In one day successful city lawyer, Laura Gibson's world falls apart. Laura grabs at a position as magistrate in a small coastal town and with two bewildered kids in tow sets off to change their lives forever.

Laura's first days in Pearl Bay are a far cry from life in the city she has left behind. As the new magistrate she flounders, ill-equipped to deal with the idiosyncrasies of local residents.

Meredith's niece, Carmen, breezes into town and announces she's not only pregnant but also facing criminal charges for obtaining goods by deception as a restaurant reviewer.

Laura's puzzled by the town's attempts to guide her judgement when faced in court by an admired resident who turns out to have a very shady past.

Laura's sister, Trudi, visits Pearl Bay to heal the rift caused by her affair with Jack. Her attention is diverted to Dan who may well fall for her charm as every other male in town appears to have.