Sisters Mattie Nell & Renie have all managed to escape their oppressive & bullying father but now separated the girls must draw upon their strength & courage to build new lives for themselves Renie the youngest sister is living with the newly married Nell happy in her waitressing job at the King's Head Hotel But a shadow falls over her the day Mr Judson arrives as assistant manager Feeling increasingly harassed by him & also eager to escape from Nell's unpleasant husband Renie is delighted when she is offered a new job in London Although she at first finds the city a huge & bewildering place soon she is settling in & making friends & yet she still worries about her sister Nell & the way her husband Cliff treats her When tragedy strikes Nell & her family Renie is left feeling horrified & helpless Her only comfort is her growing friendship with the injured Gil towards whom she has felt an instant trust & affection But can their relationship progress from friendship to something more? & how will the return of the threatening Judson affect their future?