Rose's younger, glamourous sister Vera arrives in Moybeg for a visit. Adored by Emma, dreaded by Michael, Vera's effervescent presence is soon felt in the Coyne household but when she soon meets the dashing Captain Dreyfuss, even Rose's patience is tested. However, the reality hiding behind Vera's façade begins to emerge, leaving Rose quietly torn between her loyalties to her family and her growing feelings for Dreyfuss.

As Christmas approaches, Captain Dreyfuss throws a party at the air base for the children of Moybeg as a seasonal gesture of goodwill to the community. But a terrible misunderstanding and a dark secret threaten to ruin not only the event but Rose and Dreyfuss' relationship.