Celia Trevarwith faces a life of isolation and emotional deprivation at Storm Castle until the arrival of a mysterious Frenchman disrupts her status quo. Following the death of her father, Celia navigates a hostile domestic environment dominated by her manipulative step-mother. Her objective is to secure personal happiness and authentic connection, which she finds in the enigmatic Paul Manton. The narrative follows her internal and external conflicts as she attempts to reconcile her growing affection for Paul with the reality of his hidden identity and the societal pressures of the Second World War era.

Readers often identify this work as a classic example of mid-century romantic fiction characterized by its dramatic atmosphere and emotional intensity. Discussion frequently centers on the gothic elements of the setting, which serve to heighten the protagonist's sense of entrapment and longing. Critics note that the pacing prioritizes the development of the central relationship over complex plot mechanics, reflecting the conventions of the genre during the period. Many readers highlight the contrast between the bleak, isolated environment of Storm Castle and the passionate nature of the central romance as a primary draw for the narrative.