Thirty years after Vincent’s disappearance, Regina’s daughters, Gillian and Sally, are growing up in Forestville, California. Gillian is daring and whimsical, while Sally is more cautious and responsible. Regina is a successful artist and has married Daniel, a fisherman and guide on the Russian River. Their grandmother, April, recently died of a venomous-spider bite. Regina seems inconsolable, so Daniel takes her out onto the Russian River for a second honeymoon. However, the couple end up dying in a lightning-related fire.

Sally takes charge to ensure that she and Gillian can stay together by calling up Frances and Jet, the women April recommended they call if anything happened. They move to Massachusetts, ill-clad in their light California clothes. At first glance, Aunt Jet seems homely, while aunt Frances appears rude and scary. However, the aunts lead the girls on a journey of discovery, as Frances reveals that she and Sally share the talent for attracting birds, and she tells them about their grandfather Vincent.