Cirrus@Austlit

'Ridge Hill starts in 1848, when preparations are under way for Annie Gibson's wedding to Bilsden's wealthy millowner, Frederick Hallam. But not everyone is as pleased as Annie and Frederick about the match.

Frederick's daughter, Beatrice, is horrified at the prospect of an attractive young stepmother arriving at the house on Ridge Hill. Even Annie's own family feels threatened by Frederick's wealth and position. The only person who seems pleased by the match is Tom, Annie's brother, who's afraid of no one.

Soon, however, real troubles begin to pile up for the Gibsons. Tom's happiness is jeopardised by the news that he is father to a child he never knew about. Annie's son William, is devastated to find out that his real father is not the man who brought him up. And even Annie's joy is not untarnished, because someone has uncovered the secrets she has fought so hard to keep hidden.' (Publisher's blurb)