1980's

Lynn Forster's father died 2 months ago, leaving her in control of his art restoration business (she used to assist him with the less complicated work) and their apartment (although she won't be able to afford it soon). So she's excited to get her first solo job, working for Brett Sackville at La Casa Espagnole.

Bethan Steele is a relief society nurse who was recently caught in an explosion in Beirut. Her friend was killed and Bethan was sent back to England for recovery, and although her wounds are now mended she's sort of got PTSD so her boss insists that she can't be sent back into the field.

Gwen Shaughnessy is a 20 year old student in Vancouver, Canada, studying business and working herself to the bone with two part time jobs trying to earn some money to pay down the hospital debts that are being accumulated by her family in Toronto

Deborah Linton has just had her heart broken, having fallen for a man who was just looking for a good time, ignoring his warnings not to take him seriously, so she heads to Venice for a restorative vacation.  Only right away she goes out for a stroll in the mist the first night, almost gets accosted by two teens and is saved by Matthew Tyrell. 

Sara Barclay's fiancé was killed in the car accident that crippled her brother, Sam, and left him widowed.  Since that time she's lived only for her neice, Carly, and her brother - so when he brother announces that he is purchasing a house in the country naturally Sara will accompany him.

Charlotte Spencer unknowingly meets her new competion when she steals his parking space.  She is an estate agent in a small town in England, having taken over the business 6 years ago when her father became ill,

Jolian Michaels is a single woman in Boston making her living as a jewelry designer and volunteering part time at a Reachout Hotline for runaways.  Only she gets personnaly involved when Jem McKay phones sounding far more well-educated than the typical runaway, and asks her to pass on a message to his father...She does and in so doing gets caught up in the persona of Fletch McKay.