This three-part miniseries is based on the book written by Catherine Cookson: it tells the story of housemaid, Emily Kennedy, who's ups and downs through life are followed in great detail, as she begins as a complete innocent, and must learn about men and their "ways". It's the story of life, love, and experience for one young woman who is forced to mature quickly as she learns hard truths about how fragile life is and how fickle men can be.