast Guard veteran finds she's unavoidably committed to enhancing Maria's learning, self-esteem, confidence and future goals.

An intriguing group of supporting characters: her first boyfriend, two single-parents and a few other colorful actors play an essential role in the plot.