What Child Is This

De: Rhys Bowen

Narrado por: Gemma Dawson

Christmas during World War II is a time for small miracles in this bittersweet short story by the New York Times best-selling 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 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.

©2018 Janet Quin-Harkin, writing as Rhys Bowen (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Great story!

Loved the story, this is an excellent novel. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the novel to life! It ends way to soon though!

Short. Intense. Sweet.

This is a lovely short story with several quite intense themes. Yes it is wartime, but what an incredible foil to show us just how special are some of these events- perhaps they are even Christmas miracles? The resolutions to serious problems feel truly miraculous amidst the bombing of London. Upon reading other reviews, I think not everyone perceives this. I found the ending tight, wrapping this remarkable tale up in a Christmas bow, leaving us on a hopeful note as we witness remarkable community and kindness. Just remember this is a short story, not a novel.

Abrupt ending threw me

I was really into the story and it was making me thankful for all I have this Christmas season. It was the blitz in WWII London. Husband works at docks and is a bit of a hustler. Wife the straight and narrow but unhappy w/liver and onions for Xmas dinner. Then they lose even that. Houses on either side are hit with incendiaries and they have to run -- with just the clothes on their backs. She's still in her house slippers. He'd just gotten paid but the money is upstairs in their bedroom. They go to a shelter but she can's stand being underground... the fear, the smells. She runs and jumps on a train. They have next to no money... She sits on a park bench and refuses to leave it. He goes looking. And comes back with a place for them - a big beautiful empty house. Well, almost empty. They find a little boy - whose Mom went out to buy a Christmas tree and never came back. It's good, good, good & then ENDS so abruptly I wasn't ready....

Sweet story

I loved this sweet story. I fell in love with the Characters, especially Maggie. I hope one day this story can be continued, even if it’s still a short one.

WWII, Christmas and bombs everywhere

Rhys Bowen is a favorite of mine. She captures the essence of moments in unassuming descriptions of both place and reactions.
It’s WWII in London and the blitz is daunting. Houses are destroyed, lives are lost, but it’s Christmas and hearts need mending. A lost couple and an child of war.

Heartwarming

Heartwarming tale even in the midst of so much physical & emotional pain of a horrible war.

A lovely Christmas story!

This is a wonderful short story about Christmas in England during World War II. I was enjoying it so much, I wish the author would add a few more chapters, and perhaps turn it into a full-size book.

Short story

Short little story. This is the second book I've read from this author and I have enjoyed both.

Just Right for Christmas

What a lovely story. We can’t imagine what Christmas must have been like during the blitz in London. Here we find bravery and kindness. Enjoyed it as a short story.

So Many Questions!

A brief glimpse into the challenging circumstances faced by brave people in the 2nd WW . Wished for a longer read!