At 18, Edyth is the plain, intelligent one of Harry and Sali Evans's five daughters, until a chance meeting with handsome Peter Slater throws her life into turmoil. Head over heels in love, she sacrifices her own ambitions of a college education and career, and defies her parents' opposition so she can help Peter realize his dream of running his own parish. The church sends Peter to a multi-racial dockland area of Cardiff, commonly known as Tiger Bay. There Edyth and Peter encounter rich cultures from all corners of the world that flourish even in the depression-ridden conditions of desperate poverty. And there Edyth discovers exactly why her parents were so opposed to her marriage. Peter has a dark secret that has not only blighted his life, but also hers—a secret that threatens to destroy her love and, ultimately their marriage.