When Eva and Eddie Harper decide to move from their London home in Islington and escape to the country, they get more than they bargained for. Far from being the quiet country idyll they were expecting in the sleepy little village of Marsh Prior, They discover some surprising secrets. The villagers are mostly hostile toward them at first. All except the new village shop owner Karenza Mead, her beautiful spirited daughter Jess and the handsome local vet Mark Dwyer. Eva wants to adopt as many unloved animals as she can to fulfil her long held dream of giving the waifs and strays a loving home. Vet Mark Dwyer is only too willing to assist her, and the Harpers take charge of an adorable puppy Teddy, who is a Newfoundland dog. Mark's friendship with the Harpers blossoms along with his longing for the lovely Jess, who helps her mum run the village shop. The only stumbling block for Mark is Jess' avaricious estranged husband. Karenza Mead has returned to Marsh Prior where she was born after an absence of almost forty years. Why did she leave so hurriedly as a young girl and why did she feel compelled to return? What is the secret sorrow she is hiding from the ones she loves? As Eva and Eddie settle into their new lives, tragedies unfold and they are swept along and become caught up in an incredible tale of love and betrayal. For some there are happy endings. Others however, simply get what they deserve.