Because of her domineering mother and an ineffectual father, Abbie Winters lacks friends and self-worth. That is, until she meets Doreen, who introduces her to dancing at the Palace ballroom, where Abbie meets Peter, a young airman. Eva Winters is determined to end Abbie's friendship with 'common' Doreen. But although she unwittingly destroys Abbie's friendship with Peter, she cannot keep Doreen away. In 1942, Abbie seizes the opportunity to escape the oppression at home by enlisting. Fate seems to be smiling on her when she meets Peter again, by chance, and they fall passionately in love. Can their happiness survive Eva's violent disapproval - and the risks and horrors of war?