Celine's youth is blissfully happy, growing up in the magnificent alpine wonderland surrounding her picturesque village of Treaire, France. She, and five devoted friends, Remi, Amaury, Felicien, Alexis, and Daniel-all born within twelve days of each other, form a uniquely close bond of unity they label the friends.

Respected as the group's surrogate sister, Celine is not only able to keep up but often sets a physical pace challenging to the boys. As the friends' grow mature, Celine and Remi develop a deep love and marry in the spring of 1940.

Within weeks of their marriage France...