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Maggie's War
In 1942, telegrams always bring life-altering and tragic news in a war-hardened world—and the one Maggie Marshall receives is no different. But running a restaurant with the help of only pregnant, unwed girls has taught her to be tough. Maggie’s no weeping widow, but Charlotte Penfield thinks she’s the most unfeeling woman on earth. Seventeen, exiled by her wealthy parents, and working in the restaurant, fanciful Charlotte runs away with romantic notions of a reunion with her baby’s father at his military camp.
It has been years since Maggie darkened the church door of her pastor and childhood friend, Reverend Reuben Fennel, and his heart breaks for the hardened woman Maggie’s become. When she seeks his help to find Charlotte, he’s happy to aid her in the chase—though it may cost him his job and reputation.
Over the miles from Winnipeg to Fort William, Reuben and Maggie’s journey rekindles their affection—and their dreams of what they still could be. But Maggie stubbornly clings to her independent ways until she’s dealt another devastating loss, one that forces her to recognize that heroes can be discovered in unlikely places and love may be far sweeter than she ever dared imagine.
It has been years since Maggie darkened the church door of her pastor and childhood friend, Reverend Reuben Fennel, and his heart breaks for the hardened woman Maggie’s become. When she seeks his help to find Charlotte, he’s happy to aid her in the chase—though it may cost him his job and reputation.
Over the miles from Winnipeg to Fort William, Reuben and Maggie’s journey rekindles their affection—and their dreams of what they still could be. But Maggie stubbornly clings to her independent ways until she’s dealt another devastating loss, one that forces her to recognize that heroes can be discovered in unlikely places and love may be far sweeter than she ever dared imagine.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
297 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Terrie Todd
13 books171 followersTerrie Todd's debut novel, The Silver Suitcase, won the 2017 Word Guild award for Historical Fiction. Her second, Maggie's War, won the same award for 2018 while her third, Bleak Landing, was a finalist. In 2018, she was awarded the Janette Oke Award by Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She has published eight stories with Chicken Soup for the Soul, two full-length plays with Eldridge Plays and Musicals, and writes a weekly faith and humor column for her hometown paper. 135 of the most popular columns are found in Terrie's first nonfiction book, Out of My Mind: A Decade of Faith and Humour. Her fourth novel, Rose Among Thornes, released in August, 2021 and her fifth, The Last Piece. in November, 2021.
After 20 years leading a church drama team, Terrie worked part-time as an Administrative Assistant at City Hall. Recently retired, she lives with her husband, Jon, on the Canadian prairies where they raised three children and where her novels are set. Over the years, Terrie has pursued acting, vegan cooking, and playing the saxophone, all with mixed reviews. You can catch up with her latest escapades at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com
After 20 years leading a church drama team, Terrie worked part-time as an Administrative Assistant at City Hall. Recently retired, she lives with her husband, Jon, on the Canadian prairies where they raised three children and where her novels are set. Over the years, Terrie has pursued acting, vegan cooking, and playing the saxophone, all with mixed reviews. You can catch up with her latest escapades at www.terrietodd.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 23, 2017
This was the first time I read a Christian fiction novel. It was by accident, I saw this book at the library and thought I would enjoy the World War II setting and got it. When I started reading it, I realized that a Christian theme was woven throughout the story. I was always concerned that Christian fiction books would be "preachy" or "overpowering". I found this book to have a good balance of story and then the characters also shared their faith as part of overall story.
The story is about a woman who tries to help unwed mothers during WWII. But then tragedy strikes her own life and she then has to reach into her past and rely on a faith that she did not know she even had to get through the hard times.
When I read this, my husband was in the hospital, so this book was just what I needed to get me through a very difficult time.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to try to read a Christian based novel and enjoys books set in the WWII timeframe.
The story is about a woman who tries to help unwed mothers during WWII. But then tragedy strikes her own life and she then has to reach into her past and rely on a faith that she did not know she even had to get through the hard times.
When I read this, my husband was in the hospital, so this book was just what I needed to get me through a very difficult time.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to try to read a Christian based novel and enjoys books set in the WWII timeframe.
July 3, 2017
Maggie Marshall's curmudgeonly ways are threatening to consume what's left of her heart. Charlotte, the pregnant teen under Maggie's care has nicknamed her Grumpystiltskin -- though she'd never dream of saying that out loud! Maggie's hard enough to please without riling her up any more. Pastor Reuben Fennel barely recognizes the sweet, carefree girl he once loved.
The fact is, Maggie has allowed circumstances to steal away her joy. She's faced some insurmountable hardships and survived -- that has to count for something, right? Even if it's left her a shell of the woman she once was. Maggie isn't very likable at the start of this story but she's intriguing and Todd does an amazing job of slowly revealing why Maggie is the way she is...and then sets out to redeem her.
Reuben plays an important role in this redemption story. He's a pastor but not a preacher. More like a shepherd, gently nudging his sheep back to the fold. His patience and forbearance stand him in good stead on the unusual journey he takes with Maggie and in the process he discovers the difference between faith and religion.
Touching and funny and completely captivating!
The fact is, Maggie has allowed circumstances to steal away her joy. She's faced some insurmountable hardships and survived -- that has to count for something, right? Even if it's left her a shell of the woman she once was. Maggie isn't very likable at the start of this story but she's intriguing and Todd does an amazing job of slowly revealing why Maggie is the way she is...and then sets out to redeem her.
Reuben plays an important role in this redemption story. He's a pastor but not a preacher. More like a shepherd, gently nudging his sheep back to the fold. His patience and forbearance stand him in good stead on the unusual journey he takes with Maggie and in the process he discovers the difference between faith and religion.
Touching and funny and completely captivating!
May 24, 2018
Maggie’s War by Terrie Todd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Timeframe: 1942
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Main Characters:
Maggie Marshall: Abused wife of soldier killed in WII
Reuben Fennel: Pastor of local church and childhood friend
Charlotte Pennfield: Unmarried girl, Maggie’s ward
As I began this book I was fearful that it would be full of cruelty, and more abuse coming as Maggie ends up closely tied to her brother-in-law, Earl, who was even worse than her abusive late-husband. It’s hard to read about domestic violence that goes on and on. But, although there were moments, it wasn’t written in such a sensational way that I needed to put the book down. There were such encouraging points that I continued, and I’m glad I did.
Maggie is a hard, seemingly uncaring shrew of a woman at the beginning. No one knew how terribly abusive her husband had been to her over the past 6 years. She was just given the news that her husband Doug was killed in the war. The restaurant her parents left her was finally all hers, and she was physically and emotionally free. But her life with Doug had caused her to be bitter and hard. Her young ward, pregnant unmarried Charlotte, was sick of Maggie’s harsh ways. She felt like a slave in the restaurant, and dreamt of running away to be with Reginald, the baby’s father, who was also in the army.
Reuben Fennel had been a friend of Maggie’s when they were in high school. He had always been a Godly young man and was now the pastor of a local church… not one Maggie’s in-laws attended, therefore she hadn’t either. But as her old friend she felt compelled to seek his advice. Later she came to him in hopes he could help find Charlotte.
This began an adventure that would change everyone’s life.
Wonderful book with faith elements throughout. It had another element that I seldom read in Christian Fiction. Reuben had uncontestable dreams, words and thoughts from God that were meant to spur him into action. He had them enough as a child, and were always exactly what was needed at the moment, that he understood when he was prompted he needed to act. He knew these prompts didn’t supersede God’s Word, but were part of a gifting he needed to act on nonetheless. It was well done, not creepy or over the top, always expressed in humility rather than out of pride.
I loved the way Reuben prayed throughout the book. It was an encouragement to everyone who needed it and at just the right time. What a terrific example of a Christian man!
Good book I won’t soon forget.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Timeframe: 1942
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Main Characters:
Maggie Marshall: Abused wife of soldier killed in WII
Reuben Fennel: Pastor of local church and childhood friend
Charlotte Pennfield: Unmarried girl, Maggie’s ward
As I began this book I was fearful that it would be full of cruelty, and more abuse coming as Maggie ends up closely tied to her brother-in-law, Earl, who was even worse than her abusive late-husband. It’s hard to read about domestic violence that goes on and on. But, although there were moments, it wasn’t written in such a sensational way that I needed to put the book down. There were such encouraging points that I continued, and I’m glad I did.
Maggie is a hard, seemingly uncaring shrew of a woman at the beginning. No one knew how terribly abusive her husband had been to her over the past 6 years. She was just given the news that her husband Doug was killed in the war. The restaurant her parents left her was finally all hers, and she was physically and emotionally free. But her life with Doug had caused her to be bitter and hard. Her young ward, pregnant unmarried Charlotte, was sick of Maggie’s harsh ways. She felt like a slave in the restaurant, and dreamt of running away to be with Reginald, the baby’s father, who was also in the army.
Reuben Fennel had been a friend of Maggie’s when they were in high school. He had always been a Godly young man and was now the pastor of a local church… not one Maggie’s in-laws attended, therefore she hadn’t either. But as her old friend she felt compelled to seek his advice. Later she came to him in hopes he could help find Charlotte.
This began an adventure that would change everyone’s life.
Wonderful book with faith elements throughout. It had another element that I seldom read in Christian Fiction. Reuben had uncontestable dreams, words and thoughts from God that were meant to spur him into action. He had them enough as a child, and were always exactly what was needed at the moment, that he understood when he was prompted he needed to act. He knew these prompts didn’t supersede God’s Word, but were part of a gifting he needed to act on nonetheless. It was well done, not creepy or over the top, always expressed in humility rather than out of pride.
I loved the way Reuben prayed throughout the book. It was an encouragement to everyone who needed it and at just the right time. What a terrific example of a Christian man!
Good book I won’t soon forget.
January 13, 2017
In Maggie’s War, Terrie Todd tells her tale masterfully, just as she did in her debut novel, The Silver Suitcase. Her signature includes complex characters, rich historical time periods, and a compelling narrative. I highly recommend Maggie’s War.
March 1, 2021
This was such an amazing book!! Though it was sad, it was also very well written. However, I disliked Maggies brother and husband. They were very abusive and mean. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to own it!
I listened to the audiobook version. So good!
I listened to the audiobook version. So good!
January 30, 2017
Maggie’s War dances off the page with the passion and energy of a Carrie Underwood country song. The feminist punch of Thelma and Louise and Fried Green Tomatoes packed with the spiritual power of a Billy Graham Crusade. The writing and plot are as smooth and quick as an up-tempo, country-diva anthem - I’m sure I heard some Church Bells ringing.
I have always loved hearing about my parent's stories about the war years. It sounded like a frightening time, marked with great tragedy, unexpected joy and victory. Maggie’s War captures that sentiment and time period perfectly with a story that moves faster the winds of change. Melodic writing and a brilliant story with a clear spiritual agenda.
I have always loved hearing about my parent's stories about the war years. It sounded like a frightening time, marked with great tragedy, unexpected joy and victory. Maggie’s War captures that sentiment and time period perfectly with a story that moves faster the winds of change. Melodic writing and a brilliant story with a clear spiritual agenda.
January 25, 2017
I recently read Maggie's War by Terrie Todd. Like her first book, the silver suitcase, I found it very hard to put down. In both of the authors books, as you read you can picture the setting these stories take place in. Terrie does a wonderful job of developing her characters and I found myself very involved in their hardships and triumphs. I highly recommend this novel
January 25, 2017
Terri has done it again! Excellent book with believable characters and a captivating story line! (I read the book in one sitting!)
January 25, 2017
I have made new friends. I'm not sure what I will do without them. Some people come into my life and they leave and no gap is left. Not so with the characters in Maggie's War. I have rejoiced as they made brave and wise decisions. I wept at loss & guffawed at the twisting of the English language. I felt myself hesitating as the pages remaining became few. I wanted to delay my friends' departure from my life - from my heart.
September 19, 2022
5 star book. Love this author and how she intertwines Gods message in her books. Great read. Couldn’t put it down. Finished in 1 day.
March 3, 2017
“Maggie’s War” a beautifully written and moving story begins with Maggie Marshall a tough, harsh and bitter widow in 1942 Winnipeg who runs a restaurant, employing pregnant unwed girls over the years to help her. Haunted by a tragedy and abuse in her past Maggie has lost her faith and fears loving again until she starts a journey with Reverend Reuben Fennel searching for Charlotte Penfield a seventeen-year-old pregnant girl who has been abandoned by her parents and runaway from the restaurant to reunite with her baby’s father. In a story that captures your heart not only will love and faith be rekindled, but a miracle will be born that will heal broken spirits.
Set in 1942 in a war-hardened world families in Winnipeg everyday receive news of the death of loved ones while facing a decline in business and rationing. As the story heats up Maggie suffering with a crisis in the ownership of her restaurant and a memorial service for her slain husband suddenly discovers that her very pregnant ward has runaway. With the help of childhood friend and pastor Reuben Fennel they begin a chase that could cost him his job and Maggie her reputation.
Fast-paced and emotionally-charged Terrie Todd weaves a tale that grips the reader from the first page to the last. Themes like the pain and hardship of war; the stigma of unwed pregnancies; parental rejection; and the unchristian values of churchgoers’ ripple throughout this story. Yet amid all the hardship and suffering faith and love triumph as hope and compassion are reborn.
The characters are complex and realistic, like Maggie Marshall an abused woman who’s grouchy, cold and fiery tempered. Strong-willed and independent her loving nature resurfaces as she begins to rely on the kind, patient, steadfast and stubborn Reuben Fennel whose deep faith brings light into the darkness of her despair and unforgiving heart. In their journey love not only blossoms again, but Maggie discovers the power of prayer and unusual heroes in Reuben and the naive, impulsive but brave Charlotte Penfield. These personalities and others infuse the plot with spirit, energy and drama that makes them unforgettable.
I loved “Maggie’s War” and will not only recommend it to others but will look for other novels by Terrie Todd in future.
Set in 1942 in a war-hardened world families in Winnipeg everyday receive news of the death of loved ones while facing a decline in business and rationing. As the story heats up Maggie suffering with a crisis in the ownership of her restaurant and a memorial service for her slain husband suddenly discovers that her very pregnant ward has runaway. With the help of childhood friend and pastor Reuben Fennel they begin a chase that could cost him his job and Maggie her reputation.
Fast-paced and emotionally-charged Terrie Todd weaves a tale that grips the reader from the first page to the last. Themes like the pain and hardship of war; the stigma of unwed pregnancies; parental rejection; and the unchristian values of churchgoers’ ripple throughout this story. Yet amid all the hardship and suffering faith and love triumph as hope and compassion are reborn.
The characters are complex and realistic, like Maggie Marshall an abused woman who’s grouchy, cold and fiery tempered. Strong-willed and independent her loving nature resurfaces as she begins to rely on the kind, patient, steadfast and stubborn Reuben Fennel whose deep faith brings light into the darkness of her despair and unforgiving heart. In their journey love not only blossoms again, but Maggie discovers the power of prayer and unusual heroes in Reuben and the naive, impulsive but brave Charlotte Penfield. These personalities and others infuse the plot with spirit, energy and drama that makes them unforgettable.
I loved “Maggie’s War” and will not only recommend it to others but will look for other novels by Terrie Todd in future.
February 10, 2019
This is the third book by Terrie Todd I have read, and liked it just as much as the others. This one starts out with Maggie Marshall, as the author describes her life as the owner of Bert's Restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba during World War II. Along with managing the restaurant, Maggie also takes in unwed, pregnant women, giving them work in her restaurant to pay for their room and board. We are then introduced to Charlotte, a pregnant young girl, who has fantasies of being reunited with the father of her child. As the story progresses, we read about Charlotte's desire to runaway from Maggie's home, while Maggie decides to take matters into her own hands, chasing after her, and dragging along her friend in the process, Reverend Fennel. I was smitten with how Maggie fell in love with Charlotte and her son, Darcy, even though in the beginning, she wasn't too keen on her. I also loved how Reverend Fennel was eager to assist Maggie in all aspects of helping Charlotte, and stuck by her throughout everything that occurred. I felt that Maggie truly changed as an individual from the beginning of the book, until the end. She truly warmed-up, and became a well-rounded, loving, and caring person, who was capable of being a wonderful mother to Charlotte. The book also went into great detail of how love can capture the best of us, especially when faced with unspeakable decisions. Would definitely love to read more of Terrie Todd's books in the future!
January 30, 2017
Terrie Todd's second novel Maggie's War is proof that her first, The Silver Suitcase, was in no way a highly successful fluke. This talented writer has woven another tale that within the first few pages gives a clear picture of the characters, their environment and the war time in which the book is situated. Through all the adventures and misadventures, the tough choices and plot twists, we see the key characters mature, heal and grow into their best selves. It's one of those books you are sorry to put down when you reach the final page. (Note: I was offered an early copy of this book in exchange for a review, but before that happened I was planning to purchase this book for myself.)
June 23, 2017
What a wonderful book. I won this book with the Giveaways and, at the time, I did not know the author. The book depicts the hard life of women in Winnipeg during the War. It is well written and goes to show women have gone a long way from having to hide the negatives (that often become positives) and yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I will certainly read more of Terrie Todd's books. thanks to Goodreads and its Giveaways for giving me the opportunity to read new authors that otherwise I would not have know. It is truly a very good read.
May 20, 2020
I loved this book just as much as I did Terrie Todd's other 2 books, The Silver Suitcase and Bleak Landing. I felt close to the characters and understood their struggles. They made mistakes in their lives but still drew close to the Lord and trusted Him. There were a few extra twists and turns that made it a bit unrealistic at times, but still very entertaining. I never wanted to put it down so I could find out what was next! Really enjoyed it overall. If Terrie Todd writes any new novels, I will be first in line!
March 20, 2017
I found this book to be hard to get into and poorly developed. The characters lacked emotional pull and had shallow relationships. The story takes you all over but I wish the story had gone deeper and not just more places. It is clear that the author has many ideas, they just didn't fit together cohesively in this tale. I was excited to read s story about the far north but found that with lack of setting and character development, these characters could have been based anywhere.
January 31, 2017
I enjoyed Maggie's War as much as I loved the author's debut novel - The Silver Suitcase! I now trust Terrie Todd to produce meaningful, enjoyable novels regularly! (At least I hope they appear regularly!) The characters are engaging and I don't want to put the book down! There are unpredictable events occurring throughout that keep me captivated! A very enjoyable read!
August 9, 2017
Miracles
Terri Todd writes a sensational story of God's love for all of us. If includes His guiding words from the Bible and also those He sends to us in other ways. Maggie's War is a tale of people suffering from various heart aches from choices they have made in life and of God's forgiveness. Beautifully told story. Thank you Terri Todd.
Terri Todd writes a sensational story of God's love for all of us. If includes His guiding words from the Bible and also those He sends to us in other ways. Maggie's War is a tale of people suffering from various heart aches from choices they have made in life and of God's forgiveness. Beautifully told story. Thank you Terri Todd.
September 1, 2017
Good clean historical novel
I loved the story and how our Lord was central in so many lives. The mercy of God and His generosity towards us. This book is so worth reading, it blessed me. I recommend the author and I commend her courage to write this type of story without sexual content.
I loved the story and how our Lord was central in so many lives. The mercy of God and His generosity towards us. This book is so worth reading, it blessed me. I recommend the author and I commend her courage to write this type of story without sexual content.
January 15, 2018
I so enjoyed this book. I had listened to the silver suitcase and just wanted to listen to another book by the same author and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed not having to cringe upon hearing foul language and enjoyed the scriptures and lessons learned throughout. This author is my new favorite ! Maggie Marshall and all the characters feel like family now.
August 31, 2017
The war has touched Maggie Marshall’s life in more ways than one. Maggie has received word that her husband Doug, fighting for the Canadian Army, has been declared dead. Maggie experiences a deep sense of relief at this news because her husband was abusive and she wanted a way out. Because of events in her past as a young girl, Maggie has taken it upon herself to help young girls who have found themselves in trouble. She arranges for the girls to live with her, work in her restaurant, and then helps them give their babies up for adoption. Her life has made her bitter and hard.
Reverend Reuben Fennel is a childhood friend of Maggie’s. He has always had much affection for her, but has been too intimidated to do much about it. Reuben steps in when Maggie needs help finding a runaway girl. Their escapades result in some hard lessons for both of them.
In “Maggie’s War” by Terrie Todd, this story unfolds gradually and eventfully. Although the reader may presume the ending, the meat of the sandwich, so to speak, is quite satisfying.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley.com and was under no obligation to post a review. You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-rZ. Check out other book reviews at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Reverend Reuben Fennel is a childhood friend of Maggie’s. He has always had much affection for her, but has been too intimidated to do much about it. Reuben steps in when Maggie needs help finding a runaway girl. Their escapades result in some hard lessons for both of them.
In “Maggie’s War” by Terrie Todd, this story unfolds gradually and eventfully. Although the reader may presume the ending, the meat of the sandwich, so to speak, is quite satisfying.
I received a complimentary Kindle copy from NetGalley.com and was under no obligation to post a review. You can read this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-rZ. Check out other book reviews at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
February 19, 2017
Maggie, an abused wife, has become hardened and cold. When she receives a telegram stating her husband has been killed in the war, she only feels relief. To the young unwed mothers who work in her restaurant and live with her until their baby is born, she is a harsh boss. Charlotte Penfield is the current unwed mother who hates working for Maggie. However, when Charlotte runs away, Maggie decides to go after her and this decision brings her back into contact with her childhood friend who is now a pastor. All three are changed by decisions and find they need each other. The setting is Winnipeg, Canada in the 1940s; the imagery of the people, towns and countryside are great. The characters, main and secondary, are wonderful and draw your interest to find out what happens to them; reading about Maggie’s thawing and Charlotte’s maturing is touching. The narrative reads easily, keeping your interest until the end. There is romance and intrigue. Terrie Todd is a very good storyteller.
I received a free Kindle download through Goodreads.
I received a free Kindle download through Goodreads.
July 1, 2018
The Canadian Front
There's a lot going for this book. One thing that pleased me is that it's a Canadian setting written by a Canadian author. When I first heard about it I thought it might be interesting but it turned out better than expected. Maggie is a woman in her thirties who lives in Winnipeg during World War Two. Under a crusty exterior she hides a caring heart. She takes in unwed mothers to help in her restaurant until they are able to put up their babies for adoption. One of the girls in her care is Charlotte who runs away. Maggie and her pastor friend, Reuban, feel responsible for her and her baby and take off after her. This is a terrific story of how God can heal the pain from our past and forgive our sins. As much as enjoyed Maggie's story I felt that Charlotte's story was an integral part and that it was left hanging. That disappointed me and I hoped for a sequel.
There's a lot going for this book. One thing that pleased me is that it's a Canadian setting written by a Canadian author. When I first heard about it I thought it might be interesting but it turned out better than expected. Maggie is a woman in her thirties who lives in Winnipeg during World War Two. Under a crusty exterior she hides a caring heart. She takes in unwed mothers to help in her restaurant until they are able to put up their babies for adoption. One of the girls in her care is Charlotte who runs away. Maggie and her pastor friend, Reuban, feel responsible for her and her baby and take off after her. This is a terrific story of how God can heal the pain from our past and forgive our sins. As much as enjoyed Maggie's story I felt that Charlotte's story was an integral part and that it was left hanging. That disappointed me and I hoped for a sequel.
July 18, 2019
*I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway, thank you! However, it doesn't affect my review.*
This book has been in a box for a while, since after receiving it, I moved and didn't have my books unpacked for a long time. But once started, I read the book in a couple of days. The writing style is very easy to follow and the chapters are short, which I enjoy. Maggie's story is captivating, although I must admit pretty predictable. Of course, some twists occur and make the story more interesting, but the general line is clear from the beginning. Not necessarily an awful thing of course.
All in all, this book was very enjoyable, but not an all-time favourite. I would definitely recommend it as a Summer read.
This book has been in a box for a while, since after receiving it, I moved and didn't have my books unpacked for a long time. But once started, I read the book in a couple of days. The writing style is very easy to follow and the chapters are short, which I enjoy. Maggie's story is captivating, although I must admit pretty predictable. Of course, some twists occur and make the story more interesting, but the general line is clear from the beginning. Not necessarily an awful thing of course.
All in all, this book was very enjoyable, but not an all-time favourite. I would definitely recommend it as a Summer read.
May 8, 2024
Maggie's War is a novel that shares the life of Maggie Marshall. Maggie takes in unwed and pregnant young women while her husband is in Europe fighting WW2. Just getting news that her husband is dead, she is more relieved than upset. Caroline is the young mother she is taking care of, and she dreams of finding her baby's father. Pastor Rubin visits his old friend Maggie to give his condolences for her loss. When Caroline runs off to find her baby's father, Maggie turns to Pastor Rubin for help.
The setting for this story is Mantoba, Canada, and it gives the reader a fresh setting for a WW2 novel. I think Terrie Todd is a very good writer, and I have enjoyed other novels she has written.
The setting for this story is Mantoba, Canada, and it gives the reader a fresh setting for a WW2 novel. I think Terrie Todd is a very good writer, and I have enjoyed other novels she has written.
August 24, 2018
A Great Read!
It was a pleasure to read this book because it had depth to it, and the characters were interesting. Reuben was maybe a tad on the dry side and not too exciting, but he is a pastor so it fits. Charlotte was well done even though she matured almost overnight after her baby was born, which is not implausible. But she didn't seem to find the baby too much for her ever, even though she's only 17. Maggie was well done as she turned from her crustiness and finally came to terms with her past and became re-acquainted with Reuben. All in all, I would highly recommend this book.
It was a pleasure to read this book because it had depth to it, and the characters were interesting. Reuben was maybe a tad on the dry side and not too exciting, but he is a pastor so it fits. Charlotte was well done even though she matured almost overnight after her baby was born, which is not implausible. But she didn't seem to find the baby too much for her ever, even though she's only 17. Maggie was well done as she turned from her crustiness and finally came to terms with her past and became re-acquainted with Reuben. All in all, I would highly recommend this book.
February 18, 2023
Terrie Todd is rapidly becoming a favorite author. This is a beautifully told story of brokenness and pain ...love and redemption. Truly for all the main characters. Each has their own struggle and each feels alone in their pain.. but God brings them together and opens their eyes not only to His work in their lives, but also their need to let others in.
I also love that there was a bit of a tie back to characters met in The Silver Suitcase. This is NOT a sequel, so you do not have to read The Silver Suitcase first. But if you love excellent stories, read it!
I also love that there was a bit of a tie back to characters met in The Silver Suitcase. This is NOT a sequel, so you do not have to read The Silver Suitcase first. But if you love excellent stories, read it!
October 9, 2023
I will start by saying that I have put this author’s other two books on my “to read” list. She is a good writer. I love the Christian undertones. I love that there is no foul language. I love the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and love. I loved the characters and their goodness, though in Maggie’s case that goodness had to be mined by the other characters. I loved the action of the book and the difficulties, but how they supported one another through those times. This is a good story. The audio version was well done.
June 30, 2017
A great story during WW2 that showed the culture of the time towards unwed mothers, as well as the bias against women. This book speaks of domestic violence, without a lot of details as well as hints at sexual adventures by young women, bringing up two very powerful topics that are not often addressed in how they were handled in that time period. I completely enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author.
July 10, 2018
Historical fiction, adventure, mystery, light romance
Maggie runs a restaurant in Canada during WWII. She houses teenage girls who find themselves pregnant and alone. When one of them runs off to find her baby's father, Maggie and her friend embark on a journey to find the runaway and bring her home. The story had a great mix of humor, tragedy and love.
Maggie runs a restaurant in Canada during WWII. She houses teenage girls who find themselves pregnant and alone. When one of them runs off to find her baby's father, Maggie and her friend embark on a journey to find the runaway and bring her home. The story had a great mix of humor, tragedy and love.
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