The outbreak of war brings mixed feelings for Judy Truman and it is a relief to get away from the East End and her disastrous marriage. With her two small daughters, she is evacuated to a Norfolk seaside town, and billeted on kindly Maggie and Bill Hurst. Life becomes relaxed, the children flourish and Judy's confidence returns. But when husband Sid comes home on leave he quickly shatters her new self-belief, and his violent jealousy frightens Judy and shocks Maggie and Bill. A meeting with a young airman, Pete Gresham, teachers her that men can be gentle and loving. She falls in love but living her life with Peter seems an impossible dream. With war though nothing is certain and when shocking revelations from Sid's past come to light, Judy is horrified. With her hopes for the future crushed, Judy must concentrate on looking forward, and use her determination to carry her through.