The stony path - Rita Bradshaw

Growing up on a small, struggling farm on the outskirts of Sunderland in the early 1900s, Polly Farrow has a tough life, but she has gifts money can't buy - a joyful disposition and a loving heart that is reflected in her beautiful face. And her heart has been given to her beloved cousin, Michael, since childhood. They share a special bond, and Polly knows that one day they'll be man and wife. But a terrible family secret is to shatter her dreams for ever: Michael is her half-brother, the fruit of an incestuous relationship between her father, Henry, and his own sister - Michael's mother. The lovers are rent apart and Polly is left to bear the responsibility of the farm and her family single-handed - for her father kills himself, unable to face the world in his shame. Life is now a battle for survival, and Polly wonders if she will ever find true happiness, unaware that the answer to her prayers is closer than she thinks...