The story of Tess, daughter of a poor peddler, is one of heartbreak and sorrow, deception and indecency. When sent to live with a wealthy family, the D'Urbervilles, who are not who they appear to be, Tess endures many hardships and abuse, while trying to make a fortune with the family to whom she believes she is related to. The abuse leads to her getting pregnant by a man named Alec. Upon this discovery Tess returns home to her family, but more misfortune is set to befall her after the birth of her illegitimate child.

Back home, she is able to find work and happiness as a milkmaid, and even discovers her true love, but her secrets come back to haunt her; and Angel, her lover, cannot forgive her past. Even though they have been married, he leaves for Brazil warning her not to come after him. Her past comes back to haunt Tess after her husband leaves, and more trouble befalls her family, forcing her back into the arms of her abuser.

Angel finally returns, ready to forgive Tess, who is wrapped up in an affair she fears she will never get out of. She finally is able to do the unthinkable, but will Angel forgive her sins again? The story will take the listener on a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists as Tess's fate is determined.