They say that blood is thicker than water, and that you can't choose your family, but Penny Pincher begs to differ.As a schoolgirl, Penny realises that the life she sees her parents living, one of hard graft and little return, isn't for her. She sees her father go out to work every night, and her mother slave every day to maintain their existence in a London suburb, and she begins to suspect there might be more to life. Then she meets Lucinda, who confirms her suspicions. Practically a princess, Lucinda shows that for a girl like Penny, beautiful, clever and motivated, there can be so much more. From this point on, Penny resolves to make a life of luxury for herself.The twists and turns of fortune bring her together with the glamorous, impressive Rachel Simon, a woman born to money and power. She takes Penny under her wing, showing her how to wield her own power and authority. From that point onwards, there's no stopping her quest for diamonds, furs and the life that she feels she deserves.