Maine lobsterman Frank Slater spirals to a new low after a drunk-driving accident lands him in Cardinal House, a yearlong recovery program for hard-core drug addicts in fictional Samuelton, Maine. Convinced that his primary struggle lies in the guilt he bears for the tragic deaths of his parents and younger brother, rather than in alcohol itself, Frank doubts that the program can provide any solutions to alter his sorrowful path. Nevertheless, he's determined to do whatever it takes to graduate and return to his beloved Cobb Island.

Frank forms a deep bond with Char, a fellow resident at Cardinal House, who offers him a fresh outlook on recovery and helps him navigate the program's numerous challenges, including its strict code of conduct. While minor infractions are common among Frank and the other residents, one major violation threatens to derail Frank's recovery journey. Can he overcome this obstacle and reach graduation, or will his contentious relationship with a key staff member condemn him to prison?

Cardinal House is an exploration of the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of friendship, and the transformative influence of community support. The novel's gripping narrative provides a raw and honest examination of the struggles involved in overcoming addiction and the journey toward a new beginning.