Violet Talland is trying to bring up her six year old daughter Matilda under difficult circumstances with an absent, uncaring husband and an overly possessive mother in law who is determined to end Violet's marriage and regain possession of both her son and control over her granddaughter. Warned by her sister in law Jane of the Talland family's intentions Violet flees to Ireland on Jane's advice where she and Matilda find sanctuary in Parknaveen, a small beauty spot in South West Cork. Here Matilda grows up in peace and happiness while Violet finds love with Joseph, the owner of the hotel where she finally gains employment. But the Talland family are hot on her tail and seemingly trace Violet's steps to Parknaveen. Once again panic struck Violet disappears but this time without her daughter whom she leaves behind, entrusted to the care of Joseph so that Matilda will at least be safe. The years pass and Matilda, now grown into a characterful young woman, on a trip to Paris with her childhood friend Scrap Catchpoole meets Josh Bellinger, a charismatic, successful and charming older man. By sheer chance Josh turns out to be someone from her mother's and her own fragmented past and when he and Matilda discover this early connection a chain of events is set in motion that leads finally to love and redemption.