There are some things which even the closest friendship cannot survive . . .

Neighbours Edie Kelsey and Lil Horton have been friends for over twenty years, sharing the joys and sorrows of their tough lives as the wives of fishermen in Grimsby. So it came as no surprise that their children were close and that Edie's son, Frank, and Lil's daughter, Irene, fell in love and married at a young age.

But the declaration of war in 1939 changes everything. Frank goes off to fight, and Irene and baby Tommy, along with Edie's youngest son are sent to the countryside for safety. With Edie's husband, Archie, fishing the dangerous waters in the North Sea and daughter Beth in London doing 'important war work', Edie's family is torn apart.

Friendship sustains Edie and Lil, but when tragedy strikes - and then Beth disappears - their relationship is tested to the limit. But it is Irene's return, during the VE day celebrations, that sends shock waves through the family and threatens to destroy Edie and Lil's friendship.