When is a gift not a gift? Nan Patterson has an impressive job at Pizzazz magazine in NYC. Her mother and father are so proud of her, but she hates it. God, help! And He does. Great-aunt Char leaves Nan her gift shop on the boardwalk in Seaside, NJ. Nan quits NYC, moves to Seaside, and determines to learn retail. If only someone would stop leaving really nice items like Wedgwood vases and Christmas ornaments at her store. Who is leaving them and what is she to do with them? This time she calls the police for help, and is more than pleased with the officer sent to her aid. Officer Roger Eastman responds to a call about thievery at Present Perfect, a gift shop on the boardwalk, only to find its leavery, not thievery, gifts left with no explanation. As he works to resolve the leavery, he finds himself drawn into life at Present Perfect, and drawn to Nan with her strength and charm. When thievery does strike, Nan and Rog work together to bring the thief to justice.