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The Kissing Gates
Christmas Day, 1914. A truce is called in the fighting & a German officer called Wilhelm befriends a British soldier, Hal, and gives him a message to pass to his English lover, Sally, who is waiting for news in Stratford. When Hal is injured and sent back to Britain, he visits Sally. But when he sees her, he falls instantly in love.
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 6, 2013
Divna priča o sudbinama jednog Engleza i jednog Nemca koji su voleli istu ženu i čije su se sudbine ispreplitale tokom Prvog svetskog rata... Paa, recimo za one koji vole Viktoriju Hislop...
March 28, 2025
4⭐️ = Good.
Paperback.
Don’t be fooled by the relatively slushy front cover, as this is a little deceptive. This book is much deeper than you might think it’s going to be.
I found it to be more of a character analysis style, rather than relying on a progressive storyline. It isn’t action packed if this is what you’re after reading at the moment.
My only slight negative is the ending, but I expect that’s because it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Paperback.
Don’t be fooled by the relatively slushy front cover, as this is a little deceptive. This book is much deeper than you might think it’s going to be.
I found it to be more of a character analysis style, rather than relying on a progressive storyline. It isn’t action packed if this is what you’re after reading at the moment.
My only slight negative is the ending, but I expect that’s because it wasn’t what I was expecting.
March 9, 2019
The main theme of this book is selfishness. The main characters are all hopelessly self-involved. There can be no romance because there doesn’t seem to be any actual love - strong feelings, maybe, but when someone is so selfish as to not care about the pain of the one they “love,” proving this over and over. Not a “love story” worth becoming invested in. There are some parts I was interested in, and I read through it pretty quickly, but there was SO much to be desired.
July 8, 2009
“Waiting is not living,” says, Sam, girlfriend of our narrator Hal in Mackenzie Ford’s debut novel Gifts of War. Sam is referring to waiting for the return of her missing paramour, Wilhem—a German soldier during WWI at a time of obvious anti-German sentiment. Her statement affects Hal differently, for he’s been waiting for Sam to discover the truth about how he manipulated his way into Sam and her young son Will’s life. During the Christmas Truce, an actual event in history where the enlisted refused to fight and even fraternized with the enemy to honor the Christmas sprit, Hal met Wilhelm. Wilhelm asked Hal to deliver a message to Sam that he had never stopped thinking about her, but instead Hal meets Sam and falls instantly in love. Hal goes to great lengths to care for and protect Sam and Will. Sam’s statement also has an impact on the reader because we know this story can not end well for Hal, or the makeshift family he has built.
I’ll admit that the plot begins a little soapy. However the historical details transport the reader into the time period which is engaging enough until the story takes off. A combination spy novel, war story, and romance plot is mostly utilized to explore the ideas of family and love. The Christmas Truce is an interesting crux on which to build the novel allowing Ford to tell a unique and vividly researched story. The ending is surprisingly touching (I cried), and I couldn’t help but be pleased with the thorough way in which all elements of the story are tied together. A rare novel with heart that I can strongly recommend to anyone, and I for one will keep an eye out for Ford’s next work.
I’ll admit that the plot begins a little soapy. However the historical details transport the reader into the time period which is engaging enough until the story takes off. A combination spy novel, war story, and romance plot is mostly utilized to explore the ideas of family and love. The Christmas Truce is an interesting crux on which to build the novel allowing Ford to tell a unique and vividly researched story. The ending is surprisingly touching (I cried), and I couldn’t help but be pleased with the thorough way in which all elements of the story are tied together. A rare novel with heart that I can strongly recommend to anyone, and I for one will keep an eye out for Ford’s next work.
April 5, 2021
Judge a book by its cover and beware. I read the paperback and the cover is even prettier in print than online. However...
This novel is all over the place. It has some interesting parts but it mostly reads like a detailed outline that has not been completely fleshed out. The parts about the war were interesting but in trying to over-dramatize the author does away with a whole lot of authenticity. The characters are not well-developed, there's an exaggerated amount of painfully contrived dialogue, and the alleged love story fails at many levels including at the weird, hasty, and uninspiring end.
This novel is all over the place. It has some interesting parts but it mostly reads like a detailed outline that has not been completely fleshed out. The parts about the war were interesting but in trying to over-dramatize the author does away with a whole lot of authenticity. The characters are not well-developed, there's an exaggerated amount of painfully contrived dialogue, and the alleged love story fails at many levels including at the weird, hasty, and uninspiring end.
July 7, 2016
I've been pondering overnight what rating to give this book. On the other hand, I did appreciate the realness of the book, especially when it comes to the relationships of all kinds. The story didn't sugarcoat och fluffed or tried to provide a typical romance novel romantic relationship. It was practical, unmatched, but sweet, in its way. It also explored the relationships between sisters with a lovely greyness.
The writing was also beautiful, a bit slow, but descriptive in a good way with a beautiful tone.
It might have been a 4-star rating, probably would have been a few years ago for me, but there's something that makes me feel that it doesn't deserve a 4. I don't know why more than it didn't give me the 4 star feeling when I read it.
The writing was also beautiful, a bit slow, but descriptive in a good way with a beautiful tone.
It might have been a 4-star rating, probably would have been a few years ago for me, but there's something that makes me feel that it doesn't deserve a 4. I don't know why more than it didn't give me the 4 star feeling when I read it.
December 12, 2017
The Gifts of War was as much about human character as it was about the war. The many ways our lives are shaped by choices are a major theme and very well developed by the author. When we make a selfish choice we can justify it but deep down it cuts if you are a basically decent person. The power of love and duty are explored in The Gifts of War. I found the story kept me totally engrossed as I couldn’t predict the outcome. The characters were very authentic in their setting from 1914 to the end of the war. Attitudes at the time are a sharp reminder of how society has changed in many ways. This was no light romantic tale. It was heart wrenching, enlightening and very well researched and written.
July 9, 2015
While I did enjoy this, I found it difficult to feel truly involved in the story. It appeared that the central conceit - the idea of Hal's encounter with Wilhelm and the subsequent development of his relationship with Sam - had been thought of first, and the rest simply created to fit around it. I never really bought the idea of Hal falling instantly and deeply in love with Sam; it seemed more like he just lusted after her, and half-heartedly at that. I grew more fond of the characters as the plot progressed, but Hal's narration was always somewhat distant and I never felt able to really lose myself in the book or believe in its characters.
August 6, 2023
2.5.. well written and clearly very well researched, but it was sooo slow and the characters felt super one dimensional, also the random sexualisation of sam was not it 😭 and the ending was not at all satisfying
December 9, 2009
I thought "Gifts of War" was a terrific read. It's a meditation on ethics cleverly disguised as a well written historical page turner! It's like the author figured out a way to hide the vegetables inside the cheesecake.
The opening section of "Gifts" is a powerful description of the supremely ghastly and the miraculous Christmas of 1914 at the front. Here we are introduced to British infantryman Hal Montgomery. Hal has the old school background and is the kind of traditional hero we can respect. So it comes a bit of a shock then that he is also a man who will justify commandeering someone elses attempt at a happy ending. When your future might only be the next 10 minutes do you have the right to beg, borrow or steal what happiness comes your way? Or should doing the right thing even though it has seemingly no chance to succeed be the rule of the day?
Once Hal decides to break his promise to a fellow soldier his life becomes the happiest it's ever been, but at what cost? Now despite his very real joy and the joy he is able to bring others Hal must guard every step to try and maintain his lie. As his life becomes more complicated and more populated his secret begins to rule his life more and more. When grief leads Hal to one careless moment his carefully incubated happiness is put in peril.
One of the best things about this novel is the sense of discovery that pervades it. Ford (the nom de plume of a well known British historian and first time novelist) is able to make all that is already know about life from 1914 to 1919 fresh and to bring that same freshness to his many characters. The twists and turns of their lives never feel contrived or soap opera-y. Their lives seem to naturally unfold from that one decision of Hal's.
While I was enjoying this novel I was struck by what an excellent reading group choice it will make. I can easily imagine both men and woman finding a lot to discuss here. The turbulent atmosphere, the lethal good intentions and a wealth of "what if" questions will make for great discussions.
The opening section of "Gifts" is a powerful description of the supremely ghastly and the miraculous Christmas of 1914 at the front. Here we are introduced to British infantryman Hal Montgomery. Hal has the old school background and is the kind of traditional hero we can respect. So it comes a bit of a shock then that he is also a man who will justify commandeering someone elses attempt at a happy ending. When your future might only be the next 10 minutes do you have the right to beg, borrow or steal what happiness comes your way? Or should doing the right thing even though it has seemingly no chance to succeed be the rule of the day?
Once Hal decides to break his promise to a fellow soldier his life becomes the happiest it's ever been, but at what cost? Now despite his very real joy and the joy he is able to bring others Hal must guard every step to try and maintain his lie. As his life becomes more complicated and more populated his secret begins to rule his life more and more. When grief leads Hal to one careless moment his carefully incubated happiness is put in peril.
One of the best things about this novel is the sense of discovery that pervades it. Ford (the nom de plume of a well known British historian and first time novelist) is able to make all that is already know about life from 1914 to 1919 fresh and to bring that same freshness to his many characters. The twists and turns of their lives never feel contrived or soap opera-y. Their lives seem to naturally unfold from that one decision of Hal's.
While I was enjoying this novel I was struck by what an excellent reading group choice it will make. I can easily imagine both men and woman finding a lot to discuss here. The turbulent atmosphere, the lethal good intentions and a wealth of "what if" questions will make for great discussions.
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July 23, 2009Marie says...
Since ALA annual has come and gone, it is hard to think back to Midwinter in Denver. It was there that I picked up a galley of Gifts of War, the new novel by historian Mackenzie Ford. I challenge any historical fiction lover to read this blurb and not be intrigued:
During the Christmas Truce of 1914, Hal Montgomery, a British soldier, is given a photo by a German soldier, Wilhelm Wetzlar, and they make a pact. Hal promises to find his enemy’s English girlfriend, Sam, and let her know her fiancé is alive and thinking of her. Several weeks later, Hal—now injured—is discharged from the army and goes to Stratford on Avon to fulfill his promise. But things take an unexpected turn when he meets the woman in the photo and falls in love with her himself.
Good, right? Of course I had to start reading it that night. I often find that books written by professional historians feel the most steeped in reality because, well, they are. Despite some issues I had with some of the dialogue, this book was thought-provoking and interesting - particularly parts related to the inner-workings of British intelligence during the first World War. With so many novels and books pertaining to WWII, this one was a nice change of pace and while I wasn’t sure what I thought of the characters (you know, the inner dialogue of “Do I like them?” or “Do I feel sorry for them?” etc. etc.) the ending of the book definitely stood the entire story on its head and left me contemplating after I closed it. Read it and then let me know what you think!
Since ALA annual has come and gone, it is hard to think back to Midwinter in Denver. It was there that I picked up a galley of Gifts of War, the new novel by historian Mackenzie Ford. I challenge any historical fiction lover to read this blurb and not be intrigued:
During the Christmas Truce of 1914, Hal Montgomery, a British soldier, is given a photo by a German soldier, Wilhelm Wetzlar, and they make a pact. Hal promises to find his enemy’s English girlfriend, Sam, and let her know her fiancé is alive and thinking of her. Several weeks later, Hal—now injured—is discharged from the army and goes to Stratford on Avon to fulfill his promise. But things take an unexpected turn when he meets the woman in the photo and falls in love with her himself.
Good, right? Of course I had to start reading it that night. I often find that books written by professional historians feel the most steeped in reality because, well, they are. Despite some issues I had with some of the dialogue, this book was thought-provoking and interesting - particularly parts related to the inner-workings of British intelligence during the first World War. With so many novels and books pertaining to WWII, this one was a nice change of pace and while I wasn’t sure what I thought of the characters (you know, the inner dialogue of “Do I like them?” or “Do I feel sorry for them?” etc. etc.) the ending of the book definitely stood the entire story on its head and left me contemplating after I closed it. Read it and then let me know what you think!
November 9, 2009
My first Mackenzie Ford book: I was intrigued by the title and the cover. When I opened it and read the first page I was hooked. This is very good writing and seems to be accurate in setting and events. The story begins at the start of the first world war and ends with the Paris Peace accord. It's a love story and there is more than one triangle. The characters are people you might know; they could live next door they seem so real. Narrated by a young man injured at the Front (and in the front), he and his people come alive, revealing goodness and flaws in so human interactions. Although the feelings in the narrative are passionate, the teller brings it slowly almost dreamily to the reader. This is a man's story and all the other important characters in it are women: lover, friend, colleague, sister, mother.
The writer is actually an historian; he sets the reader down comfortably in wartime England and Europe, then lets you look around and talk with people. Mackenzie's book was hard to put down. I'm already looking for another one.
The writer is actually an historian; he sets the reader down comfortably in wartime England and Europe, then lets you look around and talk with people. Mackenzie's book was hard to put down. I'm already looking for another one.
September 6, 2016
The Gifts of War hooked me from the first page. The story began with the Christmas Truce of 1914 during WWI.which was a true event and was meaningful to me. The Irish singer, John McDermott, sang of this event in one of his songs that I always played to my class when we observed .Remembrance Day. The author is a well known historian in Britain ( but writes under a pseudonym)
and provides fascinating details about events that happened during WWI He intertwines a story of the tragedies of war, a love story and the thrills of wartime intelligence and spies. It is a story of conflicting loyalties. family and love and one that lingers in your mind. From beginning to end, I could not help but think about the old adage,"What a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive."
and provides fascinating details about events that happened during WWI He intertwines a story of the tragedies of war, a love story and the thrills of wartime intelligence and spies. It is a story of conflicting loyalties. family and love and one that lingers in your mind. From beginning to end, I could not help but think about the old adage,"What a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive."
July 2, 2013
Heavily skim- read this book, perhaps my score shouldn't count?
Without giving anything away, I'll say that the beginning of this book really got me, I loved it. The Christmas Truce was haunting. Could not wait to see what happened. Then... I read further and found that the HUGE moral issue at the center of this book kept me from thoroughly reading it in its entirety. I read just enough to understand the story, and know what happens at the end.
And that it all I will say. Moral issues much.
Without giving anything away, I'll say that the beginning of this book really got me, I loved it. The Christmas Truce was haunting. Could not wait to see what happened. Then... I read further and found that the HUGE moral issue at the center of this book kept me from thoroughly reading it in its entirety. I read just enough to understand the story, and know what happens at the end.
And that it all I will say. Moral issues much.
March 12, 2016
The title of this novel made me notice it and wonder what gifts war could possibly give? I don't read a lot of war novels as they are often filled with sadness and tragedy (as war is) so I am picky with which ones I choose to read. Yes, this one has sadness and tragedy but it also has happiness and love. I enjoyed following Hal's story and I am glad I took a chance on it despite my initial reluctance due to war being a part of the plot.
October 16, 2017
The back cover blurs says "A poignant love story, a finely woven tapestry of choice, consequence & redemption" & that is a pretty accurate description of this lovely tale.
During the ceasefire in no-mans-land on Christmas Day 1914, English soldier Hal is given a photograph of an English woman Sam by Wilhlem a German soldier. Wilhelm is in love with Sam & his request seems innocent enough, all he asks is that if Hal makes it back to England he finds Sam & remembers Wilhelm to her. However, as soon as Hal sees Sam he falls in love with her....but the ghost of Wilhelm is always between them & Hal finds himself fighting another war - a war with himself.
This is more than just a love story, the war of course is a major focus, there's espionage too but the mood is lightened by the cheerful (amazing considering the circumstances) chatty letters of Izzy, Hal's sister who is a nurse at the front. The sad ending, while beautifully written was not the ending I would have liked, though I guess this tale was never going to end happily ever after for all parties concerned! A lovely tale....recommend it!
During the ceasefire in no-mans-land on Christmas Day 1914, English soldier Hal is given a photograph of an English woman Sam by Wilhlem a German soldier. Wilhelm is in love with Sam & his request seems innocent enough, all he asks is that if Hal makes it back to England he finds Sam & remembers Wilhelm to her. However, as soon as Hal sees Sam he falls in love with her....but the ghost of Wilhelm is always between them & Hal finds himself fighting another war - a war with himself.
This is more than just a love story, the war of course is a major focus, there's espionage too but the mood is lightened by the cheerful (amazing considering the circumstances) chatty letters of Izzy, Hal's sister who is a nurse at the front. The sad ending, while beautifully written was not the ending I would have liked, though I guess this tale was never going to end happily ever after for all parties concerned! A lovely tale....recommend it!
August 25, 2020
Hal Montgomery is a young lieutenant in the British army who has a chance encounter in no man's land with his German counterpart during the famous Christmas truce of 1914 on the Western Front of WWI. Wilhelm, the young German, hands a picture of himself to Hal and charges Hal with the task of delivering it to his love interest, who turns out to be a British girl teaching in the countryside outside of Stratford, England.
Hal returns to Britain upon receiving a serious injury at the Western Front. After recovering in a hospital, he goes to fulfill his promise Wilhelm. In meeting Wilhelm's girl, Sam, Hal goes on to find that his attraction to her is of great strength and that he will not be able to bring himself to tell Sam the truth of his reason for meeting her. What unfolds is a dangerous love story set against the grand backdrop of the Great War. This is definitely a solid narrative with a surprising end!
Hal returns to Britain upon receiving a serious injury at the Western Front. After recovering in a hospital, he goes to fulfill his promise Wilhelm. In meeting Wilhelm's girl, Sam, Hal goes on to find that his attraction to her is of great strength and that he will not be able to bring himself to tell Sam the truth of his reason for meeting her. What unfolds is a dangerous love story set against the grand backdrop of the Great War. This is definitely a solid narrative with a surprising end!
May 7, 2023
This took me a lot longer to read than it should of for something this length.
This is another one of those novels where I didn’t warm to any of the characters.
Hal was selfish and dumb, Sam was annoying and hysterical and all the sisters seemed like they were over the top characters.
A period story like this is always interesting to me, and this could be the first WW1 period writing I’ve read. The general description of living conditions in London in the war time was interesting and probably the thing that kept me reading.
I didn’t like the ending, it turns out to be a journal to the son seems like a couple of steps from ‘it was all a dream’.
This is another one of those novels where I didn’t warm to any of the characters.
Hal was selfish and dumb, Sam was annoying and hysterical and all the sisters seemed like they were over the top characters.
A period story like this is always interesting to me, and this could be the first WW1 period writing I’ve read. The general description of living conditions in London in the war time was interesting and probably the thing that kept me reading.
I didn’t like the ending, it turns out to be a journal to the son seems like a couple of steps from ‘it was all a dream’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2018
I don't seek out world war novels, from either the first or second time around, but this book is set in World War I. A friend recommended it, we know how that is. The opening event is the impromptu Christmas truce when German and British sang Silent Night together. Then back to hate and bloodshed.
The book was atmospheric, tense in an understated, British reserve kind of way. The last pages held one of the most satisfying twists I have experienced in a long time. I thought about it for days afterward. What a wonderful read.
The book was atmospheric, tense in an understated, British reserve kind of way. The last pages held one of the most satisfying twists I have experienced in a long time. I thought about it for days afterward. What a wonderful read.
April 18, 2023
I got caught up and intrigued with the moral dilemma that the main character embroiled himself in and on account of this I enjoyed the book. Certain details in the plot were not that convincing- whilst the author didn’t romanticise the events of WW1, at times it seemed like he was describing WW2.
Izzy, the protagonist’s sister was the character I found most appealing and I really wanted to get to know her better…
I would definitely recommend this as a good read if you want a story where you don’t question the content too much - taken at face value it is a good read.
Izzy, the protagonist’s sister was the character I found most appealing and I really wanted to get to know her better…
I would definitely recommend this as a good read if you want a story where you don’t question the content too much - taken at face value it is a good read.
April 2, 2021
There is a lot more to this book than the Mills & Boon-type title and front cover would suggest. It is of course firstly a love story but the backdrop of WW1 and issues of family dynamics, espionage, feminism in the making and, briefly, homosexuality make for an interesting read. I thought it was beautifully written, with an emotional and surprising finish.
August 9, 2025
un livre magnifique il a regroupe tout ce que j'aime comme thème y compris l'histoire m. la guerre l'amour . amour non partagée qui se construit de jour en jour au fil du temps et avec l'attente et feux de la passion
April 8, 2019
At times, the narrative felt a little slow, but the pay-off at the end was so worth it. Unexpected and heart-warming and bittersweet.......
June 9, 2019
Excellent read, Mackenzie Ford offers a compelling novel set during world war I.
August 31, 2019
It was never going to end well...
December 3, 2019
Quite moving, this book focused on grey areas of love and relationships all set in the backdrop of WWI.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
February 22, 2022
Amazing plot of how the war bring 2 men from opposite sides to one woman .. Great romance taking you to a peaceful village in UK , To bombed destroyed London and to the Frontline itself
October 30, 2022
The whole premise of this book just creeped me out.
August 2, 2024
It was a nice book with a disappointing ending.
A few tricks were missed with the story and I never liked Sam as a character
A few tricks were missed with the story and I never liked Sam as a character
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews