Mid Haven, New England, 1894. Emma Appleby's ordered and loving existence comes to an abrupt and painful end with the death of her father. Her brother Laurence has no concern for her welfare and, at her wits' end, Emma plots her escape to the town in England where her father was born.

Tow Law Town, North East England, 1904. Emma's arrival in the village offers Mick Castle a lifeline. His days are spent running the Black Diamond pub, but his marriage to Isabel is increasingly troubled and his daughter Connie is running wild.

As Emma opens her academy, she sets herself up in competition with the local school, provoking a savage response from the community. But she will not be deterred - even when her past catches up with her and Mick is forced to choose between family and love.