Bella Ford is a young woman who is seduced then abandoned by Arch Wilson in late 19th century England. Pregnant, Bella wanders in search for her lover. She gives birth to a child, who dies. Bella then arrives as a homeless and friendless stranger in town in the Midlands.
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She is rescued and befriended by Ben Wainwright, a shoemaker, and his family. Bella is welcomed into the family and becomes like a daughter to them, especially after their own daughter dies. Ben and his wife have three sons, Jed, Matty and Con. Bella dallies with the each of the boys as they compete for her attention. The mother worries because she sees the discord Bella is causing within the Wainwright family. She predicts trouble. Con, who is not the brightest of the brothers, is willing to marry Bella. She accepts him. Bella sees a chance to start a new life.
On the Feast of July, a traditional festival in the area, celebrating the first crops of the new season, Bella's lover, Arch Wilson, reappears in her life. Con, who has a temper, is provoked into a confrontation when he learns of Bella's past history with Arch. Arch is unintentionally killed by Con. Con and Bella decide to flee from the law, but the story ends tragically.
The review of this Book prepared by L. Watson
