The Angel of Bastogne

by Gilbert Morris, J. Landon Ferguson

In the tradition of It's a Wonderful Life and John Grisham's Skipping Christmas… Newspaper reporter Ben Raines is a full-fledged cynic trying to bypass what he feels is the least wonderful time of the year-Christmas. But his plan to escape on a dream vacation overseas is foiled when the boss assigns him to write the annual front-page holiday story. With a humbug twist, Ben chooses to investigate a World War II legend involving his own father that will expose the fallacies of religion and everything related to December 25th. Willy Raines fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne during Christmas 1944 and-to Ben's embarrassment-believes a real angel saved the lives of every man in the 101st Airborne unit. Some angel that was. Life was never easy for Willy after the war, and he was far from heroic in his son's eyes. Ben sets out to find other veterans who witnessed the angel of Bastogne, sure to return empty-handed. Instead, he comes home with a heart that is overflowing.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Christian, Military Fiction

156 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written omniscient POV is tough to find, but this little story perfectly fit the bill. It was peppered with lively banter, and while I’d have changed a word or two, I wouldn't have touched the heart and emotion of this charmer. This tear-jerker is a must-read Christmas story, especially if you love It’s a Wonderful Life.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating : 3.5

This is the first Gilbert Morris story I've ever read (the cover says 'A Novel', but I believe it's more of a novella) and it was pretty good as Christian fiction goes. I enjoyed the first chapter the most, I think, even though all the squad members seemed like character cliches instead of actual people. They were still great, though. In fact, I liked the first chapter so much that I want to hunt down any Morris books that are set in WWII.

The rest of the novella was okay. Pretty predictable, though with this kind of feel-good Christmas story, that's pretty much a given. I liked that Ben ended up getting saved. I liked the ending (allowed myself to get a emotionally manipulated just a little, mostly because it reminded me of the ending to White Christmas). The characters were fine, nothing really special, and the writing was a bit better than most Christian novels/novellas, which was nice.

In the end, if you're a fan of Christian fiction or sweet Christmas stories that are short enough to read over the holidays, I'm sure you'd enjoy The Angel of Bastogne.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Raines didn't have much use for Christmas. When he was asked to write a Christmas story for the newspaper, he figured he would come up with a cynical article. He also thought that his father was a loser and a bit of a disappointment. However, he decided to interview his father's companions from his time during the war. Ben learned that his father was a real hero who saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. Interviewing these men changed his perspective of his father and of Christmas.

[Richard Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in hopes of reading historical fiction. Morris is considered one of the present day masters at that genre. What I got was a present day romance novel. It's interesting what drew me to the book. The cover verbiage indicated it was somewhat loosely based on one of my favorite movies, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Combined that with the fact that I never had read Morris before; my adoration of a good angel story; and it was in the bargain bin at the book store, how could I go wrong?

Apparently in more ways than one. Even though it's listed as historical fiction, the historical part lasted all of one chapter. The angel part lasted one scene of one chapter, and the romance lasted the rest of the book. Granted, I'm not that huge of a reader of romances. However, the ones I have read are far superior to this. The most enjoyable part of reading this part of the book was wondering 2 things. First, where in the real world do women like this exist. She's a pediatric surgeon, a pilot, good looking, a great cook, affluent, great personality and single just waiting for a down on his luck newspaper guy to come along who doesn't share her belief core. Yeah, there's a bevy of them out there! Second thing on my mind, what on earth is this guy waiting for?

The saving grace of this book and why it wasn't a complete waste of time is the allegorical aspect of the plot to the story of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. I can't say too much about that without revealing the story and point of the book. I will say the last two chapters are worth the $3.97 I paid for the book.

If you like IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and romance, this could be a selection for your book list. My recommendation is just don't put it to high on your list.

[Summer Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
The first chapter of this book was great! The rest of the book, set in the modern day, was okay. Maybe I was less impressed because it's not what I thought it was going to be when I read the blurb.

There is much I love about Gilbert Morris' writing, but I thought the dialogue in this one was a little stilted. I did love the soldiers, and Mabelene, and I loved the ending of the story. I wish there had been more about the titular angel.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pleasant, brief story (110 pages) that admits that it owes a great deal to Frank Capra's It's A Wonderful Life. (And why doesn't the Goodreads app include on its alternate keyboard the type of brackets one must use to include italics in a review?) The story emphasizes accepting Christ more than World War II, with the angel experience briefly told (unless you're including a figurative angel or two in the mix). People who have already accepted Christ will probably enjoy the book; people who have not may not be open to this kind of nonstop evangelism. It seems incredible (even though all things are possible with God) that one man would encounter so many devoted Christians in a fairly random group of people.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be about WWII, but only the first chapter was, which was really disappointing. The story was over simplified and very heavy-handedly (is that a word?) Christian, which gets under my skin. Character development was shallow, and I just couldn't wait to finish the book so that I didn't have to read it anymore.

[Deb Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

Some of the other reviewers didn't score this book very high, but I really enjoyed it. Possibly the fact that my own father was a WW2 vet and I have many childhood memories of my dad attending the annual reunion of his army buddies. "Band of Brothers" is a very appropriate description of the relationships forged while fighting for their lives defending our country.

[Ann Manet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has a good message, just a little sappy at times. I wish more of the historical side had been presented....not just in the opening chapter. I would recommend this.

[John Desaulniers, Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

When this book first released I was a sales rep for the publisher. The first intrigue I had about the book was mid way through our seeing cycle the entire plot changed! Only a seasoned author like Gilbert Morris would be permitted that. Second, there were several plot ties to It's a Wonderful Life, a favorite of mine, and so I was determined to read this book. It only took fourteen years to do!

In some ways the book was what I expected. Morris himself acknowledges he's a somewhat formulaic writer. In this case there were no surprises, no plot twists, and really no suspense. The story was overtly Christian with an exaggerated story that was not truly realistic. I wonder if there had been deadline pressure that Mr Morris met with a less than best story.

There were, however, some touching parts to the story, and the conclusion, while fully in view from about the third page, was still in keeping with expectations.

This is my first Gilbert Morris book to read. I've sold hundreds of his in my bookselling career. It's not a great book, but it's an entertaining light read. There's a lot more that could be done with the same story line and characters, and this seems frankly like a Reader's Digest version of something that could go deeper in plot and character development. But for an afternoon or evening entertainment that demands little, it's not bad.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I've read this story three times now, enjoying it a little more each time. If you're familiar with the work of Gilbert Morris, you'll know that his books have strong spiritual themes, often weaving in a conversion scene - and it fits beautifully in The Angel of Bastogne.

In the opening pages, we experience a battle scene toward the end of WWII, in which a military figure that Willie Raines didn't recognize advises him on how to sneak up behind a German regiment that was shooting at his remaining soldiers. Fast forward fifty years to a time where Willie and his son, Ben, have a strained, tense relationship. Ben, was more of a seeker than an unbeliever. He had become nothing but a cynical man, afraid to admit that there was good in the world. In a dark world there were lights, and he had fled from them. As he interviews his father's band of brothers, with the help of one of their daughters, Ben grows emotionally and spiritually through this novella.

These words of testimony are especially meaningful to me... "People talk about people who die being lost, but I don't see it that way... Because if you know where something is, why, it's not lost, is it?" (Willie Raines)

The Angel of Bastogne is a moving story with a most beautiful heartwarming scene at the end.

[Lorraine Shelstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of the story is very promising - an unidentified soldier who tells a group of US soldiers in battle near Bastogne in WWII what to do. The men try to find the 'soldier' after but he has completely disappeared causing them to wonder if he was an angel sent to save them from being blown up. However, the author drops the ball in the telling of the story - the son of one of the men is an unbelieving journalist who starts to write the story for the Christmas edition of the paper. The story turns out to be filled with unbelievable born-again Christians and ends too predictably. I was disappointed in the writing as well.

[SK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but powerful. Adult son finally learns to appreciate the sacrifice & heroism his Dad gave at Bastogne, as he is tasked to write a Christmas story. He chooses this Christmas event & interviews all survivors - WOW. 4.9

[Donna Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at our library's annual book sale. Didn't know it was a Christmas story (of sorts). Read it anyway (in August!). It was a wonderful tale of a "band of brothers", with excellent character development. I did find it's parallels to "Its a Wonderful Life" a bit contrived, though.

[Kerrie Hatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Angel of Bastogne" is a short book and a quick read. It held my interest and gave me a an occasional chuckle. Also there was a tiny bit of romance.

[Wayne McKirdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE are important to the lives around us, and in the world, arn't we. An interesting read. Really enjoyed it.

[Cheryl Nall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but was disappointed that it didn't tell more about the experiences of the soldiers during the war.

[ThatOneBookGuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a shorter book but is so good. Very well written. I’m a history buff and loved every bit of it. Very good story line. Grips you right from the beginning

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short novella that is overly in-your-face syrupy sweet with religion (Jesus saves) and Christmas redemption.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library finally got another copy in lieu of the one I lost so was able to finish at last. Not what I expected as turned out to be a retelling of the movie "It's a wonderful life."

[Oliver Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read. Heartwarming story

[Maria Evers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the story line was good but the dialogue was odd.

[David Cordero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, easy to read, was expecting a little more WWII stuff in there, but it had a really neat emotional ending. A page turner, and worth your time!

[Beckynetc (Clark) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh, Gilbert Morris! (author), I really enjoyed your Biblical fiction years ago. But this one is over the top, not Christmasy, TOO MANY references to “It’s A Wonderful Life” and not about an angel. :(
I hope I at least finish it (I have 10 short pages to go) but it was disappointing.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one time that I am glad that I did not read any of the reviews of this short novel because if I had read the reviews I very likely would not have chosen to read it. But I picked it up at the library used book sale and the description on the back seemed promising. Well, the story description on the back is quite misleading. This is a romance. Yep, a Hallmarkesque, sticky, cheesy, gooey, Christian romance. And I did enjoy it. I even wept a few tears. It was painfully predictable and yet that was part of the charm. And, even though there are several issues with the editing that drove me nuts, I still gave it four stars. It must be that I am not such a Scrooge after all.

[Sharon Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing tale of how one person's selfless act impacts generations to come and how God is faithful to redeem all.

My new story to watch with It's a Wonderful Life!!!!
This was so amazing and wonderful to read.
I will recommend to all my friends and family.

[James Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short sweet little book that was nothing like what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be a historical piece on World War 2. That was the first chapter. The rest of the book is set in roughly modern times. It seems like most of the other people who reviewed this book either loved it or hated it. I really enjoyed it and I found it easy to read and it kept me going. It was not perfect and it was odd that almost everyone in the book was a Christian except the protagonist.

I would have liked more of Chapter 1, whether through flashbacks or stories from some of the other characters. But the book was enjoyable to me, as is. It is not the epitome of perfect literature and it will not change the history of the world. But it was a cozy read on a cold January weekend, for which I am grateful.

James

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Angel of Bastogne

This was a short story but had a very good story line. The author uses this book to preach about GOD and being saved. It was like "Its a Wonderful Life" and the Christmas Story.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most common impression when angels are mentioned is one of dazzling beings with radiant visages. Might we recognize one if a celestial visitor came garbed in human form, walked among men, and altered the course of earthly events? Not all supernatural events and interventions are of an earth-shattering nature, and some of these have even been disputed as to their authenticity. Such is the story of a skeptical young man about his father's angelic account in the war fields of Bastogne. The difficult life he knew after his father returned from the war further colored his cynicism. As a reporter, he seeks to uncover the true story, which unfolds in the book.

While the ensuing storyline was nothing out of the ordinary, it was touching to read of the different characters whose lives and futures had been touched and affected by one man's actions. In reading this book, I am reminded of the Scripture in which we are exhorted to be hospitable to strangers, lest we be entertaining angels unawares. It also brings to mind one of my favorite quotes: "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. (Luciano De Crescenzo) This is an apt read, especially in the season of peace on earth and goodwill to men.

[Regina Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Raines, a jaded newspaper reporter, had always been irritated and embarrassed by his dad, Willy. Mr. Raines, who now lived at the Veteran's Hospital, had been seriously hurt in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge and had trouble holding a job due to his injuries. Ben as a young lad was talented at sports, but had to step up to the plate and help the family earn an income. Soured and disillusioned, Ben has held that against his father for years. Even Christmas has no appeal for him, so he plans on getting away for a vacation in Spain, only to find out that a co-worker has suffered a heart attack and Ben must stay and write the paper's one big Christmas story. Knowing his father claims that an angel dressed as a lieutenant saved him and his comrades in France, Ben is determined to debunk the mystery and lay it to rest in the article he's writing. To his surprise, as Ben digs deeper into the men that served with his father, he learns more of Willy's heroic deeds and questions his own disbelief.


Quick read. Inspirational.