Marsdale, a tranquil and secluded village nestled in a distant dale within England’s picturesque Lake District, stands as a testament to timelessness. This profoundly spiritual and insulated community has preserved its way of life for generations. However, the year 1936 brings about the winds of change when Jack Ligget, a representative from the bustling industrial city of Manchester, steps into Marsdale with plans to construct a new reservoir, igniting fears of transformation in this idyllic hamlet.

His arrival marks the beginning of a fervent and tumultuous relationship with Janet Lightburn, a local woman of fervor and resolute spirit, known for her deep religious convictions. Their liaison is fraught with intensity and conflict, inevitably leading to public outrage, heartbreak, and acts of extraordinary desperation and resolve.