A beautiful story set in the turbulent times of WWI
During the Christmas Truce in WWII, a moment when enemies stopped fighting to celebrate life and Christmas, two men shared a moment that would change their lives forever. A British soldier made a promise to find the German soldier's girlfriend and tell her that he was thinking of her. After getting hurt on the battlefield the British soldier, Hal, went to keep his promise. He didn't expect to fall in love with the girl himself. The novel is not just a love story, but is a mix of espionage, adventure, families, and the "moral cost of war." This has been one of my best reads this year.
Rated of 5
by Ocia B. (Nevada, TX)
Touched
This book touched me on many levels. As a recent widow I was touched by the characters and how they draw you into their lives and their story. As an historian I found it vivid and accurate. I would gladly recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Carol N. (San Jose, CA)
Gifts of War
Set against the ferment of World War I, Gifts of War is a finely woven tapestry that deals with one man’s choices, consequences and redemption. This vivid tale of romance and intrigue is a salient narrative that explores the uncertainties of the human heart by creating a story that resonates with the reader long after having finished the last page. I thoroughly enjoyed Mackenzie Ford’s book filled with superb period details of wartime England. It captured the era and the fates of men and women caught in this period of history. With its uncertainty, this touching love story has a shocker of a surprise ending that kept me wanting to know how Montgomery would resolve the war within him. Just between you and me it would make a terrific movie!
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
Gifts of War
I thought this was a very good read. It kept my interest. I find the period during WWI fascinating, and the author wove in some interesting facts about the time period that were enlightening.
It is a romance, albeit a rather dark one.
Rated of 5
by Mary M. (St. Paul, MN)
Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford
This book is wonderful in capturing the tragedy, drama, and difficulties that people lived with during World War 1 in England. I enjoy reading stories of the times during the World Wars, and the author nicely wove the love story with historical facts. The descriptions of life during these years is very realistic, and I thought the author did a good job in telling about the changing role of women during this era.
This story is based on a love borne of deceit, omission and the tragedy of secrets. A few times I thought the plot a bit contrived, but the ending had an unusual twist. A good story and a good read.
Rated of 5
by Jeanne W. (Columbia, MD)
Great atmospherics, weak dialogue
This historian-turned-fiction-writer does a great job evoking the atmosphere of WWI-era London and his imagery leaps off the page. The characters are the weakest part of this very good book. The main character's decision to withhold information is the central point of the novel but this choice makes him a difficult character to like and that detracts from the enjoyment of the book somewhat. The insight into military intelligence analysis was fascinating. Overall, a very good book.
Rated of 5
by Doris (Angora, MN)
Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford
This is a good read. It starts out a bit slowly but I would encourage the reader not to give up.
The author tells a fascinating story about how WWI affected the people living in London. By starting off with the famous Christmas Day truce he continues to tie in the feelings of the people from England and Germany.
Gifts of War would lead to interesting discussions in a book club. Readers who enjoy historical fiction should consider reading this book.
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of 5
by Talya M. (Medical Lake, WA)
of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
