After her mother dies Livvie Bone must support her family and protect her younger siblings from their drunken father. But life in Wood Green in 1913 is hard and dangerous and one night she needs protection herself. When the mysterious Joe Hunter steps in to help her Livvie is drawn to him despite his unsavoury reputation. Then Livvie is offered the chance to work at Barratt's Sweet Factory. Factory manager Lucas soon notices her beauty and strength of character and as a man of the world he can open doors to the kind of life Livvie has only dreamed of. But time is running out for war is approaching...