The Reading Bud

Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Chris Waddington for his latest release, Christmas in Flanders Fields.

Book: Christmas In Flanders Fields
Author: Chris Waddington
Publication Date: 19 October 2025
Publisher: Coffee Shop Publishing (Self-Published)
Page Count: 288
Genres: Historical Fiction, WW1
For Readers Who Enjoyed Reading: Sebastian Faulks, Christmas Truce – Malcolm Brown & Shirley Seaton, Christmas Truce by the Men Who Took Part – Mike Hill & Silent Night – Stanley Weintraub.

About the Book

I don’t know if I’m living longer or dying slower…

Armed with dreams of heroic victory and Lord Kitchener’s rally cry ringing in his ears, Jack Crosby proudly made his way to the front line. Once there, he quickly realised that there was no glory to be had on the blood-soaked fields of Flanders.
On the back of unrelenting German fury, December delivers a brutal Belgian winter…

Water pours in, swirling around Jack’s ankles, it meanders effortlessly through the trench, bringing with it the pungent stench of death. Body parts intermingle with rats and slushy mud, facilitating the inevitable spread of disease. Cutting a forlorn figure, Jack’s hardening heart aches for home, his beloved Rose and the idyllic life he now mourns.
But then, on Christmas Eve, dulcet German tones carried on the wings of angels float serenely through the gloriously placid night air…

Christmas in Flanders Fields is a poignant and moving depiction of the ungodly struggles encountered by decent men, too young to die. Set against the backdrop of the remarkable Christmas truce in 1914, It’s a story that encompasses love, hope, fear, bravery and the most unlikely friendships forged on the rugged plains of No-Mans-Land.

You can find Christmas In Flanders Fields here:
Amazon | Goodreads

About The Author

Chris Waddington

The Christmas Truce of 1914 has always been a source of great fascination and the idea of writing a fictional story set during this remarkable and historic event has danced around my head for more than 2 decades. The thought that opposing groups of men thrown together and made to endure the most atrocious conditions can lay down the weapons and come together in the name of Christmas showcases the very best of humanity. I toured around Belgian battlefields and war cemeteries in the Flanders region conducting research for this book and found the whole experience emotional and humbling. I’m very excited to produce a story that pays homage to this momentous occasion and the brave souls, regardless of nationality, who risked and gave their lives.

This is my second novel following the release of Coffee Shop Girl in 2020. Prior to that I have wrote children’s books, poetry and even lyrics to the odd song. I’m a proud Grandfather to Nirvana & Neveah, a staunch Liverpool supporter and a self-confessed Elvis fanatic! It’s a passion I share with my beloved daughter, Chantelle. I’ve enjoyed visits to Graceland, Tupelo and my favourite city, Nashville.

You can find author Waddington here:
Facebook | Amazon

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