A chance meeting they never forgot.Six years after meeting British soldier Aiden Foster during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Jochen Weber still finds himself thinking about Aiden, their shared conversation about literature, and Aiden’s beautiful singing voice. A visit to London gives Jochen the opportunity to search for Aiden, but he’s shocked at what he finds. The uniform button Jochen gave him … button Jochen gave him is the only thing Aiden has left of the past he’s lost. The war and its aftermath ripped everything away from him, including his family and his music. When Jochen reappears in his life, Aiden enjoys their growing friendship but knows he has nothing to offer. Not anymore.
Author’s note: This story was originally published in 2014 by another publisher. This edition has some added content, and uses UK spelling to reflect its setting.
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WHAT A MAGNIFICENT STORY
This is a MAGNIFICENT Book set in the beginning of WW1. This is my first book by ANNE BARWELL and I have been missing out, big time. She has a catalog of Books I will be catching up on. Her care of her characters just grabs you by the heart. Jochen and Aiden meet on the battlefield on Christmas Eve during a cease fire. After a brief moment in time they never forget that connection. This is so powerful and beautifully written. This brought me to tears and touched my heart so deeply. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
War is a deeply distressing time for any man, especially when you are barely twenty years of age. During War World I in 1914, a brief truce at Christmas time brings German soldier, Jochen Weber and British soldier, Aiden Foster, together. In a very short time, they develop a friendship and find that they aren’t as awful as they were lead to believe. They also find they have books, music and theatre in common. In respect for their fallen brethren a ceremony is held and Jochen is mesmerized by Aiden’s beautiful voice. When the truce comes to an end Jochen and Aiden trade a button from their uniforms.
As all men hoped they would always be home for the next Christmas, it failed to happen and the war continued on for several years. As if what Aiden and Jochen had to face in war wasn’t traumatic enough, returning home was just as bad. With the Armistice of November 1918, men returned home but for many it was heart breaking because of the influenza epidemic of 1918. Many family members and friends had lost their lives.
Jochen has never forgotten about Aiden, his beautiful voice and the button. If it wasn’t for the memory of Aiden he may not have gotten through the war. Jochen, while in London decides to search for Aiden. Aiden struggles with his own issues and feels he useless and can offer nothing, even too Jochen. After avoiding Jochen many times, Aiden finally agrees to meet him. With both dealing with after the war affects the gradual connection they make leaves them anxious. Can they work through these feelings and will advice from others help them toward a new beginning?
Anne Barwell never fails to entertain. She brings the reality of war to the forefront, along with the struggles of both Jochen and Aiden. With the painful times of war and the prejudice that exist she brings caring, love and romance to two amazing characters in Jochen and Aiden. There’s several secondary characters that spread hope to Jochen and Aiden: Emily, Mrs. Hamilton and Jack.
With the research and aspects of the historical moments of the story, it shows that Anne Barwell does her research. “On Wings of Song” put’s me in mind of the “Echoes Rising” series which Anne is re-editing and I’m eager to do a re-visit to the series.
A beautiful story of love and perseverance in the face of adversity and overwhelming odds.