A New Beginning

the long version

Sophie Daniels quits the RAAF at the end of World War II with nowhere to go. Moving on when she has to, she wanders around the country searching for a place where she can settle, living in bedsits and small guest houses until she finds an abandoned barn, where she stays for a summer. Eventually she finds Badger’s Brook, where she meets nine-year-old Bertie, neglected and running wild, and befriends him. The neighbours warm to her, the place is welcoming and she knows she has found her home. Then she investigates Bertie’s seemingly uncaring family, and discovers an old, forgotten scandal. Through those connections, she becomes friendly with Ryan Treweather, who, in turn, helps search for Sophie’s remaining relatives. But, as Sophie and Ryan become closer, will Bertie find his rightful place in the family?