On the dark, rough streets of Bermondsey, can one girl find the courage to open the door to her destiny? Bermondsey, London, 1913, Little Rose Webster's life has never been easy. Born in the slums of Bermondsey she has longed to escape her poor upbringing and violent step-father. Yet these deprived streets are not so easily fled. Thankfully she has a quick mind and her insatiable thirst for knowledge means she excels at school - perhaps she has a future. But Rose's chances of improving her lot are shattered when she is forced to leave school and find work. As the doors to her dreams are slammed shut she has nothing to cling to but hope. And as a dark figure from her past threatens further turmoil, this winter's child fears she will never see the spring.