A powerful, but deeply considered evocation of an adventurous young girl’s coming of age during World War II. Danger, romance and reflection combine to bring to life her epic journey.

Recently returned from the hell of Dunkirk, the story opens with Wren Jane Beacon recovering in a hospital bed. However, her ‘survival’ also has a very different, more personal meaning. With her own inner battle raging, an irate Royal Navy wants to sack her for disobeying orders while the Army wants to recognize her heroic deeds on the Dunkirk beaches. Her mantra, “I will not be defeated” holds true and neither a naval tribunal nor an angry Admiral can bring her down.

Should women be involved in front line war? Sent home on convalescent leave, her parents debate this with their scarred daughter, illuminated by their own haunting memories of World War I.

Back on active duty in Dover, Jane’s natural seamanship abilities lead the authorities to give her command of a boat. Together with her female crew, she rescues downed airmen during the Battle of Britain. An explosive affair follows, before Jane’s bravery at Dunkirk is recognized with a clutch of medals, bestowed on her at Buckingham Palace. At the ceremony, she meets a naval officer she rescued at Dunkirk and under the pressures of war, it is love at first sight.