Lizzie Angel has an indomitable spirit and, being the eldest of five, she needs it. With the end of the the Second World War, Lizzie and her family expect the hard times to end, but during the harsh winter of 1947, life seems harder than ever. With Lizzie's father hell bent on emigrating to Australia, Lizzie must decide between family loyalty and the love of her life, Miles Thomas. But Miles, damaged by his experiences during the war, seems unable to return Lizzie's love, and she begins to wonder whether they'll ever have a future together.