'Far north Queensland: the early 1920s. The three Dalton sisters - mercurial Belle, practical Molly, studious Josie, live together in Mrs Saunders's boarding house on Melton Hill, Townsville. Belle has stardust in her eyes as she tours the ranges with the dancing and singing "Rainbow Ramblers". Molly is head cook at King's Hotel ... Josie's bookish ambitions are thwarted by poverty and the rigid moral code of the time. "Those Dalton girls" are loved and respected by their friends, who include Nicos, owner of the Greek cafe; the gentle Hop Choy family; Fisherman Fred; and the irrepressible Harry Bartlett, photographer.' (Source: Back cover.)