Book One left Jane Beacon arriving in Dover to continue her duties as the pioneer boat crew Wren.  While the consequences of her adventures at Dunkirk shape her life through Book Two as well, this second volume in the saga moves on.  This is helped by the Army’s determination to recognize her heroism and causes the Navy to keep her, mainly to thwart the Army.

Should women be involved in front line war? Sent home on convalescent leave, her family debate this with their scarred daughter, illuminated by their own haunting memories of World War One.  This leaves her with a much more thoughtful view of her place in war.

Back on active duty in Dover, her natural seamanship abilities lead the authorities to give Jane her own boat, and with a Wren crewmate she rescues downed airmen at sea during the Battle of Britain. An explosive affair with one of them follows, before Jane’s bravery is recognized with a clutch of medals bestowed on her at Buckingham Palace. At the ceremony, she meets again a naval officer she rescued at Dunkirk and under the pressures of wartime, it is love at first sight.  This is deep, total overwhelming first real love and a whole new way of seeing her life is opened for Jane.