Catherine Cookson's The Tide of Life

Tide of Life follows the fortunes of young housekeeper, Emily Kennedy, as she learns about relationships with three very different men. Forced from home of her first employer, Sep McGilby after his plans to marry her come to tragic end, Emily finds work as housekeeper for farmer, Larry Birch.

Emily is finding life as a housekeeper with her new employer uncomfortable. She falls in love with Famer Birch who is already married to a sickly woman. Hostile villagers are turning against the family, and a ghost is haunting the house.

Birch is now living with Emily, but he is depressed and appears to be turning to drink.