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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2071 KP) rated What Child is This in Books

Jan 1, 2019

What Child is This

Rhys Bowen | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Simple, Heart Warming Short Story

The story opens on Christmas Eve in London in 1940. It's the middle of the blitz, and rationing is in full effect, so it is looking like a very dismal Christmas for Maggie and Jack Harris. But then what little they do have is taken from them suddenly, and they find themselves on the streets. Jack goes looking for shelter and finds what looks like an abandoned house. Is it abandoned? What will Christmas day bring?

While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.

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Merissa (11666 KP) rated Frosty Relations (A Witch’s Night Out #2) in Books

May 8, 2023

This is the second book of the Witch's Night Out series although you could quite easily read it as a standalone and you would be absolutely fine. The characters from Book 1 are mentioned but play no active role in this book.

In this story, Jack is not happy as he has lost his best friend to a woman, all the staff have gone home, and it's Christmas Eve. He goes to Mina's office to rant at her, only to discover that she has a date to get ready for. He isn't happy with that idea although he refuses to admit why. Mina has had a crush on Jack for years but has tried to move on, including having a relationship with someone else that didn't work out.

Mina is petite and fragile looking, but she has a backbone of steel. She won't put up with any crap from Jack - or anyone else either! I loved a particular scene in this novella when you learn just how strong Mina is.

This is a quick but hot read, set in a glacial environment, with a male main character who comes across as a real piece of work but is actually a nice guy if he lets himself be. Well-written and smoothly paced, this is another excellent book from Tara Quan. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 15, 2015