Libby Pulford escapes her abusive husband and takes her young son to Lancashire, where she can claim an inheritance if she spends six months living in her deceased grandmother's home. Her new neighbor, Joss Atherton, a retired policeman, takes it upon himself to protect Libby. Joss and Libby soon develop a mutual affection, but Joss has troubles of his own.

Lizzie Kershaw is an independent spirit. At twelve, she loses her father and her happy family life ends as her mother grows to resent her. Then circumstances push Lizzie into an early marriage, where she finds her mother's petty cruelties replaced by her husband's frequent beatings. But she is a survivor. When World War I breaks out, Lizzie's husband is forced to join up and she seizes the opportunity to run away. She finds independence and friendship...

Miranda Fox has devoted much of her life to caring for her elderly father. After his tragic death, she starts to make plans for her future, funded by the inheritance she is sure will be coming her way, but it seems her arrogant and domineering half-brother has very different ideas ... Then a chance encounter with a man who has been given months to live boosts Miranda's confidence, and as their friendship grows she finally learns to stand up for herself...