This is a splendid adaptation of Catherine Cookson's 1950s-era novel.

It centers around rich, strong-willed Vanessa Ratcliffe (Emilia Fox) and poor, ambitious Angus Cotton (Ben Miles). Vanessa and Angus are good friends despite her snobbish parents' objections. When Vanessa becomes pregnant, Angus is wrongfully accused and Vanessa's life begins to fall apart. Angus comes to her rescue but the events that bring them together also threaten to tear them apart. It is a wonderful, heartwarming story of love, revenge, ambition and the determination to succeed against the odds.