Inspired by a real event.
In July 1819, 18 year-old Kate travels from Halifax with her prosperous, mill-owning father to spend a two-week holiday on the Yorkshire coast.
At first, she hates Filey for its squalor and fishy smells, but then she meets a young fisherboy with amazing eyes the colour of mussel shells.
She writes home to her friend, Sarah, and describes daily events, conversations and her increasing obsession with the boy.
The ensuing mismatched romance has an unexpected conclusion.