CAROL RIVERS - A Promise Between Friends

IT'S RUBY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM HOME, BUT WILL HER FREEDOM COME AT A PRICE?

Pretty and ambitious 19-year-old Ruby Payne and her lifelong friend Kath are eager to enjoy their post-war independence. Moving away from home to a flat in the East End of London is a chance to break free for them both: Kath from her abusive family and Ruby from the unhappy memories of her brother's suicide two years earlier.

Ruby finds work immediately at a dog-grooming parlour close to the city, having high hopes of changing her fortunes. Kath isn't quite so lucky and has to make do with her tough factory job, leaning more and more on Ruby for support. But then Ruby meets the handsome and charming Nick Brandon, ignoring the warnings from those around her that he is trouble.

Ruby wants a glamorous life - but will it come at a high cost?