Swansea, 1915. Ruth's fiercely religious father forbids her to marry her sweetheart David which breaks her heart. Instead of her sweetheart, David, Ruth's father forces her to marry the dour and self-righteous village pastor. David joins the army to escape his heartbreak. When he returns, David finds that Ruth has borne a son and that their tightly-knit community has begun to gossip, firing frightening murderous jealousy in her husband. Ruth must do whatever it takes to protect her baby.

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The only joy in 16-year-old Ruth's life in early-twentieth-century Wales is her love for David, the baker's son. But when David asks for permission to marry Ruth, her strict and pious father informs him that Ruth is promised to Edwin Allerton, their sanctimonious minister. Distraught, David joins the armed forces, and after he dies in the Great War, Ruth honors her parent's request and marries Edwin. Although it's a loveless union, Ruth is a good wife and, consequently, is horrified when she is accused of adultery and the parentage of her loved son is questioned. Melodrama abounds as Ruth is spurned by her family and the entire village. In this gentle, if emotionally powerful, tale, Madoc creates a memorable heroine and paints a vivid picture of small-town Welsh life, especially the misuse of the church's enormous power.

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