Summer of Light introduces Mick Brannigan, a thirty-something construction worker. After a bizarre accident, circumstances beyond his control force him out of his role as a respected tradesman and into the ignominious position of a stay-at-home dad. Wife Layne returns to a law firm, and she chafes at their role reversal--partly because she'd rather be the one staying home, but mainly because she's not at all confident that he is up to the task of training and shaping the character of their three young children. Mick dives in to manage the house and children, five acres of land, and a menageric of animals including a goat and a diabolically intelligent dog, and he and Layne discover new depth and truths about what's important in life.