Can she follow her dreams when she has lost everything? Young Bridie O'Hara is torn away from her native Ireland by her father - a freedom fighter, turned traitor - when he has to flee the wrath of the Fenians. Violated by those who should protect her and betrayed by the dashing gypsy and lover Seamus Finney, she struggles to find her way in Victorian England. Will Hadler is a kind, hard-working miner, whose love for Bridie knows no bounds. He rescues her from a life on the streets and offers her the chance of happiness, but the demons inside her never give her peace. When Will takes Bridie to Breckton in Yorkshire, she meets and befriends the young Issy. A strong young woman, she triumphs over adversity, but her quest to save Bridie, and Bridie's daughter Bridget from the consequences of her mother's actions, proves a step too far.