When Dana and Caitlin meet by chance on the ferry from Ireland, they tell each other that they are simply going to search for work, but they soon realise they have more than that in common.They are both in search of new lives in Liverpool, leaving their secrets behind in Ireland. Dana is ambitious and resourceful, however, and when the opportunity comes to own their own tearoom she persuades her friend to join her. No one is willing to rent property to a couple of girls, however, especially during the Depression, so when Caitlin's new man friend says he'll back them, they are delighted and soon the tearoom is thriving. But after an accident which has her in hospital for some time, Dana begins to remember her lost life with more affection, particularly Con, the boy she had left behind. Then fate intervenes, and soon the girls find themselves fighting to survive in a world on the brink of war.