Joyce Patrick is a new resident at Emerald Oasis Nursing Home. Her two children: Cleo and Maxine loath each other. She befriends the fairies that live in the garden and becomes exposed to their culture and political system. She likes the pet rabbits that turn into wolves at night, and the friendly staff always make her feel welcome. Entranced by the magic in the home and the joy of being reunited with her friends from school, none of it can solve the mystery that has haunted her for years.

Whatever happened to her eldest grandson? She can't remember his name and her family hardly talk about him anymore. Then along comes Janine, who claims to be her granddaughter. She tells him that Jay, her grandson is dead. When she confronts Maxine, she bursts into tears - Janine was the grandchild she had been missing the whole time.

Joyce takes part in her friend's plan to escape the home. When they're ready to go back to the home, she decides to stay in Blackpool and wander around the place that she considered a second home, until the fairies come to take her home.

Joyce returns to the home in time to celebrate her birthday with all her family by her side. The novel ends with Joyce and Janine stepping onto a cruise, making up for lost time.