1913 Yorkshire, England

Beth Beaumont enjoys her life as a rhubarb farmer's daughter in West Yorkshire. Working on the family's stall selling the fruit and vegetables grown in their own fields gives her a sense of purpose and is healthier than working in a dangerous cotton mill.

Although not thinking of marriage, when Beth meets Noah Jackson, a village miner, she is suddenly very aware of Noah as a man who could change her mind. The summer brings the two closer and their feelings deepen while Noah studies hard to fulfill his dreams of becoming a teacher and securing a better life than his parents endure.

But, a disaster at the coal mine changes lives forever. Noah's plans are shattered. His love for Beth is put at risk, and he fears they can never find happiness together.

However, another man wants Beth. Louis Melville, the wealthy son of a local gentry family, is acutely aware of Beth's beauty and he wants her for himself. At first, he is willing to offer marriage, but when Beth turns him down in favour of Noah, Melville, furious to be denied, reeks revenge with devastating consequences.

Will Beth and Noah find the happiness they wish for or will overwhelming events break them apart?