Yorkshire, 1983. Miner's wife Mandy Walker lives a quiet life. She's hopeless at everything apart from looking after her boys and baking. Life is fine. But she knows it could be better. Her husband's a drinker, and her best friend Ruth is busy with a teaching career. Mandy dreams of a different life - an impossible, unachievable life. Only Ruth's husband Dan believes in her but, after serving during the Falklands war, he has problems of his own.

When the men come out on strike, Mandy joins a support group. She finds friends and strength in surprising places. And secrets and enemies where she least expected them.

Mandy must decide which side of the line to stand on.