Lacking confidence after losing her job Jess takes refuge in the beautiful Devon seaside town of Pennycombe. But it's tricky living with her cousin Ruth who seems permanently angry with her and her new job at the local pet shop comes under threat when boss Jim starts thinking about retirement. But with faithful dog Prudence by her side Ruth volunteers for Pets at Therapy and becomes more involved with the local community. She soon makes new friends including handsome Tom and his son Jacob. But her hopes of romance are dashed when she sees Tom with a mystery woman...