Russell Meek

What does it mean to become someone’s hero?

In the quiet village of Baschel beyond the outskirts of Paris, Halette DuPont wondered if she’d ever find out. Encouraged by loving parents, pursued by Enzo, her crippled childhood friend, Halette finds heroism in becoming a nurse in Baschel’s imposing clinic. Yet as the summer of 1937 wanes, malcontent darkens Europe’s horizon, casting a grave shadow over France. Secrets lay hidden beneath the clinic, secrets that Enzo’s family are intent on keeping for themselves, convincing Halette that there may be more to Enzo’s desire to return to Vienna as Hitler’s annexation of Austria begins.

With Enzo’s allegiance in doubt, forced to endure the German occupation alone, Halette discovers that heroes rise from the most unexpected places. Hope returns as her daughter, Charlie, is born. She is the beacon that will light her father’s way home, yet even Charlie’s light fades as Enzo’s true secrets are revealed, for the Germans have prepared one last, terrifying weapon of war - a deadly disease that will eradicate the children of France. In a race to save Charlie, whose sole desire is to see her father return, Halette’s wondrous tales of courage may be all that keeps Charlie alive.

Spanning over ten years against the backdrop of WWII, Remember Charlie Willows is an intricately woven adventure of love and regret, protection and accusation, where hope is a kind of magic, and despite horrific acts done in the name of war, everyone has one chance to become someone’s hero.