When Susan, Jimmy and Billy Bairstow are found alive in their bombed home, they are nicknamed 'the miracle children'. But losing their parents and having to live with their Aunt Dorothy doesn't feel very lucky. Especially when, unable to cope with all three children, Dorothy sends Billy to an orphanage.

Susan and Jimmy are shocked and lonely, and when they then hear that Billy has died, they decide to run away. It is on this same adventure that they meet Freddie. Susan feels the first stirrings of love for the young serviceman but chances are they will never meet again - Freddie is off to war.

Susan and Jimmy reluctantly return to Dorothy's house, but there are silver linings in the clouds ahead - including their aunt's revelation that Billy is alive. Only now it will take all of their strength and courage to find their little brother and bring him home.