Complex sentence: In his absence, Kate and Phil fall in love, and when news reaches them that Pete was killed, they begin planning their lives together, as Phil prepares to assume the position of Deemster, the island's chief magistrate.
Split into simpler sentences: In his absence, Kate and Phil fall in love. When news reaches them that Pete was killed, they begin planning their lives together, as Phil prepares to assume the position of Deemster, the island's chief magistrate.