Catherine Cookson's A Dinner of Herbs

When Hal Roystan's father is killed by farmer Dan Bannaman, young Roddy and his father become Bannaman's next victims after they witness him burying the body. Roddy survives but is orphaned and forges a friendship with Hal and local girl Mary Ellen.

Now young adults, the three remain friends, although Roddy seems unaware of Mary Ellen's feelings for him, while Hal hides his feelings for her. Bannaman plans a brutal attack to get rid of Hal and Roddy for good.

Roddy starts art school and gains wealthy patrons in the Cottles, who invite him to London. As Mary Ellen tries to entice Roddy to stay, Hal is obsessed with avenging his father's death, and both may take their quests too far.

With his father's killers out of the way, Hal looks to the future. Roddy continues his affair with Madeleine Cottle and celebrates his first solo exhibition at a top London gallery. Mary Ellen insists that Hal not tell Roddy about her pregnancy.

Twenty-five years later, Hal and Mary Ellen are happily married with a large family, including Roddy's daughter, Kate. After being jilted at the altar, Kate finds a new love-but a shocking connection to the past may derail the couple's future.

Kate is afraid to introduce her parents to Ben in case they discover he is Martha Bannaman's son. When the truth finally comes out, a furious Hal confronts the couple, with tragic ramifications.