Summer 1966. One family holiday. A world of new experiences. And a boy beginning to discover just how brave he can be. Eight-year-old Nicholas is small for his age, with ginger hair, freckles and a habit of asking endless questions. At school, being different has made him an easy target for older boys, leaving him longing for the freedom of the summer holidays. Then comes the adventure he has been waiting for: two weeks camping in France with Mum, Dad and his older sister, Sandra. Travelling across the Channel and into the French countryside, Nicholas discovers a world unlike anything he has known before. There are bustling villages, seaside campsites, warm croissants, unfamiliar customs, snorkelling adventures, football matches and new friendships. Every day brings something unexpected, exciting or wonderfully strange. But some worries are harder to leave behind than others. As Nicholas experiences the joys and challenges of life away from home, he begins to learn that courage does not always mean being fearless. Sometimes it means trying again, trusting the people around you, accepting that everyone has struggles of their own and discovering strength where you least expect it. Set against the sights, sounds and simple pleasures of a family holiday in 1960s France, Braveheart Summer is a warm and nostalgic story of childhood, family, friendship and resilience. Inspired by treasured family photographs and a father’s diary, it captures the unforgettable moments that can turn an ordinary summer into the adventure of a lifetime.
