What Child Is This (Kindle Single)

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 13,462 ratings

Price: 1.99

Last update: 01-01-2025


About this item

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 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.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Andy G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great short story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2024
    I love this story. Made me appreciate how lucky I was that I didn’t have to go through that horrible war. Aside from the atrocities that the characters had to go through the story was so touching. I love how much Maggie and Jack felt for each other. And the fact that they had a wonderful Christmas was just what the story was about. My dream for this story is that Maggie and Jack adopt Peter and everyone lives happily ever after.
  • Eun
    4.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
    An engaging short story that takes place during one of the bombings in London during World War II. Their home, in fact their neighborhood, was destroyed and left Maggie and jack with the clothes on their backs. With no money and Maggie‘s discussed for the bombs shelters, they wandered until Jack found what they thought wasn’t an abandoned home. They were surprised To find a young child alone in the home. Having lost a child Maggie, for finding the little boy was a Christmas miracle. What transpires after a bomb destroys that house is miraculous. Set on Christmas Eve. This is a heartwarming read.
  • F Bowen
    5.0 out of 5 stars We've got each other
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
    Another Rhys Bowen winner. Good people all around.
    Hardy souls willing to meet challenges during the worst circumstances. A delightful Christmas tale.
  • Brooke
    3.0 out of 5 stars Hmmm
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021
    The beginning played out like a poorly written script play to me where the author expected a good actor to feel in the emotions for themselves. Jack at first seemed to lack any feeling or personality. He opens the door after a bombing and makes a simple observation of the bombing with no emotion, etc. The tension of finding the boy midway did keep me engaged but overall it was not believable.
  • Pam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Story of Kindnesses, Survival, Changes, and Hope
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2019
    Jack and Maggie Harris are barely living through the worst time for most Londoners during Christmas and World War II. It’s not only a time of frightening bombings, packed shelters, little food, or any good cheer except what you can make yourself; this is another Christmas without their little girl.
    Jack survives by questionable means and Maggie falls into a deeper attitude of depression. Then comes a night of loss that Maggie can take no more and Jack must follow. Taking shelter in a mansion with plenty, Jack thinks in his usual way and Maggie falls to her normal fears until a small boy appears.
    This Christmas story is one of true hope amidst troubling times. Jack and Maggie will find something more inside themselves and among strangers that will lead to change. This time of year is meant for all, as the title leads us to find the words to the beautiful song, What Child is This. The fourth, or last, verse contains the most telling words “…all tongues and peoples own him” and “…let loving hearts enthrone him”.
    Rhys Bowen’s short story is meant for every and all.
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining WWII listening ????????
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
    Another will written British ???? London WWII family and friends relationships adventure thriller short story by Rhys Bowen. Jack and Maggie live in a flat in London when it is bombed Christmas eve. They make it to the tube and ride it to the end. They find a house with an open door and a young ???? lad Peter. They wake ⏰ up to find a bomb in the back yard. The bomb goes off destroying the house. The three of them are taken in by a reporter. They spend Christmas day with the reporters sister and things work out. I would recommend this novella and author to ???? readers of British ???? WWII novels ????????. Enjoy the adventure of reading ???? or listening ???? to Alexa read books ????. 2023 ????????☺

    Rhys Bowen is the author of a series I am reading and I found this novella. Happy reading in 2023
  • kms
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
    Perfect Christmas read! It was just too short, tho!!" I wanted to read more... but it was enough. Hope in the midst of war is always a good plot.
  • Glynn Young
    4.0 out of 5 stars Christmas Eve in the London Blitz
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021
    “What Child is This,” a novella by Rhys Bowen, is the story of Jack and Maggie, a young couple who live in London’s East End. It’s Christmas Eve, 1940, the Blitz is on, and German bombers decide to bring an extra Christmas present. Jack and Maggie flee their home when an incendiary bomb is dropped on the block, and they lose everything. She wants to go her sister’s farm in the country, but Jack has to stay near the docks, where he works and is exempted from military duty because of his protected status.

    Virtually penniless, then find themselves in London’s West End near Hyde Park, until Jack discovers a nearby home with the front door wide open. The block is deserted, no one’s in the house, so they make themselves at home is what is a very posh place. And then a little boy wanders downstairs and asks if they’re burglars. It’s a Christmas-time story, overlaid by the tragedy of wartime and loss.

    Bowen is a bestselling author of more than 40 novels. Her novel "The Tuscan Child" has sold more than a million copies, and her works have been translated into numerous languages. She’s received several awards for both her mystery books and her historical novels. A transplanted Brit, she lives in California and Arizona.

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