Home and Away: A World War II Christmas Story

by Dean Hughes

A historical fiction novel told from the perspective of a son fighting on the battlefields of Europe during World War II and his mother, struggling with worry and uncertainty as she tries to maintain a normal, happy Christmas holidayNorma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but 1944 will make that more difficult with money being tight and wartime rationing making everything hard to come by. Aware of his mother's hardships and the worry from having her eldest son at war, Norma's second son, Dennis, is determined to buy his mother a special gift this Christmas: a lavender blue dress he hopes will bring her comfort.Meanwhile, on a battlefield far from home in Holland, Norma's soldier son catches a familiar scent of lavender, which briefly transports him back to the homefront and to the perfume scent his mother wore, giving him a short respite and reuniting the family once again--if only in his imagination.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, World War II, Holiday, Family

1 pages, Audio CD

First published September 29, 2015

About the author

Dean Hughes is the author of more than eighty books for young readers, including the popular sports series Angel Park All-Stars, the Scrappers series, the Nutty series, the widely acclaimed companion novels Family Pose and Team Picture, and Search and Destroy. Soldier Boys was selected for the 2001 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list. Dean Hughes and his wife, Kathleen, have three children and six grandchildren. They live in Midway, Utah.

Reviews

[Paul]

This is a book that begins on Thanksgiving 1944. It’s about a family with a 16-year old son struggling to help his parents cope with their oldest son’s being first in Holland (and later in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge) and with their strained relationship in a tough time. Along the way, he has his first romance and gets unexpected help from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, the older son finds himself in the cauldron of one of the biggest battles in history, and the sentiments of Christmastime contrast sharply with the horrors of war.

It’s a good story with multiple messages and the struggles and love of a wartime family – a good story that was written well.

[Jesseca Wheaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aw, that was sweet! Review to come! :)

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't plan to read this book on Veteran's Day, but I did and it was very fitting. Not only did we have snow on the ground, which put me in a Christmas-y mood, but it really brought home what our servicemen and servicewomen do to serve our country. My grandpa served in Army in WWII and every time I read books set in this time period, it really brings to life my memories of him and I miss him.

Dennis is an average 16 year old living in 1944, with a brother serving in the Army as a paratrooper overseas. The story flashes back and forth between home (Ogden, UT) and away (Europe). I love the way Dean Hughes writes such realistic characters. I'm able to understand actions and decisions because of the vivid character descriptions. My heart broke a little for Dennis. Not only is he worried about his brother, Glen, but he's coming of age and trying to relate to a distant father. He's also discovering girls and the importance of looking nice, saving and spending money, and trying to show his mother just how much he loves and appreciates her. Growing up isn't easy.

Norma, the mother, is such a great and selfless character. Being a mother is a tough job, especially when trying to keep up normal family activities in the midst of uncertainty. I love how positive she is.

I love reading about this time period. I felt like I was right there in the Hayes home--observing the small house with the red tiled kitchen, seeing the radio and table playing central roles in the home, and noticing the family dynamics. This is definitely a much simpler, yet trying, time. I couldn't help but to shed a few tears over how this story plays out. My heartstrings had a gentle tugging. This is a great Christmas story for those readers who love these elements.

Content: very mild romance; no language; mild war violence (not too graphic); very mild religious elements (just mentions church in a vague way). Clean!

*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1944. Alternating chapters switch between the stories of Glen Hayes, who is away in Holland fighting with the 101st Airborne Division, and his brother Dennis (sixteen), who is at home in Ogden, Utah, with his mother Norma, his father, and his sisters Linda (nine) and Sharon (six).

The story is quite graphic in its descriptions of the harsh realities of war on the front. Glen has to deal with the boredom, inclement weather, and the lack of food, and he is resigned to the fact that he will never see his family again. His one solace is the scent of lavender, which reminds him of his mother and home. With Christmas Day looming, there is no sign of respite for Glen and his battalion.

Back at home, Dennis wants to do something nice for his mother for Christmas and dreams of buying her the beautiful lavender dress in the window of the expensive clothing store. He works extra hours to earn enough money to buy it, but things become complicated when he starts going out with Judy Kay and finds he now has even more expenses. Meanwhile, he has to deal with his gruff father, who never apologizes or expresses love.

While both brothers struggle with their own battles, they each place their faith in God's plan and are willing to accept whatever happens. This is a heart-warming story of love, sacrifice, family, and faith.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about the Hayes family and takes place during World War II. The oldest brother, Glen, is with the army's 101st Airborne Division, fighting in Europe. For the rest of the Hayes family, money is tight and Christmas is approaching.

The story alternates between Glen and Dennis. Dennis is 16 years old and gets a job so he can buy nice gifts for his family this year, especially his mother. His relationship with his father is strained and he doesn't know why. He also struggles with fitting in with his wealthier friends, especially Judy Kay McCune. I was especially touched with the gift he bought his mother and his experience with the sales woman.

Glen's war experiences are hard to read at times. He's gone through so much and has been forever changed. War is tough and gruesome and he starts questioning the point of it and is resigned to the fact that he will most likely not make it home.

I was glad I started this when I had time to keep reading it so I was able to finish in one sitting. This is a touching Christmas story and I cried as it came to a satisfying conclusion. This is the type of story I love to read this time of year and will read it again and again in the years to come!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Cami Putnam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m always trying to find a sweet Christmas book. They seem to be hard to come by. They always have a similar vibe somebody is dying or hard on their luck and then something good happens. Which I don’t really mind except. This one didn’t make it for me. Too many feelings how does that make you feel you must be sad? Maybe I should just lower my expectations on Christmas books..

This is a story about a 16-year-old during World War II, wanting to find the perfect Christmas gift for his mother. Their dad is harsh and hard to connect with. He’s essentially the bad guy until the end. Sorry if that spoils anything. Their oldest the son is in Germany in the war. Pretty predictable not when we will be listening to as a family on our car ride.

[Cherihy808 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was a very short book...a nice, quick and easy read. I really enjoyed reading it since it’s so close to Christmas. It was a sweet story that showed the importance of family...especially at Christmas time. I would recommend this one if you are in the mood to read an inspirational and touching holiday story. 🎄❤️

[ℓуηη_σƒ_νєℓαяιѕ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So my actual rating for this is 3.5 stars. It took a little while for me to get into it, but it improved and I turned out liking it. (Part of the probably was probably the lack of sleep, so the book doesn't need to take the entirety of the blame for starting slow, lol).

Initially, I found this book to be a frustrating read because the MC's father was a total douchebag, who had a HUGE cactus rammed up his butt I was surprised he wasn't choking on it. At least that was the impression you get throughout most of the book. And his incredibly irritable personality causes a lot of tension in the story and you just want to slap him so badly for being nasty to his wife and children. However, near the end of the book you find out why he acts that way, and it gets reasonably resolved, so I couldn't quite hate him by the end. Thank goodness! I hate a sad, irritating holiday book. They need something of a happy ending, please!

I really liked Dennis, and how sweet he is to his mom, especially when she isn't getting any kindness from her husband. And how he goes out of his way to try to get his mom something extra nice for Christmas to cheer her up is just so wonderful *tear.* And when the super nice lady at the store makes it possible for him to buy her the best dress I was thrilled! And I just knew that she must've had a son who died in the war, and that Dennis' love for his mom touched her heart, it was just such a sweet moment, even though Dennis was unaware at the time. But then he finds out later on about Mrs. Clifford's story, it's just so beautiful and I actually got a bit teary over the whole scene. *sniffles*

Most historical fiction focuses on the action of the war, but this one mainly focuses on the home front, which is kind of refreshing. But at the same time I absolutely love the wartime action in books. Now the battles Dennis' brother Glen participates in are some areas I'm familiar with from other books, so I was pleased to see that, but at the same time disappointed there wasn't a couple more chapters on Glen's perspective. I read another book about these same battles, also by a paratrooper (and a true account), which was terribly fascinating! So at least I have that to go back and read to make up for it. But I did enjoy Glen's chapters, and held my breath for him and Dibbs to make it through the war and back home to their families. And his chapters put war in perspective. The people you're fighting are just like you. They want to go home to their families. They want to survive the war. That all the killing and destruction is a terrible waste to solve an issue. It's truly heartbreaking, especially when you read the true statistics from the history books. So much loss of life. This book gives you a taste of that history, and encourages you to go out and read some more about it.

This story definitely grew on me as I progressed through it. It shows us to true meaning of Christmas and hope. A son trying to make a difference for his mom, and in doing so brings comfort to another hurting soul in the season of giving. In our current times everyone is all crazy about getting things when it's supposed to be about giving. That's the true meaning of Christmas. Giving of ourselves, not getting for ourselves. So for this story to remind us of that is just truly beautiful. And what giving of ourselves can do to others. And the other underlying message of this story, hope. Never giving up, on yourself or others. And that family and friends are what matter most in life. It's truly a touching story.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable Christmas story
set during the war.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

I enjoyed these characters. I want to see more about them. It made the war seem real and showed what the families back home went through too.

The story was told from two sons perspective. Glen the oldest is away on the battlefront in 1944.
Dennis is a fifteen year old who works and goes to school. The war changes the lives around them so much. Both Glen and Dennis grow up faster.

Dennis wants to buy his mother a special Christmas gift this year. He is willing to work longer and more often.

There family is from a hard working family with good points and bad. The father is a mechanic and the mom is a housewife. With four children. Things are tight around the house and with rationing makes it hard to get the things you need.

There is a secondary character that I would like to know more about her. She meets Dennis and helps him but by doing that helps herself too.

I admit to crying in a few places. I cared about these characters. The images of the battlefront really happened to so many people in that war and every war.


I have not read a book by Dean Hughes in along time but I now want to go and read some more books by him again.

I was given this ebook to read by Shadow Mountain Publishing and Edelweiss. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Home and Away A World War II Christmas Story

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, honest tale of family love and strife and how the former can serve to resolve the latter and how strangers can become friends. It was a satisfying Christmas read for me, in spite of its simplicity and lack of sophistication. I interpreted it personally, from the cover picture of a vintage tree ornament like some I have from my mom's WWII collection, to the characters (angry dad) and events (the Battle of the Bulge in which my young uncle was wounded). It was a great antidote to my 'snowed-in feeling'.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story revolving around a family and WWII at Christmastime. The author tried to portray how different people dealt with and understood the war and its effects on people. A lot of healing in the spirit of the season with some faith based philosophy. Overall, the book was ok. It is a short read.

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction novel told from the perspective of a son fighting on the battlefields of Europe during World War II and his mother, struggling with worry and uncertainty about her soldier son while she tries to keep a semblenance of a normal, happy Christmas holiday back on the home front.

Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but 1944 will make that more difficult with money being tight and wartime rationing making everything hard to come by. Aware of his mother's hardships and the worry from having her eldest son at war, second son, Dennis, is determined to buy his mother a special gift this Christmas, a lavender blue dress he hopes will bring her comfort as a symbol of special times gone by and the hope of a brighter future with the family reunited at war's end.

Meantime, on the long campaign to free Europe, her soldier son carrys on as best he can, the horrors of war taking its heavy toll on armies and civilians alike. On a battlefield far from home in Holland with his 101st Airborne battalion, he catches a familiar scent of lavender which briefly transports him back to the home front to the perfume scent his mother wore, giving him a short respite and reuniting the family once again if only in his imagination.

This historical fiction novel is a nostalgic and tender story about the power of love, the reality of war, and the hope we all have that things will turn out all right. (less)

[Lisa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender and heartfelt, take on actual history, this novel is perfect for the holiday season. This book is one that really makes you think about those serving in the armed forces especially during the Holiday season. It is really amazing what people sacrifice in order for everyone to enjoy their freedoms and it is really sad that many people just take for granted what others do. This Holiday read is one that will make you put things in perspective and remember what people have gone through and continue to go through.

I think that this story captured a time in history that only people who lived through it would fully understand. This story was about living through World War II in which families had to keep going on with their loved ones so far away and not fully knowing what was happening to them. While other families had to try to rebuild themselves after learning of a loss of a love one. It is amazing to think about just how those in the states would have spent Christmas (I mean they had to keep going even with all the challenges that were placed upon them during this time period.) The worst situation was those men and boys in the war during the Holiday times.

This book went back and forth between the two perspectives of the brothers: One at home with his family and the other at War fighting for the freedoms of those back home. The parts that were from the brother fighting made the war seem real. I think that the story could have been a little longer because with the length there were things that seemed to be left out. I understand that the author wanted to keep it a short up-lifting story but it could have been a little longer in my opinion

[Jamie Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in a day and quite enjoyed it. I liked the premise (it told the story of a family in Utah while one of their sons was on the front lines of the Battle of the Bulge during WWII) and immediately felt for this family torn apart by war. I didn't have too high of expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became attached to the characters and impacted by their plights. I especially liked Dennis's developmental arc and found his desire to get his mother something special for Christmas so endearing. Great Christmas story. I was tearing up in parts and felt at one point that it was going to be REALLY sad, but in the end it was tender, heartwarming, and appropriately sobering.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this was a sad story of a family in crisis with many trials, they represent many of the trials we may all face in one form or another. Dean Hughes is such a good writer that he lets us peek into the lives of others and see ourselves. Dennis tells the story of his family as they cope with poverty, the ward, and individual struggles as well. It was heart warming to see the family overcome or make the best of their hard times. They are good people with good hearts and a desire to be a happy family and do what's right. I just loved meeting and reading about these people. Thank you, Dean Hughes for a realistic, but warm Christmas story.

[Shedera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a Christmas book to listen to on Libby and came across this historical fiction/holiday story. I didn't love the narration, as it was a bit slow and some of the voices he gave the characters were a little awkward. The story is told through the eyes of Dennis, a 16 year old boy whose older brother is fighting in WWII. Dennis and his mother are close, but his relationship with his father is strained. Most of the story takes place from Thanksgiving to January. The characters in the story are relatable, and the storyline is enjoyable. Good holiday book, that isn't based singularly on Christmas. Quick read or listen, if you enjoy audio books.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Hughes' Children of the Promise series, this story takes place on the battlefield and the home front during World War II. Unfortunately, I felt that the battlefield scenes were too similar to earlier novels and unnecessary in this story. I really liked Dennis' character and thought the story should have just been built around him and not Glen and him. I would have like more resolution in the end. That said, I love the imaginary the Hughes creates and how the characters all come to life.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the elements of this book that referenced World War 2 era North Ogden. Fred M Nye, the canning factory and a lunch counter. I loved the slice of life that let me peak back at a time I’ve only heard about from my mom and dad. This tale even references Afton and Star Valley Wyoming. It’s hard to imagine the way so many families were called upon to sacrifice their hope for the future and how many young men willingly gave so much to fight against injustice and hate on behalf of people they’d never met.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the midst of WWII, with his brother fighting on the European front, all Dennis, want to do is help make his mother's Christmas special by buying a special gift for her, a lavendar blue dress. But Dennis is fighting against the poverty of his family, the chip on his father's shoulder, and the worry over his older brother, as well as trying to prove himself to the cutest girl in school.

A quick read, and a nice story, but I think the narrator threw me off a bit because his voice was really breathy.

[Sharen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to finish today, Thanksgiving. It started Thanksgiving 1944 and went through and after the holiday season. I really enjoyed it. I listened to this one while traveling and it really touched my heart. Reminder that it is truly the small things and family we should be thankful for. Also, let us never forget what our veterans have gone through - home and away. Thinking of all the servicemen and women who can't be with their families during the holiday season. 🦃🎄

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I might have give it 4 stars if it had a bit of an epilogue. I guess it was just meant to me a short story about one aspect of a larger story. I liked the main characters for the most part except when the kid actually acted his age a few times and I shook my head...I liked the lady from the store. There were a lot of really special parts. It was a sweet book with a bit of sad. Like I said before, I wish it had an epilogue...

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a cheery, feel-good Christmas story but it is an uplifting and meaningful depiction of family experiences during WWII. Part of the reason I loved it was because it is set in my hometown and although three months before I was born, it was exactly the place and the culture I experienced as a child. The other setting was the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, where my father was serving at the time of my birth. This story is genuine.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home and away is a fitting title, as the chapters alternate between 'home' and 'away' in 1944. Home being Utah and away being in the war in Europe. I appreciate books that help us remember the history and challenges of years past. Our time may be different but families still struggle, are trying to understand and forgive and do better. Also a beautiful reminder to do what we can to lift those around us too.

[Cheryl-Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars I listened to this and perhaps it would have been better to read. While an interesting story there was not a lot of depth to the characters. Some of Dennis' decisions were obnoxious. I'm glad there was some repair to relationships and some touching on deeper subjects but no real delving deep.

[Kammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book is set around Christmas time, it still covers the areas of economic class division, judging others because of their employment, and the grace of others who have an inkling of what you may be going through.

WWII stories always have some sad parts, but it's what the characters do or become because of it, is what makes the story!

[Kimberly Aultman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book had potential. It was interesting. The family dynamics were well done, in the end. I just think it could have been a great book written as the story of the parents. I’m still wondering how they did.

[NaDell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viewpoints from one family at Christmastime from a son at war and the rest of his family at home during WWII. Beautiful story about what's really important and faith and the love family can share, while still being very real about war and the challenges that that brings to hearts and minds.

[Rachel Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite Christmas books - such tender feelings. The author does an amazing job of painting REAL pictures of the setting and character - I wish there was a second book - I didn’t want it to end!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very underwhelmed by this book. I feel like it had the potential to be so much more, especially considering the author, but it just never really took off. The characters seemed forced, the plot was forced...it just didn’t flow. Not my favorite book ever, but not terrible either.