In 1917, war rages on in Belgium and France, and German bombs fall on East London. Two sisters, Florence and Nell, living in Stratford, arrange to leave the city for the tranquillity of the North Essex countryside. For Florence Mundy, fleeing personal demons and the imminent return of Harry, departure from London cannot come soon enough. Nell Ashford has the safety of her five children on her mind while George is away at the Front. In Halstead, lying peacefully in the Colne Valley, they find new challenges, friendship and pain as well as personal fulfilment. Florence discovers salvation and hard work in the newly formed Women's Land Army while Nell takes on the role of breadwinner to her family. But they cannot escape the consequences of the Great War and the arrival of German Prisoners of War changes the dynamics of Halstead life and Florence's future prospects as the armistice approaches.