Pregnant, abandoned by her lover, and desperate, Helen boards a train heading west. She meets Patrice, a happy young expectant mother whoâs traveling with her husband, Hugh, to meet his family for the first time. Patrice lets Helen try on her wedding-bandâjust before the train crashes, killing Patrice and Hugh. Thinking Helen is their widowed daughter-in-law, Hughâs family welcomes her into their rich and loving home. For the first time, Helenâs life is goodâuntil her ex-lover comes to town with blackmail on his mind.
The films Jâai Ă©pousĂ© une ombre (1983) and No Man of Her Own (1950) starring Barbara Stanwyck are based on the book.