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What Child Is This

Written by: Rhys Bowen
Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
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Publisher's Summary

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.

What listeners say about What Child Is This

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  • Tamara
  • 2019-07-18

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.

10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • S. B. D.
  • 2019-08-18

Too short

My only issue with the book is it was too short. I want to know what happens after this.

7 people found this helpful

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  • barbara
  • 2019-05-20

A story of hope

Well written as expected. Maggie and Jack have lost their little girl during a harsh winter in London during WWII. A series of disasters on Christmas Eve leaves them homeless and sitting on a bench in Hyde Park. The rest makes for a warm Christmas tale that should be listened to around a fire in December 24th

7 people found this helpful

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  • Leslie Krieg
  • 2020-06-06

Very short but very heartwarming!

I love everything I’ve listened to that Rhys Bowen’s written. The characters in her stories are struggling during the war but never let themselves be beaten down. I love how people from different classes come together to help each other out. This story was the shortest I’ve listened to but still every bit as good as the others.

6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • ND Roughrider
  • 2019-11-21

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!

6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Colleen Gallagher
  • 2020-07-18

Too short!

Great story but ended abruptly. Didn’t realize this was so short when I purchased. Please develop storyline further. I was really enjoying it!

4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • Sandra
  • 2021-11-14

An easy listen

A sweet side of the impact of war? A simple plot with a bit sugary surroundings. Won’t tax your brain.

2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • roseanna banana
  • 2021-11-13

Talk about a tear jerker

The story was too sad. Sure a Christmas miracle, but what about after. Peter's family was fine. The rich usually are. But what about that poor young couple who have nothing? We forget what hell the people close to that horrible war went through. Broke my heart.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2021-07-04

Simple story

This was just not good. It sounded like something a high school freshman wrote for a class

2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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  • McKinley1
  • 2021-12-29

HOLY TOLEDO

Two of the most unsympathetic protagonists ever. And an unsatisfying ending.
However, it was written very well and the narrator was spot on.

1 person found this helpful