What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Angel #5
A Soldier's Wish
The year is 1969…
Gary Fairchild is proud to be a hippie college student, and he protests the Vietnam War because he believes in love and peace. To him, it isn’t just a counterculture movement—it’s a way of life. When tickets to the Aquarium Exposition—3 Days of Peace & Music, or Woodstock, as it was better known, go on sale, there’s no way he isn’t going.
Richard Ronsman is a sheltered farm boy who lives in the shadow of his overbearing father. He’s hidden his darkest secret to earn his father’s love, but nothing is ever good enough—not even volunteering for the Vietnam War. And with just a few days left before he’s deployed, a striking hippie invites him to join them at a music festival.
Three days of music, drugs, rain, mud, and love forged a bond between these two very different men that would shape the rest of their lives. They share dreams and fears, and when Richard is shipped off to war, they share letters and love. For Richard’s first Christmas home, he is gifted a special angel ornament that just might make a soldier’s wish come true.
Gary Fairchild is proud to be a hippie college student, and he protests the Vietnam War because he believes in love and peace. To him, it isn’t just a counterculture movement—it’s a way of life. When tickets to the Aquarium Exposition—3 Days of Peace & Music, or Woodstock, as it was better known, go on sale, there’s no way he isn’t going.
Richard Ronsman is a sheltered farm boy who lives in the shadow of his overbearing father. He’s hidden his darkest secret to earn his father’s love, but nothing is ever good enough—not even volunteering for the Vietnam War. And with just a few days left before he’s deployed, a striking hippie invites him to join them at a music festival.
Three days of music, drugs, rain, mud, and love forged a bond between these two very different men that would shape the rest of their lives. They share dreams and fears, and when Richard is shipped off to war, they share letters and love. For Richard’s first Christmas home, he is gifted a special angel ornament that just might make a soldier’s wish come true.
229 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2018
199 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,295 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 10, 2018
~4.5~
Told in three distinct sections from a dual first-person POV, A Soldier’s Wish spans almost eight years and takes us from Woodstock to Vietnam to San Francisco. The mood of the story shifts from joyous exploration to fear and longing to quiet contentment.
Heavy on the hurt/comfort, this book is angsty but not so angsty that it leaves you feeling hopeless. The ending is a HEA, or as much of a HEA as two men in love could have in 1977.
I very much enjoyed this love story between a farm boy turned reluctant soldier and technology student who’s a hippie at heart.
Gary invites Richard to come to Woodstock with him and his friends after seeing Richard staring forlornly out a café window. Richard, who’s never done a spontaneous thing in his life, throws caution to the wind and, just days before he's due in New York to ship off to Vietnam, accepts the invitation.
Their time at Woodstock is magical. Being with a man, loving a man, is more than Richard had ever hoped for. Essentially forced to join the military by his religious parents, Richard is desolate and uncertain. Being with kind, carefree Gary makes him feel whole. The three days they have together pass far too quickly, but the men keep their promise to stay in touch.
Richard and Gary’s relationship is heartfelt and true. Even though Richard returns from the war a broken man, physically and emotionally, Gary never gives up, and Richard doesn’t want him to.
Thank god there was no unnecessary drama with Richard pushing Gary away; the long separation was difficult enough.
The angel of the series title isn’t as prominent here as it was in the other books I’ve read. Richard finds the angel (or, rather, the angel finds him) in the last third of the book, and she becomes a symbol of good fortune for the men. Gary and Richard make wishes during the first Christmas they spend together, and both believe the angel had a hand in their wishes coming true.
This review wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to Kat, a smart, free-spirited woman and a wonderful friend who’s entirely supportive of the men’s relationship and facilitates their reunion.
Kat reminded me of my mom, who was a hippie in her day and played beard to a dear friend (also named Richard) so he could be with his boyfriend. This was in the late-60s in a communist country where engaging in or aiding and abetting a homosexual act carried a severe penalty.
Some people, like Kat, like my mom, are always tolerant and brave, despite strict societal norms to the contrary.
Maybe they are the true angels after all.
Told in three distinct sections from a dual first-person POV, A Soldier’s Wish spans almost eight years and takes us from Woodstock to Vietnam to San Francisco. The mood of the story shifts from joyous exploration to fear and longing to quiet contentment.
Heavy on the hurt/comfort, this book is angsty but not so angsty that it leaves you feeling hopeless. The ending is a HEA, or as much of a HEA as two men in love could have in 1977.
I very much enjoyed this love story between a farm boy turned reluctant soldier and technology student who’s a hippie at heart.
Gary invites Richard to come to Woodstock with him and his friends after seeing Richard staring forlornly out a café window. Richard, who’s never done a spontaneous thing in his life, throws caution to the wind and, just days before he's due in New York to ship off to Vietnam, accepts the invitation.
Their time at Woodstock is magical. Being with a man, loving a man, is more than Richard had ever hoped for. Essentially forced to join the military by his religious parents, Richard is desolate and uncertain. Being with kind, carefree Gary makes him feel whole. The three days they have together pass far too quickly, but the men keep their promise to stay in touch.
Richard and Gary’s relationship is heartfelt and true. Even though Richard returns from the war a broken man, physically and emotionally, Gary never gives up, and Richard doesn’t want him to.
Thank god there was no unnecessary drama with Richard pushing Gary away; the long separation was difficult enough.
The angel of the series title isn’t as prominent here as it was in the other books I’ve read. Richard finds the angel (or, rather, the angel finds him) in the last third of the book, and she becomes a symbol of good fortune for the men. Gary and Richard make wishes during the first Christmas they spend together, and both believe the angel had a hand in their wishes coming true.
“I did wish for something.”
“Shhh … Don’t tell me or it won’t come true.”
“It already has … It was about you. And forever.”
This review wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to Kat, a smart, free-spirited woman and a wonderful friend who’s entirely supportive of the men’s relationship and facilitates their reunion.
Kat reminded me of my mom, who was a hippie in her day and played beard to a dear friend (also named Richard) so he could be with his boyfriend. This was in the late-60s in a communist country where engaging in or aiding and abetting a homosexual act carried a severe penalty.
Some people, like Kat, like my mom, are always tolerant and brave, despite strict societal norms to the contrary.
Maybe they are the true angels after all.
January 11, 2019
4 Stars
To end a year of impressive releases, N.R. Walker wrapped 2018 up with this heartfelt and affecting hurt-comfort romance.
In a time (not that long ago) when loving someone of your own gender was still considered a crime, this story follows the blossoming romance between hippy student Gary and repressed war-bound soldier Richard, and is a story full tenderness, resilience, and abounding love.
Gary and Richard’s story, which spans years and crosses countries, is undoubtedly angst-filled, what with the Vietnam War backdrop and all, but it is still a very honest and beautiful story – one providing ultimate hope and happiness for these two lovely leads.
To end a year of impressive releases, N.R. Walker wrapped 2018 up with this heartfelt and affecting hurt-comfort romance.
In a time (not that long ago) when loving someone of your own gender was still considered a crime, this story follows the blossoming romance between hippy student Gary and repressed war-bound soldier Richard, and is a story full tenderness, resilience, and abounding love.
Gary and Richard’s story, which spans years and crosses countries, is undoubtedly angst-filled, what with the Vietnam War backdrop and all, but it is still a very honest and beautiful story – one providing ultimate hope and happiness for these two lovely leads.
January 3, 2020
3.5 Stars - Team review with Chelsea!
I’m a huge fan of NR Walker, but this wasn’t my favorite. Don’t fret though, this was still extremely well written and of course, very romantic and smexy!
Though I’ve become a bigger fan of historicals this year, apparently I’m fickle and the time period just didn’t capture me as much. Throw in the horrors of war, terribly awful bigoted parents, and the enjoyment factor for me was decreased.
Unlike Christmas Angel and Summerfield’s Angel, the magical whimsy of said angel has diminished steadily in this series, and I honestly miss the fantastical theme of it all. Don’t listen to me though, and please go read any of the glowing reviews out there singing this book’s praises because Walker really is a fantastic writer. I’m the odd man out here, defective in my lack of Christmas cheer for this story.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for Chelsea’s thoughts!
I’m a huge fan of NR Walker, but this wasn’t my favorite. Don’t fret though, this was still extremely well written and of course, very romantic and smexy!
Though I’ve become a bigger fan of historicals this year, apparently I’m fickle and the time period just didn’t capture me as much. Throw in the horrors of war, terribly awful bigoted parents, and the enjoyment factor for me was decreased.
Unlike Christmas Angel and Summerfield’s Angel, the magical whimsy of said angel has diminished steadily in this series, and I honestly miss the fantastical theme of it all. Don’t listen to me though, and please go read any of the glowing reviews out there singing this book’s praises because Walker really is a fantastic writer. I’m the odd man out here, defective in my lack of Christmas cheer for this story.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for Chelsea’s thoughts!
December 5, 2018
I should know by now not to start an NR Walker book before bed. There is no "one more page" or "one more chapter" with Walker's books and me - it's "whelp, I'm going to be tired and bitchy tomorrow at work because there is no way I'm putting this down until I finish it."
But I didn't listen to my better judgment.
I started the book and stayed up far too late and shed more than a few tears and woke up with the worst book hangover. I was tired and bitchy and had a headache all day (thank goodness my boss is on vacation and my workplace was pretty empty for most of the day so the damage was minimized).
But it was totally worth it, you guys. This was yet another stellar book from this series!
But I didn't listen to my better judgment.
I started the book and stayed up far too late and shed more than a few tears and woke up with the worst book hangover. I was tired and bitchy and had a headache all day (thank goodness my boss is on vacation and my workplace was pretty empty for most of the day so the damage was minimized).
But it was totally worth it, you guys. This was yet another stellar book from this series!
June 2, 2023
This was wonderful! If you enjoyed Lucy Lennox's Wilde Love, I think you'll love this one too. NR Walker is an author I usually avoid because I find their romances too generic but this is one of those unique situations where an author who usually writes contemporaries writes a historical romance that absolutely blows me away!
This book had so many things I loved! The story was absolutely drenched in wonderful 1970s details and the author picked specific events from history to make the chosen time period even more meaningful. We start the story with Gary and Richard and readers experience the heartbreaking separation that the boys go through and the horrific experiences that Richard is forced to endure. Asides from these big events, the author also found ways to incorporate other important things from this time period, including .
Along the way, the author includes all sorts of historical details that make the time period come alive even more including home decorations, clothing items, hairstyles, references to specific technology and lots more. The way the story was constructed demonstrated how passionate the author was about telling this story in this time period and that's what writing historical romances is all about.
My favorite part of the story was the relationship between Gary and Richard.
More importantly, their connection is vital for both characters as they undergo massive changes during that year. .
I loved the way the author pulled off this character development for both boys because everything about it was so well written and it fit the story perfectly. When Richard comes home, readers know ahead of time that he won't be the same man who left but it was such a wonderful surprise to me that Gary also wasn't the naïve, carefree young man he'd been before but that he developed the skills and maturity necessary to help Richard and keep their relationship on a healthy path.
Side note: the author included two huge twists in this book and both were brilliantly pulled off. One of them happens during the letter writing phase and it's subtle but incredibly powerful. The letters always switch back and forth between Gary and Richard. Always. It would be 'Dearest G' and then 'Dearest R' and then 'Dearest G' and so on. This is the pattern readers get accustomed to for a large part of the story. So when Major kudos to NR Walker for that one!!
I adore hurt/comfort scenarios, especially physical ones and this story had tons of it! . I also appreciated that the author had Richard go through some medical setbacks, both at the hospital and when he's at home. Connected to that, it was great that the author managed to also fit in the effects of Richard's PTSD without making the narrative feel cluttered or ignoring the issue. All of these things added to the realism of the situation.
In addition, Gary was his number one support system from Richard's time in the hospital all the way until Richard comes home with him and beyond, which was wonderful. That scene when .
The maturity arc that Gary had gone through earlier in the story was also very evident here because the guy immediately accepts the role of being Richard's caregiver by re-arranging his schedule and spending as much time at the hospital as he could in order to support Richard. The way Gary made it absolutely clear that he was in this relationship for the long term and that he and Richard would make it through whatever obstacles they were faced with made both Richard and me emotional.
One of my favorite plotlines took place when the boys were living at home together and . I love scenes like that because that's what true love is all about IMO.
Another big plus was that the author took the completely unconventional approach of throwing in a MASSIVE plot twist at the 92% mark. I mean - who does that?!? LOL!! On one hand, it was an epic twist that nearly made me fall off my chair and I love that the result of that twist allowed the author to include yet one more historical aspect into the story. . But on the other hand, the twist was kind of wasted because having it happen at 92% means everybody knows it's going to be resolved ASAP. I would have loved it if the story was longer so the twist could have been explored in more detail because it definitely deserved more room to breathe.
The only reason I'm giving this gem 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because I felt it was just a bit too long (which is ironic, since that last plotline was very rushed). Once Richard comes home from the hospital, the boys have too many sappy conversations where they remind each other how happy they are and many of these could have been cut or replaced by something more interesting. I also felt more of the sex scenes could have been FTB because they got a bit repetitive.
I don't have much to say about the Christmas Angel thing, which only appears in the last part of the story and it's up to you to decide if there's anything magical about the angel or not. I felt you could remove everything related to the angel and nothing in the story would have changed but the author had to include the angel for the sake of this series, so that's that. In addition, the epilogue randomly introduces two characters just for the sake of having Richard pass the angel on to a new person. It was rushed and pointless but I understand the author had to include that scene for the sake of the story fitting into this series.
Overall, I wish the author had written this story as a separate novel so they wouldn't have been forced to include unimportant things like the angel and they could have expanded other plotlines, like the plot twist at 92%. But those are only minor complaints because I really enjoyed this wonderful Vietnam War-era historical romance and I highly recommend it.
This book had so many things I loved! The story was absolutely drenched in wonderful 1970s details and the author picked specific events from history to make the chosen time period even more meaningful. We start the story with Gary and Richard and readers experience the heartbreaking separation that the boys go through and the horrific experiences that Richard is forced to endure. Asides from these big events, the author also found ways to incorporate other important things from this time period, including .
Along the way, the author includes all sorts of historical details that make the time period come alive even more including home decorations, clothing items, hairstyles, references to specific technology and lots more. The way the story was constructed demonstrated how passionate the author was about telling this story in this time period and that's what writing historical romances is all about.
My favorite part of the story was the relationship between Gary and Richard.
More importantly, their connection is vital for both characters as they undergo massive changes during that year. .
I loved the way the author pulled off this character development for both boys because everything about it was so well written and it fit the story perfectly. When Richard comes home, readers know ahead of time that he won't be the same man who left but it was such a wonderful surprise to me that Gary also wasn't the naïve, carefree young man he'd been before but that he developed the skills and maturity necessary to help Richard and keep their relationship on a healthy path.
Side note: the author included two huge twists in this book and both were brilliantly pulled off. One of them happens during the letter writing phase and it's subtle but incredibly powerful. The letters always switch back and forth between Gary and Richard. Always. It would be 'Dearest G' and then 'Dearest R' and then 'Dearest G' and so on. This is the pattern readers get accustomed to for a large part of the story. So when Major kudos to NR Walker for that one!!
I adore hurt/comfort scenarios, especially physical ones and this story had tons of it! . I also appreciated that the author had Richard go through some medical setbacks, both at the hospital and when he's at home. Connected to that, it was great that the author managed to also fit in the effects of Richard's PTSD without making the narrative feel cluttered or ignoring the issue. All of these things added to the realism of the situation.
In addition, Gary was his number one support system from Richard's time in the hospital all the way until Richard comes home with him and beyond, which was wonderful. That scene when .
The maturity arc that Gary had gone through earlier in the story was also very evident here because the guy immediately accepts the role of being Richard's caregiver by re-arranging his schedule and spending as much time at the hospital as he could in order to support Richard. The way Gary made it absolutely clear that he was in this relationship for the long term and that he and Richard would make it through whatever obstacles they were faced with made both Richard and me emotional.
One of my favorite plotlines took place when the boys were living at home together and . I love scenes like that because that's what true love is all about IMO.
Another big plus was that the author took the completely unconventional approach of throwing in a MASSIVE plot twist at the 92% mark. I mean - who does that?!? LOL!! On one hand, it was an epic twist that nearly made me fall off my chair and I love that the result of that twist allowed the author to include yet one more historical aspect into the story. . But on the other hand, the twist was kind of wasted because having it happen at 92% means everybody knows it's going to be resolved ASAP. I would have loved it if the story was longer so the twist could have been explored in more detail because it definitely deserved more room to breathe.
The only reason I'm giving this gem 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because I felt it was just a bit too long (which is ironic, since that last plotline was very rushed). Once Richard comes home from the hospital, the boys have too many sappy conversations where they remind each other how happy they are and many of these could have been cut or replaced by something more interesting. I also felt more of the sex scenes could have been FTB because they got a bit repetitive.
I don't have much to say about the Christmas Angel thing, which only appears in the last part of the story and it's up to you to decide if there's anything magical about the angel or not. I felt you could remove everything related to the angel and nothing in the story would have changed but the author had to include the angel for the sake of this series, so that's that. In addition, the epilogue randomly introduces two characters just for the sake of having Richard pass the angel on to a new person. It was rushed and pointless but I understand the author had to include that scene for the sake of the story fitting into this series.
Overall, I wish the author had written this story as a separate novel so they wouldn't have been forced to include unimportant things like the angel and they could have expanded other plotlines, like the plot twist at 92%. But those are only minor complaints because I really enjoyed this wonderful Vietnam War-era historical romance and I highly recommend it.
December 3, 2018
I have never read a romance that takes place during the Woodstock and the Vietnam War. I requested A Soldier's Wish because of it but was also afraid it could be the reason I wouldn't enjoy it. It is considered Historical Romance and historical and I don't always mesh. Luckily, it was a good call to take the chance.
Highlights:
-Feels. I felt everything during the story: joy, fear, sadness, longing, anger. NR Walker did a fantastic job bringing forth all these different emotions.
-I also liked how the book was broken down. There are three parts: the time spent at Woodstock, their letters during the Vietnam War, and the return home from war.
-The letters mentioned above. ♥
-Gary and Richard, they were just amazing. You can't help and root for them the whole time.
-The secondary cast was an integral part of the story without overtaking it.
-Topics. There were so many topics handled that were relevant to that period, and it never felt wordy or too much.
-Above all else- the love story, it was epic.
NR Walker has hit it out of the park with this lovely holiday read. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
4.5 Stars
December 10, 2018
N.R. Walker is one of the only author's that can take a story that includes one of the MC's going to war, to Vietnam, and still managing to make the story fluffy. There was angst, to be sure, but the fluff - especially at the end - took away any sadness from angst.
I tagged this as historical because it starts the day before Woodstock in 1969, and a few days before Richard goes off to the war in Vietnam. He's in a diner, sadness rolling off him, when Gary Fairchild sees him from across the diner as he and his three friends eat there on their way to Woodstock.
They're all hippies, but Richard seems as far as one can be from a hippie. And yet Gary is drawn to him, can't look away, and he even goes over to Richard and invites him to come with him and his friends to Woodstock.
Richard almost doesn't go, but says yes at the last second. Thank god, because it changed his life. Not only his outlook on many things - mostly with being gay, as his parents are church going, god-fearing type people who are completely homophobic - but also gaining someone to love in Gary.
In those three days he's at Woodstock with Gary, he lets go and lives as he wants to, and he's free to be who he wants to be, for the first time in his life, and it means so much to Richard. Gary means to much to Richard, and vise versa. Gary is a hippie, but he's not as passionate as two of his friends are about politics - not that he doesn't care, but he's more a live and let live kind of guy, while his friends are more fight the power type of people - and he understands that it's not Richard's fault he's going off to fight in the senseless war that is Vietnam.
We get to see their journey as they stay in touch while Richard is in Vietnam, and what the aftermath is like once he comes home, and how they deal with it, and how they just fall more and more in love. And with how horrible Richard's parents are, Richard thinks he'll have no one in the hospital he's in - because he gets injured - until Gary shows up, and never leaves his side.
These two were stinking adorable together, in that way that Walker writers her couples. They're so in love, and so cute together, and they never waver in their love for each other.
This was a perfect holiday story - even with the horrors of war (even though we only really hear about it through Richard's letters) - that managed to find so much hope even when things are dark and bleak.
I loved this, two big thumbs up from me! Great connection and chemistry between the two MC's, great story with a wonderful happy ending. Definitely recommend! :D
I tagged this as historical because it starts the day before Woodstock in 1969, and a few days before Richard goes off to the war in Vietnam. He's in a diner, sadness rolling off him, when Gary Fairchild sees him from across the diner as he and his three friends eat there on their way to Woodstock.
They're all hippies, but Richard seems as far as one can be from a hippie. And yet Gary is drawn to him, can't look away, and he even goes over to Richard and invites him to come with him and his friends to Woodstock.
Richard almost doesn't go, but says yes at the last second. Thank god, because it changed his life. Not only his outlook on many things - mostly with being gay, as his parents are church going, god-fearing type people who are completely homophobic - but also gaining someone to love in Gary.
In those three days he's at Woodstock with Gary, he lets go and lives as he wants to, and he's free to be who he wants to be, for the first time in his life, and it means so much to Richard. Gary means to much to Richard, and vise versa. Gary is a hippie, but he's not as passionate as two of his friends are about politics - not that he doesn't care, but he's more a live and let live kind of guy, while his friends are more fight the power type of people - and he understands that it's not Richard's fault he's going off to fight in the senseless war that is Vietnam.
We get to see their journey as they stay in touch while Richard is in Vietnam, and what the aftermath is like once he comes home, and how they deal with it, and how they just fall more and more in love. And with how horrible Richard's parents are, Richard thinks he'll have no one in the hospital he's in - because he gets injured - until Gary shows up, and never leaves his side.
These two were stinking adorable together, in that way that Walker writers her couples. They're so in love, and so cute together, and they never waver in their love for each other.
This was a perfect holiday story - even with the horrors of war (even though we only really hear about it through Richard's letters) - that managed to find so much hope even when things are dark and bleak.
I loved this, two big thumbs up from me! Great connection and chemistry between the two MC's, great story with a wonderful happy ending. Definitely recommend! :D
December 11, 2018
4.5 Stars
How in the hell do I review this? Maybe it's because I'm partial to the setting (supposedly I was AT Woodstock seeing as my mom was pregnant with me at the time) or maybe it was the constant message of unconditional love from friends, some family, and the MCs...or maybe it was the honest and vivid depiction of wartime during the Vietnam era...I can't tell you. Well, other than it was an exquisitely written, well-researched, heartbreaking, hopeful story. Because it was definitely that!
I also loved the side characters (KAT!!!) and I think there has to be some collusion going on between the authors writing this series - well, other than the use of our beautiful Christmas Angel (who works her magic once more!) - because yet again we have another couple I'm dying to read about (John & Dave)...plus maybe that hot threesome featuring Greg's parents? I'd totally read that. Just sayin'.
Seriously, though...best one yet. And that's saying something given how much I enjoyed most of the previous installments. I made quite a few notes & highlights. A couple are spoilery so be careful reading them.
How in the hell do I review this? Maybe it's because I'm partial to the setting (supposedly I was AT Woodstock seeing as my mom was pregnant with me at the time) or maybe it was the constant message of unconditional love from friends, some family, and the MCs...or maybe it was the honest and vivid depiction of wartime during the Vietnam era...I can't tell you. Well, other than it was an exquisitely written, well-researched, heartbreaking, hopeful story. Because it was definitely that!
I also loved the side characters (KAT!!!) and I think there has to be some collusion going on between the authors writing this series - well, other than the use of our beautiful Christmas Angel (who works her magic once more!) - because yet again we have another couple I'm dying to read about (John & Dave)...plus maybe that hot threesome featuring Greg's parents? I'd totally read that. Just sayin'.
Seriously, though...best one yet. And that's saying something given how much I enjoyed most of the previous installments. I made quite a few notes & highlights. A couple are spoilery so be careful reading them.
November 23, 2018
Told in three distinct parts, N.R. Walker's entry in the Christmas Angels series brings the story firmly into the remembered memories of Woodstock, the Vietnam War and a time before the rights of gay men were recognised the same as everyone else.
We're in the heart of the New Age movement at the music festival which saw more than 400,000 people come together to celebrate peace.
Here is where Gary, a hippie on his way to the festival, first encounters soldier Richard. This section of the book is full of the heady joys of new love.
The central section is letters between the young men, a chilling insight into the horrors faced in the jungles of the Far East and the growing changes happening in the USA in and around San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
And then we get the rest of this powerfully emotional story, which I won't spoil, other than to say it has all the things I expect from this author. There are strong female characters, there is some pain, there is all the feels and, finally just when you think she's been forgotten, there is our Christmas Angel.
I loved everything about this romance, Gary and Richard's youthful ideals, their fears of separation, their joys at reunion.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
We're in the heart of the New Age movement at the music festival which saw more than 400,000 people come together to celebrate peace.
Here is where Gary, a hippie on his way to the festival, first encounters soldier Richard. This section of the book is full of the heady joys of new love.
The central section is letters between the young men, a chilling insight into the horrors faced in the jungles of the Far East and the growing changes happening in the USA in and around San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
And then we get the rest of this powerfully emotional story, which I won't spoil, other than to say it has all the things I expect from this author. There are strong female characters, there is some pain, there is all the feels and, finally just when you think she's been forgotten, there is our Christmas Angel.
I loved everything about this romance, Gary and Richard's youthful ideals, their fears of separation, their joys at reunion.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 22, 2021
As expected, this book was really lovely!
I honestly put off reading a bit, as it seemed like it might be a bit heavy, but of course, I had nothing to fear in Walker's capable hands!
The pacing was really great here, and I loved the way this author managed to capture a really fraught time in USA history in a way that felt true to events without loading us down with angst. I also thought the author did a really great job with the setting and really making it *feel* like we were reading a book set during Woodstock/the Vietnam war. The characters were wonderful and I thought the connection between them was really lovely.
I did feel like their relationship moved a smidge quickly, and though I honestly didn't mind too much and felt the author did a good job making it feel believable, it still was a little fast paced to really feel completely authentic. But a *super* minor quibble.
I honestly put off reading a bit, as it seemed like it might be a bit heavy, but of course, I had nothing to fear in Walker's capable hands!
The pacing was really great here, and I loved the way this author managed to capture a really fraught time in USA history in a way that felt true to events without loading us down with angst. I also thought the author did a really great job with the setting and really making it *feel* like we were reading a book set during Woodstock/the Vietnam war. The characters were wonderful and I thought the connection between them was really lovely.
I did feel like their relationship moved a smidge quickly, and though I honestly didn't mind too much and felt the author did a good job making it feel believable, it still was a little fast paced to really feel completely authentic. But a *super* minor quibble.
September 26, 2019
Gary and Richard make a wish on their Angel ornament !
N.R. Walker holds your heart and doesn’t let go. Richard is going to Vietnam, away from his uncaring folks, and finds a free spirit on the trip. College student, Gary sees Richard at a diner and sits down to talk with the sad man. Gary and a few friends are going to Woodstock,
and Richard ends up with them. Richard and Gary form a friendship in those two days, before he goes to war.
They write and that is how we learn more about them, and I told my husband, a Marine in 1968-69, some of the passages about Vietnam and the war, and he said it was real and true.
All is fine until Richard stops writing. Their plans and dreams are on hold, with Gary in the dark about his man he’s fallen for. With his friend’s suggestion, she finds out what they needed to know.
Gary and Kat find Richard injured in San Diego’s Naval Hospital.
A heartwarming reunion, and devotion to each other, move their lives forward. Richard’s folks are despicable, but Gary and Richard have each other, Gary’s friend Kat, and Gary’s terrific family. We see their thoughts, actions and emotions play out. We see the crushing setback and we are praying, too, to help Richard !
This is a low angst, high anticipation, loving tale with a fabulous Christmassy ending, an HEA and our hearts are happy.
Enjoy !
=======
N.R. Walker holds your heart and doesn’t let go. Richard is going to Vietnam, away from his uncaring folks, and finds a free spirit on the trip. College student, Gary sees Richard at a diner and sits down to talk with the sad man. Gary and a few friends are going to Woodstock,
and Richard ends up with them. Richard and Gary form a friendship in those two days, before he goes to war.
They write and that is how we learn more about them, and I told my husband, a Marine in 1968-69, some of the passages about Vietnam and the war, and he said it was real and true.
All is fine until Richard stops writing. Their plans and dreams are on hold, with Gary in the dark about his man he’s fallen for. With his friend’s suggestion, she finds out what they needed to know.
Gary and Kat find Richard injured in San Diego’s Naval Hospital.
A heartwarming reunion, and devotion to each other, move their lives forward. Richard’s folks are despicable, but Gary and Richard have each other, Gary’s friend Kat, and Gary’s terrific family. We see their thoughts, actions and emotions play out. We see the crushing setback and we are praying, too, to help Richard !
This is a low angst, high anticipation, loving tale with a fabulous Christmassy ending, an HEA and our hearts are happy.
Enjoy !
=======
December 10, 2018
A Soldier's Wish has easily become my favorite holiday story. This book is part of Christmas Angel series from various favorite authors of mine. Go check the whole books!
The year of 1969 was a traumatic year for most American boys, Vietnam war had started and it was so sad that Richard, barely a man had to go there just to prove to his father that he's a man, not a sissy boy. Then Woodstock happened after he agreed to a stranger's invitation to go there. The stranger, Gary, had become a center of his life after that.
This book is bittersweet romance between two gay man in the year when being gay was forbidden and an abominable.
They had to be very careful, and thank God for Gary's best friend Kat, being a beard all the time. I think, she's the real angel in Gary and Richard's life, beside the angel garland that given to Richard for Christmas.
NR Walker, once again, successfully made me cry and sighing happily for the love they shared. I loved the strong chemistry between Gary and Richard, right from the moment Gary saw Richard across the diner table that day.
War is never good, war always left pain, and hurt and trauma. But then, Richard got Gary and Kat and the angel to protect him, even from his homophobic family.
I loved this book passionately, I'm sure this is going to be my repeat order book to read for holiday season, or not. Because, gosh...this is so beautifully written, and couldn't recommend you enough to read this book.
NR Walker nailed it with the historical effect, and the happy ending was really awesome! One of the best holiday story ever!
Read this book!
The year of 1969 was a traumatic year for most American boys, Vietnam war had started and it was so sad that Richard, barely a man had to go there just to prove to his father that he's a man, not a sissy boy. Then Woodstock happened after he agreed to a stranger's invitation to go there. The stranger, Gary, had become a center of his life after that.
This book is bittersweet romance between two gay man in the year when being gay was forbidden and an abominable.
They had to be very careful, and thank God for Gary's best friend Kat, being a beard all the time. I think, she's the real angel in Gary and Richard's life, beside the angel garland that given to Richard for Christmas.
NR Walker, once again, successfully made me cry and sighing happily for the love they shared. I loved the strong chemistry between Gary and Richard, right from the moment Gary saw Richard across the diner table that day.
War is never good, war always left pain, and hurt and trauma. But then, Richard got Gary and Kat and the angel to protect him, even from his homophobic family.
I loved this book passionately, I'm sure this is going to be my repeat order book to read for holiday season, or not. Because, gosh...this is so beautifully written, and couldn't recommend you enough to read this book.
NR Walker nailed it with the historical effect, and the happy ending was really awesome! One of the best holiday story ever!
Read this book!
December 12, 2018
Sweet... but just a little too fluffy for me.
December 10, 2018
This is not a typical holiday read, having more angst than usual. But that made it more meaningful to me. I loved this story of the gentle soldier who went to Vietnam to escape his oppressive parents and found love and his place in the world after coming home.
December 9, 2018
Boring.
So, so boring.
So boring the last half was painful to read. It started interestingly enough & I enjoyed their time together at Woodstock. After that though it just drug. It was way too long & was filled with countless details I didn't give one fig about. And the crying. So much crying. So many "I love yous"....followed by crying. *my eyes are sore from all the rolling*
I was especially annoyed with the fact the the angel didn't make an appearance until 70% & then she was kind of half assed thrown in. I know these are all done by different authors but the others keep to the same overall plot of the angel bringing the couple together. She's been a major character in the other books. That's what I wanted to see here. (of course if she had made an appearance it would have probably been to yammer on about one boring thing or the other. Or to cry)
Definitely my least favorite in the series so far. And officially my last time trying one of this author's books. This is not the author for me.
So, so boring.
So boring the last half was painful to read. It started interestingly enough & I enjoyed their time together at Woodstock. After that though it just drug. It was way too long & was filled with countless details I didn't give one fig about. And the crying. So much crying. So many "I love yous"....followed by crying. *my eyes are sore from all the rolling*
I was especially annoyed with the fact the the angel didn't make an appearance until 70% & then she was kind of half assed thrown in. I know these are all done by different authors but the others keep to the same overall plot of the angel bringing the couple together. She's been a major character in the other books. That's what I wanted to see here. (of course if she had made an appearance it would have probably been to yammer on about one boring thing or the other. Or to cry)
Definitely my least favorite in the series so far. And officially my last time trying one of this author's books. This is not the author for me.
February 12, 2020
Just a beautifully conceived story of two men who meet in a diner in upstate New York in 1969 - Richard is heading off to Vietnam and Gary and his friends are going to Woodstock. Richard uncharacteristically goes along to Woodstock and it changes his life. For the first time he learns that being gay is not a deviance or a sin and he and Gary part, planning to write during Richard's tour in Vietnam.
The story continues through a series of letters and onto a life together in San Francisco and beyond, ending in 1977. This story is grounded in love - the overwhelming love between Gary and Richard - and that bottom line acceptance that no matter what, they will survive and thrive together. Walker captures the era and the fear of going to war, the fear of waiting behind for your loved ones and this story really touched my heart. 4.5 stars.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
The story continues through a series of letters and onto a life together in San Francisco and beyond, ending in 1977. This story is grounded in love - the overwhelming love between Gary and Richard - and that bottom line acceptance that no matter what, they will survive and thrive together. Walker captures the era and the fear of going to war, the fear of waiting behind for your loved ones and this story really touched my heart. 4.5 stars.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 6, 2018
3.5 stars
A chance meeting with Gary Fairchild in a diner that changed the life of Richard Ronsman forever.
Overall a great story about the power and strength of unconditional love.
A chance meeting with Gary Fairchild in a diner that changed the life of Richard Ronsman forever.
Overall a great story about the power and strength of unconditional love.
![Profile Image for annob [on hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1674812294i%2F68231680._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 4, 2023
Set during the Vietnam War, this was a romance with a bit too much sweetness for my liking. I craved more tension between the MCs. But they were both likable and I enjoyed the plot in the first half of the book.
Not much of a Christmas vibe for the majority of the story. The Christmas Angel part was at the end and felt tacked on just to fit into the collection rather than improving the story.
Not much of a Christmas vibe for the majority of the story. The Christmas Angel part was at the end and felt tacked on just to fit into the collection rather than improving the story.
February 8, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
La serie The Christmas Angel è composta da sette storie autoconclusive scritte da autrici bestseller di romance gay. Tutti i libri di questa serie possono essere letti in modo indipendente. Il solo “personaggio” che condividono è l’ornamento a forma di angelo. Il desiderio di un soldato è il quinto libro della serie, è il 1969 e siamo negli Stati Uniti nel periodo che tutti noi conosciamo per la guerra in Vietnam, il movimento di protesta contro di essa, gli Hippie, il Peace&Love e l'immensità di Woodstock. Non so neanche da dove iniziare per spiegare quanto questa storia mi abbia conquistata dalla prima pagina, colpita nel profondo e coinvolta totalmente facendomi provare ogni emozione possibile. La Walker attraverso questa storia d'amore positiva è riuscita non solo a raccontare due personalità agli opposti per caratteristiche e visione della vita, unite da un legame indissolubile, ma ci mostra una fotografia reale e tangibile di un periodo molto particolare, da una parte doloroso e agghiacciante, dall'altra vivo e pieno di ideali di speranza. Ci troviamo nel festival di Woodstock ovvero la manifestazione più famosa durata tre giorni della musica rock e della cultura hippie che rimane da sempre nella storia. Gary è uno studente orgogliosamente hippie, - il suo motto è vivi e lascia vivere -, un ragazzo positivo dal cuore grande e dalle speranze e ideali positivi. Quando incrocia un giovane soldato dagli occhi tristi non può resistere dall'invitarlo a passare tre giorni al più grande festival musicale di tutti i tempi. Richard è il tipico ragazzo americano di campagna vissuto all'ombra delle regole di suo padre e della Chiesa. Lui è ingenuo e chiuso nel suo segreto più oscuro, tutta la sua vita l'ha passata cercando di rendere orgoglioso il genitore ma sembra che neanche arruolarsi e partire per il Vietnam sia servito. Ed è proprio qui che inizia la storia dove le vite di Gary e Richard per tre giorni a Woodstock cambiano totalmente. È stato incredibile leggere, vivere appieno tre giornate con i protagonisti, provando ogni emozione e sentimento vibrante. La scoperta, l'accettazione, la libertà di essere, le confidenze e il legame che instaurano è commovente ma allo stesso tempo fa sorridere di gioia. L'ambientazione è descritta perfettamente come gli ideali di questi giovani, la voglia di vivere, sentirsi liberi e sperimentare, senza dimenticare l'amore libero, la droga, l'alcol e il rock'n'roll. È stato commovente e a tratti straziante leggere la corrispondenza tra Gary e Richard, la loro quotidianità così diversa - uno a casa che costruisce il proprio futuro e l'altro nell'inferno della guerra -, lontani ma uniti; l'uno la forza e la salvezza dell'altro. Una corrispondenza reale ma delicata dove i nostri ragazzi riversano ogni emozione e sentimento, ogni fragilità e tutti i sogni per il futuro. L'autrice è bravissima nel raccontare gli orrori di una guerra, la lontananza e la solitudine, il ritorno a casa con le conseguenze che segnano il corpo e la mente, senza angoscia o strazio, ma con realismo e positivismo. La forza dell'amore, la comprensione, il sostegno e il conforto aiutano, salvano e donano felicità...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
La serie The Christmas Angel è composta da sette storie autoconclusive scritte da autrici bestseller di romance gay. Tutti i libri di questa serie possono essere letti in modo indipendente. Il solo “personaggio” che condividono è l’ornamento a forma di angelo. Il desiderio di un soldato è il quinto libro della serie, è il 1969 e siamo negli Stati Uniti nel periodo che tutti noi conosciamo per la guerra in Vietnam, il movimento di protesta contro di essa, gli Hippie, il Peace&Love e l'immensità di Woodstock. Non so neanche da dove iniziare per spiegare quanto questa storia mi abbia conquistata dalla prima pagina, colpita nel profondo e coinvolta totalmente facendomi provare ogni emozione possibile. La Walker attraverso questa storia d'amore positiva è riuscita non solo a raccontare due personalità agli opposti per caratteristiche e visione della vita, unite da un legame indissolubile, ma ci mostra una fotografia reale e tangibile di un periodo molto particolare, da una parte doloroso e agghiacciante, dall'altra vivo e pieno di ideali di speranza. Ci troviamo nel festival di Woodstock ovvero la manifestazione più famosa durata tre giorni della musica rock e della cultura hippie che rimane da sempre nella storia. Gary è uno studente orgogliosamente hippie, - il suo motto è vivi e lascia vivere -, un ragazzo positivo dal cuore grande e dalle speranze e ideali positivi. Quando incrocia un giovane soldato dagli occhi tristi non può resistere dall'invitarlo a passare tre giorni al più grande festival musicale di tutti i tempi. Richard è il tipico ragazzo americano di campagna vissuto all'ombra delle regole di suo padre e della Chiesa. Lui è ingenuo e chiuso nel suo segreto più oscuro, tutta la sua vita l'ha passata cercando di rendere orgoglioso il genitore ma sembra che neanche arruolarsi e partire per il Vietnam sia servito. Ed è proprio qui che inizia la storia dove le vite di Gary e Richard per tre giorni a Woodstock cambiano totalmente. È stato incredibile leggere, vivere appieno tre giornate con i protagonisti, provando ogni emozione e sentimento vibrante. La scoperta, l'accettazione, la libertà di essere, le confidenze e il legame che instaurano è commovente ma allo stesso tempo fa sorridere di gioia. L'ambientazione è descritta perfettamente come gli ideali di questi giovani, la voglia di vivere, sentirsi liberi e sperimentare, senza dimenticare l'amore libero, la droga, l'alcol e il rock'n'roll. È stato commovente e a tratti straziante leggere la corrispondenza tra Gary e Richard, la loro quotidianità così diversa - uno a casa che costruisce il proprio futuro e l'altro nell'inferno della guerra -, lontani ma uniti; l'uno la forza e la salvezza dell'altro. Una corrispondenza reale ma delicata dove i nostri ragazzi riversano ogni emozione e sentimento, ogni fragilità e tutti i sogni per il futuro. L'autrice è bravissima nel raccontare gli orrori di una guerra, la lontananza e la solitudine, il ritorno a casa con le conseguenze che segnano il corpo e la mente, senza angoscia o strazio, ma con realismo e positivismo. La forza dell'amore, la comprensione, il sostegno e il conforto aiutano, salvano e donano felicità...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
December 3, 2018
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I can't stop crying. It's not even that this story is terribly sad to cause this reaction. It's just so poignant and moving, I'm seriously sitting here a teary, ugly snotty mess. I need a hug.
*I was laying in bed last night, thinking about this book and crying some more. I think what really got to me with this story was how real these characters were-Gary and Richard could have been any 2 young men who grew up during the Vietnam era. They could be any 2 gay young men in the world today, struggling with different, yet similar, issues.
I think that's what gets me with most of the books I've read by Ms. Walker, honestly. Her characters are so real and relatable. They could be your friends, your neighbors, they could be people in your family, or someone you know at work.
This book was so beautifully written, Gary and Richard's story will linger in my heart for a long time to come. And I'm about to start crying all over again here at work so I'm going to stop- just please do yourself a favor and read this book!
*I was laying in bed last night, thinking about this book and crying some more. I think what really got to me with this story was how real these characters were-Gary and Richard could have been any 2 young men who grew up during the Vietnam era. They could be any 2 gay young men in the world today, struggling with different, yet similar, issues.
I think that's what gets me with most of the books I've read by Ms. Walker, honestly. Her characters are so real and relatable. They could be your friends, your neighbors, they could be people in your family, or someone you know at work.
This book was so beautifully written, Gary and Richard's story will linger in my heart for a long time to come. And I'm about to start crying all over again here at work so I'm going to stop- just please do yourself a favor and read this book!
December 3, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I was really excited to check out this story as I find this period in U.S. history to be just fascinating and it is so rare to see any kind of romance set during this time. I particularly liked the juxtaposition Walker creates between Gary, who is part of the hippie counter culture, and Richard, who has enlisted in the military. There is something so interesting to me about Woodstock and the vibe that surrounded it, and I think Walker does a really nice job capturing the culture and the mood of the country during this time.
I had expected from the blurb that most of the book would take place during Woodstock, but it is actually only the first portion of the story. I actually think that works well as the event is only a few days, which isn’t necessarily long enough to really establish a full on relationship between the men. We do see them explore sex, as well as the first stages of a romantic connection. We also see that Richard, for the first time in his life, has some who validates him and makes him feel worthy. Gary helps Richard see he is perfect just how he is, and that gives Richard a freedom, as well as a peace of mind, that helps get him through his upcoming service. The book is divided roughly into three parts I would say, and for fans of epistolary stories, there is a nice section that consists solely of letters between the men. Walker does a great job really solidifying their relationship, so that when they are ultimately back together, we can feel how strong their connection is and truly believe in their romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I was really excited to check out this story as I find this period in U.S. history to be just fascinating and it is so rare to see any kind of romance set during this time. I particularly liked the juxtaposition Walker creates between Gary, who is part of the hippie counter culture, and Richard, who has enlisted in the military. There is something so interesting to me about Woodstock and the vibe that surrounded it, and I think Walker does a really nice job capturing the culture and the mood of the country during this time.
I had expected from the blurb that most of the book would take place during Woodstock, but it is actually only the first portion of the story. I actually think that works well as the event is only a few days, which isn’t necessarily long enough to really establish a full on relationship between the men. We do see them explore sex, as well as the first stages of a romantic connection. We also see that Richard, for the first time in his life, has some who validates him and makes him feel worthy. Gary helps Richard see he is perfect just how he is, and that gives Richard a freedom, as well as a peace of mind, that helps get him through his upcoming service. The book is divided roughly into three parts I would say, and for fans of epistolary stories, there is a nice section that consists solely of letters between the men. Walker does a great job really solidifying their relationship, so that when they are ultimately back together, we can feel how strong their connection is and truly believe in their romance.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 30, 2021
🎄
Dual POV, plenty of hurt/comfort, with a medium angst level that was fitting for the time period (spanning from 1969 to 1977), with a lovely HEA (for '77).
Dual POV, plenty of hurt/comfort, with a medium angst level that was fitting for the time period (spanning from 1969 to 1977), with a lovely HEA (for '77).
December 16, 2018
SPOILERS IN THE REVIEW
The year is 1969…
Gary Fairchild is proud to be a hippie college student, and he protests the Vietnam War because he believes in love and peace. To him, it isn’t just a counterculture movement—it’s a way of life. When tickets to the Aquarium Exposition—3 Days of Peace & Music, or Woodstock, as it was better known, go on sale, there’s no way he isn’t going.
Richard Ronsman is a sheltered farm boy who lives in the shadow of his overbearing father. He’s hidden his darkest secret to earn his father’s love, but nothing is ever good enough—not even volunteering for the Vietnam War. And with just a few days left before he’s deployed, a striking hippie invites him to join them at a music festival.
Three days of music, drugs, rain, mud, and love forged a bond between these two very different men that would shape the rest of their lives. They share dreams and fears, and when Richard is shipped off to war, they share letters and love. For Richard’s first Christmas home, he is gifted a special angel ornament that just might make a soldier’s wish come true.
Review:
I am picky about Christmas stories. I like holiday magic in my books very much, but way more often than not they contain too much sugar for me and I end up consuming very little. The Christmas Angel Stories which are united by angel helping men finding love throughout the years but otherwise can be read as stand alones are the only holiday themed m/m series that I am trying to read this Christmas season. I am not reading them in order and I have not read all the novellas in the series (and not sure if I will).
Blurb gives you a good set up. Gary and Richard meet in 1969 when Gary and his friends are planning to go to Woodstock and in the diner Gary sees Richard who is about to fly to New York to be shipped to Vietnam. Gary feels sorry for Richard and invites him to go to Woodstock with him and his friends. Richard is going to Vietnam mostly in hope to win his father's approval, in hopes that his father would consider him "a real man", even though Richard knows that this is not likely to happen.
Richard is also gay, but he never even kissed another guy, only dreamt of it, mostly because he is so scared of his folks and what will happen to him if somebody finds out, but he is attracted to Gary and eventually decides to go with them.
This was a weird novella in a sense that this was one of the truly rare occasions where I bought love between the men from the first sight, or almost from the first sight. I have read the stories where the lust at the first sight believably transformed for me in the attraction and love, but love from the first sight is not something that works for me very often. Here it worked. Although the flip side of it that Richard wanting to *experience everything* before he goes to war worked for me only to the degree. Yes I get that Woodstock and Gary symbolically free him, but the kid who repressed his desires to such degree that he would only dream of kisses now wanted an anal sex within a day? Okay I guess - I found it hard to swallow, opinions may differ.
But their connection was so very sweet and believable to me and I really liked it and I loved their letters to each other while Richard was in Vietnam and what happened after he came back, I bought it at all, even though it was mostly about them and their struggles to reconnect and heal the mental and physical pains that war caused and kept causing.
I am not sure if the Angel was needed here I have to admit, it felt as if it was inserted as afterthought. I get that it needed to be to become part of the series, but I am not sure what would have changed in the story without her.
3.5-4
The year is 1969…
Gary Fairchild is proud to be a hippie college student, and he protests the Vietnam War because he believes in love and peace. To him, it isn’t just a counterculture movement—it’s a way of life. When tickets to the Aquarium Exposition—3 Days of Peace & Music, or Woodstock, as it was better known, go on sale, there’s no way he isn’t going.
Richard Ronsman is a sheltered farm boy who lives in the shadow of his overbearing father. He’s hidden his darkest secret to earn his father’s love, but nothing is ever good enough—not even volunteering for the Vietnam War. And with just a few days left before he’s deployed, a striking hippie invites him to join them at a music festival.
Three days of music, drugs, rain, mud, and love forged a bond between these two very different men that would shape the rest of their lives. They share dreams and fears, and when Richard is shipped off to war, they share letters and love. For Richard’s first Christmas home, he is gifted a special angel ornament that just might make a soldier’s wish come true.
Review:
I am picky about Christmas stories. I like holiday magic in my books very much, but way more often than not they contain too much sugar for me and I end up consuming very little. The Christmas Angel Stories which are united by angel helping men finding love throughout the years but otherwise can be read as stand alones are the only holiday themed m/m series that I am trying to read this Christmas season. I am not reading them in order and I have not read all the novellas in the series (and not sure if I will).
Blurb gives you a good set up. Gary and Richard meet in 1969 when Gary and his friends are planning to go to Woodstock and in the diner Gary sees Richard who is about to fly to New York to be shipped to Vietnam. Gary feels sorry for Richard and invites him to go to Woodstock with him and his friends. Richard is going to Vietnam mostly in hope to win his father's approval, in hopes that his father would consider him "a real man", even though Richard knows that this is not likely to happen.
Richard is also gay, but he never even kissed another guy, only dreamt of it, mostly because he is so scared of his folks and what will happen to him if somebody finds out, but he is attracted to Gary and eventually decides to go with them.
This was a weird novella in a sense that this was one of the truly rare occasions where I bought love between the men from the first sight, or almost from the first sight. I have read the stories where the lust at the first sight believably transformed for me in the attraction and love, but love from the first sight is not something that works for me very often. Here it worked. Although the flip side of it that Richard wanting to *experience everything* before he goes to war worked for me only to the degree. Yes I get that Woodstock and Gary symbolically free him, but the kid who repressed his desires to such degree that he would only dream of kisses now wanted an anal sex within a day? Okay I guess - I found it hard to swallow, opinions may differ.
But their connection was so very sweet and believable to me and I really liked it and I loved their letters to each other while Richard was in Vietnam and what happened after he came back, I bought it at all, even though it was mostly about them and their struggles to reconnect and heal the mental and physical pains that war caused and kept causing.
I am not sure if the Angel was needed here I have to admit, it felt as if it was inserted as afterthought. I get that it needed to be to become part of the series, but I am not sure what would have changed in the story without her.
3.5-4
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2018
Best of the series
4.5 ⭐️
This one has finally knocked off the first book as the best of the series. What works in both books is that the author took the time for the characters to really get to know each other. Funny because at the start when the boys were meeting each other I wondered if I would finish it, but I shouldn’t have worried.
In this one Richard and Gary meet and attend Woodstock together. But Richard who has already committed to the army leaves from there to go to Vietnam. The relationship then progresses through a series of letters and visits. I enjoyed the use of the letters as it really gave them a chance to get to know each other without the physical getting in the way. When Richard returned stateside there was a lot of work still to do and it showed Gary’s commitment.
I liked the way the author portrayed Kat as well, it was nice seeing a female character that was not a raving shrew but an actual friend to both the guys. Gary’s parents were also great.
4.5 ⭐️
This one has finally knocked off the first book as the best of the series. What works in both books is that the author took the time for the characters to really get to know each other. Funny because at the start when the boys were meeting each other I wondered if I would finish it, but I shouldn’t have worried.
In this one Richard and Gary meet and attend Woodstock together. But Richard who has already committed to the army leaves from there to go to Vietnam. The relationship then progresses through a series of letters and visits. I enjoyed the use of the letters as it really gave them a chance to get to know each other without the physical getting in the way. When Richard returned stateside there was a lot of work still to do and it showed Gary’s commitment.
I liked the way the author portrayed Kat as well, it was nice seeing a female character that was not a raving shrew but an actual friend to both the guys. Gary’s parents were also great.
December 22, 2018
A Soldiers Wish was downright heart thumping for me. This book went to Woodstock to Vietnam to San Francisco and so on. Every turn was beautifully written and heartfelt. I really liked to two main characters. The way Walker chose to present this story allowed to slowly get to know them. It takes place during my least favorite era to read about and I couldn’t miss a word. N.R. Walker was focused and firing on all cylinders with this one.
The Angel was used very well. The holiday spirit was there without children.
The Angel was used very well. The holiday spirit was there without children.
December 8, 2018
I enjoyed this book. it’s part of a Christmas series by different authors.
Gary and Richard couldn’t be any sweeter if they tried. Their love was everything true love is supposed to be: patient, kind and loyal.
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Gary and Richard couldn’t be any sweeter if they tried. Their love was everything true love is supposed to be: patient, kind and loyal.
Free with Kindle Unlimited
December 29, 2018
4.5 Stars!
December 6, 2018
3.5 stars. This was a sweet, emotional read. I loved the characters, and it definitely tugged my heart in places - but, there was some little spark of something missing for me. Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
November 2, 2021
Sweet Christmas read. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews