'Trapped in London for two years as governess and servant under her nasty stepmother, petite and gentle 19-year-old Cecilia (Tommy) Rainham longs for the day the War will finish and her brother Bob will be home from the Royal Air Force to rescue her. Fortune smiles on them and a much-loved aunt’s inheritance allows them to set sail for Australia, narrowly escaping the clutches of the stepmother. Coincidentally, on the same troopship, the Linton family are making their return after five years away.
'Strong bonds of friendship form, and Billabong becomes their haven whilst they learn the ropes of station management and plan their future home. All seems rosy until the skies blacken and a bushfire all but destroys their new life. Undaunted, they pick up the pieces, and with Billabong behind them and help from willing hands, begin all over again.' (Publication summary)