June 2nd, 1953. The residents of Ruby Street in London's East End are celebrating the new Queen's coronation. It's a day of joy of laughter, a new beginning for a nation still in the grip of rationing, still suffering the aftermath of the Blitz. But for Rose Weaver, the day is destined to end in tragedy when her husband Eddie is arrested on suspicion of theft. It's only the first of several unpleasant facts Rose will discover about the man she's been married to for the past eight years, the man she thought she knew so well. Rose must draw on all her courage and resourcefulness to protect herself and her two daughters in the hard months ahead. It's only with the help of family, friends and the good neighbours of Ruby Street that she has any chance of pulling through. And when a handsome salesman knocks at her door, it's hard to resist temptation ...