Many of Catherine Cookson’s novels became bestsellers throughout the world which made her one of the most popular contemporary women novelists.

           Her name was Hannah Boyle, but to the people of the village she ould always be "The Girl"–Matthew Thornton’s bastard.
Savagely treated by Matthew’s wife Anne, she fled for protection to the devil-may-care horse-dealer, Ned Ridley, who had earlier befriended her. But, as the waif grew to beautiful womanhood, she became an object of desire to the local young men, even to her half-brother.

          Married off to a gross, sensual man, Hannah kept on fighting for the man she wanted: Ned Ridley, who adored her and taught her the meaning of love and passion…