A Liverpool girl is forced to raise her sister and two brothers while they face poverty, an epidemic, and other hardships in this historical saga.

Life changes for the Palin children when Mam dies, and it’s up to twelve-year-old Sally to try and take her place. Sally lavishes all her hopes and dreams on her baby sister Emily, determined that she’ll leave the mean streets of their turn-of-the-century Liverpool home and enjoy a better life. When Emily is sent to live with rich relatives, it seems like her wish has come true, but the chance is bittersweet.

Sally and her family may face poverty and hardship in Liverpool, but the warmth and love shared will help them overcome whatever the world has to throw at them; Emily, however, wanting for nothing, might find out that happiness is harder to find . . .