What We Left Behind

1939. When the threat of bombs in London sends five evacuated East End children to her door, shy librarian Dodie Fitznorton finds her quiet life turned upside down. Eight-year-old Olive is quiet and anxious, while her brother Peter causes chaos with his outbursts. Meanwhile, ten-year-old Michael Clarke and his sisters Barbara and Shirley face cruel prejudice from local children because of their skin colour.

While caring for these vulnerable children, Dodie must confront her own painful past. As she begins to understand the children's fears and hopes, she's drawn to Patrick Winter, the evacuees' handsome American teacher with his own difficult secrets.

As Christmas approaches, Dodie hopes to bring joy to the children. But when unexpected visitors arrive, long-buried secrets threaten to surface. Will the children ever reunite with their families? And can the fragile bonds forming in the village withstand the gathering storm?