Set in the bustling shipbuilding community of Sunderland at a time of turmoil abroad and grinding poverty at home, this is the unforgettable story of Chrissie.

Adopted at birth by caring parents, she has a rosy childhood and is determined to work hard and succeed. Until tragedy strikes, throwing her on the mercy of a family where the new woman of the house has every intention of getting rid of her - by whatever means it takes.

Penniless and desperate, Chrissie struggles to support herself as the Victorian years give way to the outbreak of the Great War. And hanging over her throughout her many ordeals is the mystery of her true parents and her connection with the likes of Jack Ballantyne, heir to a local shipyard.

Whatever destiny throws her way, Chrissie and Jack find their paths continue to cross . . .