It is 1942, and the Second World War has been going on for three wearying years. Work is hard in the Ulster mills in Northern Ireland where Alex Hamilton struggles to keep overworked machines going, just as his wife Emily tries to provide food and comfort not only for their own children, but for the many young American soldiers stationed nearby. Bad news comes daily, but there is still a welcome for friends and strangers, and moments of happiness come at even the darkest of times.