Amy Logan's family are poor but proud. They make a living fishing and shrimping for the big Liverpool fish market and all the family are expected to lend a hand. But when Amy's beloved, and strict, mother dies, Amy and her brothers start to run wild. Matters aren't helped when her father marries slatternly Susie Connolly from down the street- Susie's good at appearing to be a good housekeeper, but is lazy and forces Amy to slave at the chores.Desperate to escape, Amy leaves home to take her first job. But her happiness is short-lived. When her father becomes gravely ill, she must return home and take her place within the family once more.