In part one Kate is confused and overwhelmed about her parents' divorce. Her teacher gives the class an assignment to research and write aobut a historical event, person or place in Riverdale. Kate chooses the Franklin Manor where she lives with her Mom. Her classmate Rose finds information about a fire that left Kate's Gran an orphan. Kate sets this information aside until she has completed her assignment. As Kate continues her research, she finds her Great Aunt Rebecca's journal. She stumbles across a link between the Franklin's and her family. What is that link? How does it affect Kate?

In Part two Kate and her mom spend the summer at her Gran's farm. Kate helps her Mom sort through the items hoarded over the years. She finds old journals written by her Great, Great Grandmother. Old treasures turn up in unexpected locations. A rift has developed between Kate and her dad. She doesn't accept that he has a girlfriend who he intends to marry. Will Kate find all the family secrets? Will she resolve her issues with her dad?