After a family tragedy leaves her baffled at the nature of the human psyche, Lainey Hart decides to become a therapist. But while working to help others learn to acknowledge their own repressed feelings and experiences, she begins to unravel a poignant tale that illuminates the surprising depth of interpersonal connection.

Beginning with her own story of family betrayal, Lainey has set out to help others overcome their emotional issues and mental illness. Many of her patients, it turns out, are HIV positive, so she decides to form a circle for women whose lives have been touched by the disease. In the process, Lainey discovers that, regardless of class, race, religion, or culture, serious health issues such as this have a way of removing all social boundaries.

Joining Lainey in her efforts are Lisa Quinn, her best friend, and Remington Parker, who provides security-and who may have much more in common with Lainey than they ever could have imagined. Soon the story begins to unravel, bringing surprising secrets to light and culminating in a shocking climax. But despite its themes of tragedy, healing, therapy, and intrigue, The Circle at its core is all about love.