A family saga set in the outskirts of Liverpool, during the 1850s.

Her work is her life, efficient but rather bossy, Sally Grimshaw runs The Grimshaw Arms, her feckless brother Freddy's pub. She almost forgets that it is his property, when her brother gambles it away falling into the clutches of sinister Richard Keene. Sally is faced with a stark choice: destitution or service to the odious Mr. Keene. And when all her attempts fail, she finds herself with nothing left but her stubborn pride. Salvation arrives in the form of Adam Cooper, who is fascinated by this proud yet vulnerable girl. He marries her, but life still has some shocks in store for them both. They have to overcome certain battles to find the happiness they desire.