Josie O'Casey and her family arrive in London and are met with an East End that is much changed from the one they left twelve years ago. Thanks to her stepfather, Doctor Robert Munroe, the family's social standing has vastly improved, yet Josie can remember only too clearly her poverty-stricken upbringing. Torn between two worlds, Josie is still drawn back to her childhood haunts - and her childhood sweetheart. It has been seven long years since Josie last saw Patrick Nolan, who she thought to be dead. But Patrick now belongs to another. Ridden with regret and guilt over not waiting for Josie as he promised, Patrick immerses himself in his work as a Thames bargeman. But when the couple are finally offered a glimmer of hope, their chance at happiness is threatened by the all-powerful Ma Tugman and her criminal empire...The East End is brought to vivid life with colour, warmth and passion. An absorbing, thrilling and romantic historical saga, this is full of memorable characters and wonderful period detail.