Christmas during World War II is a time for small miracles in this bittersweet short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and In Farleigh Field.Jack and Maggie Harris are adrift on ravaged streets during the London Blitz. Their home is gone. They have nowhere to go and nothing left to lose. With only the memories of their greatest loss—the death of their child during … greatest loss—the death of their child during a Christmas years before—Jack and Maggie settle in a seemingly deserted mansion for the night.
Inside they find shelter, warmth, and a bit of cheer. They also discover a surprise. Now, in the darkest of times, the unexpected compassion of strangers will make this Christmas one to remember forever.
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There is nothing like reading a Christmas story. This one is short.. I can always read more of Rhys Bowen… Keep writing your wonderful woman!
Wartime tragedy strikes as Maggie and her husband, Jack prepare their celebrations for Christmas Eve. Memories of their lost child, rationing, and the realities of living in London during the Blitz have taken their mental toll. When a bombing raid targets their neighborhood, they escape in the nick of time as the city endures yet another fiery night.
The seeds of despair set in for the couple as they wander the cold streets of London. Hungry and freezing, they seek refuge in an empty house. Their spirits are lifted as they sit by the fireplace and enjoy the food and drinks left in an abandoned hamper. Their joy turns to surprise when a young boy emerges from upstairs. Hungry and abandoned, they learn he’s been alone in the house for a while, his mother disappeared. They vow to stay by his side and find out what has happened, bringing a bit of Christmas hope and joy to the youngster. Little do they know the danger that lurks outside—will yet another tragedy doom their kind intentions?
Author Bowen weaves a poignant tale of Christmas magic in a time of wartime turmoil. The spirit of the holidays turns strangers into friends, offering a glimmer of hope for a better future. What Child Is This is a heartwarming tale that evokes the spirit of giving in the holiday season, a highly recommended read!
Christmas in WWII London
Christmas Eve, bombs dropping, a spur of the moment decision to leave the London underground bomb shelter, and more than a few answered prayers.
A gem is a story – suitable for middle schoolers – adults.
Recommended. Absolutely recommended.
“Perhaps there were Christmas miracles after all.”
A beautiful World War ll novella at a time when the world is dark and miracles seem scarce.
Bombings, injuries destruction, love, prayer, faith and hope are there at this special time when we celebrate Christmas!
But… When there is faith and belief that wishes will come true, they will.
It may not be exactly what you wish for, but definitely what you need!
A beautiful story that will raise your spirit and put hope back in your hear
What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen is a heartfelt short-story about starting over with a delightful backdrop of renewal and the holiday spirit.
London is under siege with bombings, as the reader enters the grim backdrop of London in WWII wartime.
Maggie and Jack are struggling to hold onto their happiness after the terrible loss of their only child. Choices, and fateful steps take them on a journey to find hope with a dash of holiday magic.
In the rubble a sense of peace and belonging rises from the ashes of the past.
This story was delightful, historical and had just the right amount of details to keep me reading. Enjoy connecting with the spirit of Christmas in this short and heartwarming story!
A wonderful view into London during the WWII bombings and a delightful set of characters
You know what I dislike? Looking forward to a book, even a short one, that doesn’t live up to expectations.
What I liked about “What Child Is This”:
Location and genre – I am a sucker for historical fiction, Christmas stories, WWII Britain. In fact, I only recently finished another WWII historical fiction novel set in Britain, though that was post-war not mid, and I wasn’t the least bit bored by it.
What I didn’t care for:
This story wasn’t meant to be short – I believe I was disappointed by this story because it was so vastly underdeveloped. Yes, I am aware that it was outright stated on the cover that it was a short story. Some stories lend themselves to being completed quickly. This one was not one of them. I felt like there was so much more that could have been told here. I wanted more of this story. I wanted to delve into these characters. Brief explanations felt forced; more gradual and timely release of details would have been so much better.
The characters felt unlikable – It may have been that their flaws were made evident but there was never any time to really get to know them, so I failed to find them all that sympathetic, even given their circumstances. At any rate, they may have been likable, but I never got a chance to feel that way.
Lack of any resolution – The story just dropped off. I almost felt as if this was meant to be a teaser for a full-length novel.
Overall, I simply felt dissatisfied by the unfulfilled potential of “What Child Is This”. This is the first I’ve read of Rhys Bowen’s books. I won’t hold this against her; I’ll wait to decide how I feel about her writing when I’ve read something full length.
It’s wartime and everyone is losing home and families. Jack and Maggie’s home is destroyed and they are seeking shelter. Jack finds a deserted home and they head inside to get warm and search for food. When a noise alerts them to someone there it’s a shock to find a young starving boy and even more of a shock when they realize it’s his home. A wonderful journey for all to find his Mother and try to right their life along with it! I really enjoyed this!