For Venus Stanton, the attractive young vicar of Turston, life could not be better. When she first came to this traditional parish, with its beautiful church and conservative congregation, many people found it hard to accept a woman priest. After a tricky start, however she is now accepted by most of her parishioners, even though some people cannot and will not recognize her.

To the delight and surprise of the parish, Venus is to marry Nigel, the doctor from the local practice. Her eleven-year-old daughter Becky, after some misgivings, has accepted the idea and there is a joyous ceremony at the church. Venus soon finds that marriage, motherhood and her priestly duties do not always go together…