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Margaret's Last Prayer: A World War II Family Saga
FINALIST FOR THE HEMINGWAY AWARD FOR 20TH CENTURY WARTIME FICTION.
Alsace, France, 1775
When fourteen-year-old Margaret Laemmer awakens in the morning, she has no idea a chance meeting on the river will lead her to her to risk her life. In an act of raw courage, she saves two gypsy boys from drowning. The boys’ mother rewards her with an identical pair of amulets, telling her they will bring good fortune to whomever she gives them.
Years go by and she gives the amulets to her sons as they depart home. Her desire to see her family reunited becomes imbued in the amulets as they are passed from one generation to the next.
In the dying days of the Second World War, two enemy soldiers, come face to face on the banks of the in Germany on the banks of the Elbe River. Each soldier wears an amulet identical to the other.
Alsace, France, 1775
When fourteen-year-old Margaret Laemmer awakens in the morning, she has no idea a chance meeting on the river will lead her to her to risk her life. In an act of raw courage, she saves two gypsy boys from drowning. The boys’ mother rewards her with an identical pair of amulets, telling her they will bring good fortune to whomever she gives them.
Years go by and she gives the amulets to her sons as they depart home. Her desire to see her family reunited becomes imbued in the amulets as they are passed from one generation to the next.
In the dying days of the Second World War, two enemy soldiers, come face to face on the banks of the in Germany on the banks of the Elbe River. Each soldier wears an amulet identical to the other.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2023
18 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Gary Baysinger
3 books26 followersGary loves a good story. His debut work, "A Kind of Homecoming" was selected as a First Place Winner by Chanticleer International Book Awards. He is a graduate of the University of Baltimore and a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Gary lives in Milwaukie, Oregon with his wife, two children, and two dogs. You can hear him spinning Swing & Country records on KBOO.FM every fifth Saturday from 6:00-9:00am PST.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 11, 2023
I enjoyed it but much preferred the previous book this was an interesting historical fiction read based in France, Germany and USA
March 20, 2024
A gift of two magical amulets to Margaret launches a story of love and war that spans 100 years and connects unsuspecting family members. The characters and the writing will stay with you.
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August 19, 2023Thank you to Booksirens and see square press for providing me with a copy of this book for my honest review.
The book starts in 1775 in alsace, France but continues thru a great deal of WWll and beyond. There are a great many battles and hardships of war thru out the story. I enjoy history but I have my limit on the battles.
The story though thruout the book involves Margaret who at 14yrs jumped into a river to save two boys from drowning. Their mother gives her 2 identical amulets which she is told will protect the wearer from harm. She gives one to each of her two boys. Both boys Paul and Joseph get caught up in the war.
The story has another web of why, what, who, where the two boys go and develop their own lives. I had to keep track because there are several additional people that add to their families.
The bottom line is does Margarets prayer that the boys find their families thru the war and become protected with the amulet. If you stay with the story the last quarter ties it all up.
I didn't attach to any of the characters as for me they weren't developed enough but rather flow thru the story.
It is an interesting read, especially if you like reading about the war and how it effects the soldiers.
The book starts in 1775 in alsace, France but continues thru a great deal of WWll and beyond. There are a great many battles and hardships of war thru out the story. I enjoy history but I have my limit on the battles.
The story though thruout the book involves Margaret who at 14yrs jumped into a river to save two boys from drowning. Their mother gives her 2 identical amulets which she is told will protect the wearer from harm. She gives one to each of her two boys. Both boys Paul and Joseph get caught up in the war.
The story has another web of why, what, who, where the two boys go and develop their own lives. I had to keep track because there are several additional people that add to their families.
The bottom line is does Margarets prayer that the boys find their families thru the war and become protected with the amulet. If you stay with the story the last quarter ties it all up.
I didn't attach to any of the characters as for me they weren't developed enough but rather flow thru the story.
It is an interesting read, especially if you like reading about the war and how it effects the soldiers.
September 19, 2023
In rescuing two Gypsy children from drowning, Margaret demonstrated a spontaneous, selfless courage that defied the looming danger. Their grateful mother gave her two precious amulets as a token of appreciation for her bravery. According to the mother's belief, these amulets possess the power to safeguard those who wear them.
A few years passed, and Margaret entered a new chapter of her life, becoming a loving mother to four children. Throughout the years, the amulets remained a closely guarded secret hidden from everyone's knowledge. It was only a matter of time before she felt compelled to invoke their protective power to protect her beloved family. Her heart ached with the fear of impending adversity, and she couldn't bear the idea of her loved ones going through anything wrong.
This fascinating novel captivated me from beginning to end, causing me to devour it in one sitting. Once again, the author caught my attention with another masterful plot. "Fate" and "family" are two of the most evocative and poignant descriptors that sum up the essence of this book.
Worth a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A few years passed, and Margaret entered a new chapter of her life, becoming a loving mother to four children. Throughout the years, the amulets remained a closely guarded secret hidden from everyone's knowledge. It was only a matter of time before she felt compelled to invoke their protective power to protect her beloved family. Her heart ached with the fear of impending adversity, and she couldn't bear the idea of her loved ones going through anything wrong.
This fascinating novel captivated me from beginning to end, causing me to devour it in one sitting. Once again, the author caught my attention with another masterful plot. "Fate" and "family" are two of the most evocative and poignant descriptors that sum up the essence of this book.
Worth a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2023
An extensive family saga, spanning a dynasty beginning with ‘matriarch’ Margaret in late 18th century Alsace, to the post WW2 years, focusing on her descendants: Alsatian Paul Maier, and Joseph Maier from Wisconsin, USA, each in possession of an identifying amulet originating from Margaret.
The storyline in the first and final sections of the book moves at a good pace but slows down significantly during the WW2 chapters, with the perspective being very different to other ‘war’ books that I have read. The characters under discussion in each chapter of this section were initially unclear and it would have been beneficial to include their names, with the relevant location, to the titles. The reality of family members, fighting on opposing sides purely because of geography, is described in an authentic manner.
The eventual meeting of the cousins, which was anticipated as the story unfolded, was related in a significantly restrained manner by the author. This book is well worth reading, but left this reader with mixed feelings…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The storyline in the first and final sections of the book moves at a good pace but slows down significantly during the WW2 chapters, with the perspective being very different to other ‘war’ books that I have read. The characters under discussion in each chapter of this section were initially unclear and it would have been beneficial to include their names, with the relevant location, to the titles. The reality of family members, fighting on opposing sides purely because of geography, is described in an authentic manner.
The eventual meeting of the cousins, which was anticipated as the story unfolded, was related in a significantly restrained manner by the author. This book is well worth reading, but left this reader with mixed feelings…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Margaret’s Last Prayer is a powerful and moving family saga that blends history, courage, and faith in a memorable way. From the moment young Margaret Laemmer rescues two boys from drowning, her life takes a turn that echoes across generations.
Gary Baysinger brings Alsace, France to life with vivid historical detail, while keeping the focus on the human side of war and survival. Margaret’s resilience, compassion, and quiet strength make her a character you can’t forget. I especially admired how the book balances the heartbreak of war with moments of hope, love, and the importance of family legacy.
This is more than a World War II novel, it’s about how one person’s choices ripple through time. Thoughtful, emotional, and beautifully told, it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page.
Gary Baysinger brings Alsace, France to life with vivid historical detail, while keeping the focus on the human side of war and survival. Margaret’s resilience, compassion, and quiet strength make her a character you can’t forget. I especially admired how the book balances the heartbreak of war with moments of hope, love, and the importance of family legacy.
This is more than a World War II novel, it’s about how one person’s choices ripple through time. Thoughtful, emotional, and beautifully told, it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page.
August 28, 2023
The beginning was interesting. The end was interesting. I was not enthralled with the time stretches. This was not the best multi-generational story I have read. And, I don't feel the gypsy style visions enhanced the story the way the author intended. So, I'm saying the time flow from 1700's to 1950's was not as functional as it needed to be. We did need a good time flow for the best story flow in the WWII portion but it just wasn't there. On the other hand, the emotional scenes for the Alsatians, Germans and Americans brought out the best views of what war is truly all about and the cost to human well being that exists.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2023
As with all books that are of the historical nature, this one was painful at times. Despite that I was totally engaged with Margaret's story and how her last prayer had ramifications that impacted future generations. The characters of each generation, their development and story arcs were all very well done and kept you wanting to see how it would end. If you enjoy historical fiction and are a child or grandchild of immigrants from the old country, with stories of how your history is intertwined with theirs, you will enjoy this story.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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August 25, 2023In his first novel, Gary Baysinger uses a pair of amulets to link generations of a family from 18th century Alsace to the US and back to Europe in the 20th century.
A clever device to link events in a book ranging widely through time and setting. The author's personal connection to the titular character makes it all the more interesting and brings a more genuine feeling to the reading. Margaret's Last Prayer shows a level of maturity uncommon in first novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A clever device to link events in a book ranging widely through time and setting. The author's personal connection to the titular character makes it all the more interesting and brings a more genuine feeling to the reading. Margaret's Last Prayer shows a level of maturity uncommon in first novels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2023
He is French/German — and speaks both.
The war breaks out and he is conscripted. Seriously not happy - but he had no choice as the German’s conscripted him. This a really good book - giving a realistic view of the war and the horrors involved.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The war breaks out and he is conscripted. Seriously not happy - but he had no choice as the German’s conscripted him. This a really good book - giving a realistic view of the war and the horrors involved.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2023
Wonderful story that spans a couple of generations and includes a World War. Great characters that help enhance the story. The use of the amulet is very inventive and enjoyable to follow the journey that they make. Sometimes the road is bumpy but the faith they have is admirable. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2023
Margaret’s Last Prayer
I’ve long been a fan of WW II historical novels and genealogy. My great grandfather immigrated from Saxony Germany and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The Maier family story could easily have been my family’s story.
Gary Basinger has woven together a story that holds the reader’s attention from the beginning to the last word.
I’ve long been a fan of WW II historical novels and genealogy. My great grandfather immigrated from Saxony Germany and served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The Maier family story could easily have been my family’s story.
Gary Basinger has woven together a story that holds the reader’s attention from the beginning to the last word.
Want to read
April 8, 2024Finalist for the HEMINGWAY award for Wartime Fiction BY CHANTICLEER INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2023.
From the Midwest Book Review August 2023 Edition
Fourteen-year-old Margaret Laemmer's path crossed with two gypsy boys in a daring rescue. Little did she know that it would set a chain of events spanning generations in motion. As a reward for her selfless act, Margaret receives a pair of amulets from the boys' grateful mother, promising good fortune for those who possess them.
Years later, as Margaret's sons set out on their journeys, she passes down the amulets to them, instilling her deep longing for family unity into these precious talismans. The amulets become more than just trinkets - they become carriers of hope, love, and the desire for reunion.
In a twist of fate, as the world is engulfed in the turmoil of the Second World War, two soldiers from opposing sides find themselves on the banks of the Elbe River in Germany. Unbeknownst to them, they bear identical amulets, forever linking their destinies. These amulets passed down through generations, hold the power to bridge divides and bring loved ones back together.
Margaret’s Last Prayer – A Soldier’s Heart is a captivating tale of courage, fate, and the enduring bonds that transcend time. Experience the magic of the amulets as they weave their way through history, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope.
Gary Baysinger's writing style is unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who reads his work. Get ready to be enthralled by this incredible tale that keeps you turning the pages until the end.
This is the follow-up book to A Kind of Homecoming.
You can get a free e-version of the book by clicking on the link below.
https://bookhip.com/HTQGGHP
From the Midwest Book Review August 2023 Edition
Fourteen-year-old Margaret Laemmer's path crossed with two gypsy boys in a daring rescue. Little did she know that it would set a chain of events spanning generations in motion. As a reward for her selfless act, Margaret receives a pair of amulets from the boys' grateful mother, promising good fortune for those who possess them.
Years later, as Margaret's sons set out on their journeys, she passes down the amulets to them, instilling her deep longing for family unity into these precious talismans. The amulets become more than just trinkets - they become carriers of hope, love, and the desire for reunion.
In a twist of fate, as the world is engulfed in the turmoil of the Second World War, two soldiers from opposing sides find themselves on the banks of the Elbe River in Germany. Unbeknownst to them, they bear identical amulets, forever linking their destinies. These amulets passed down through generations, hold the power to bridge divides and bring loved ones back together.
Margaret’s Last Prayer – A Soldier’s Heart is a captivating tale of courage, fate, and the enduring bonds that transcend time. Experience the magic of the amulets as they weave their way through history, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope.
Gary Baysinger's writing style is unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who reads his work. Get ready to be enthralled by this incredible tale that keeps you turning the pages until the end.
This is the follow-up book to A Kind of Homecoming.
You can get a free e-version of the book by clicking on the link below.
https://bookhip.com/HTQGGHP
December 18, 2023
I had the privilege of receiving an advanced reader copy of this book for free and I was not compensated for this review. I am not typically a fan of military history books as I find them to be incredibly sad and depressing. That was not the case with Margaret’s Last Prayer.
The beginning of the book was a little confusing for me with a lot of characters being introduced, but once the two main characters started their adventures, the book really moved and was very interesting. There was clearly a lot of research that went into the military history of that time, but it was also filled with humor, enough detail to paint a picture of the different settings (without being too wordy) and took you along an emotional journey that was never depressing. It did make me tear up at one point, but it was a very touching moment. The ending was wrapped up a little too prettily for me, but better that than to keep me hanging. I am looking forward to reading this author’s next project.
The beginning of the book was a little confusing for me with a lot of characters being introduced, but once the two main characters started their adventures, the book really moved and was very interesting. There was clearly a lot of research that went into the military history of that time, but it was also filled with humor, enough detail to paint a picture of the different settings (without being too wordy) and took you along an emotional journey that was never depressing. It did make me tear up at one point, but it was a very touching moment. The ending was wrapped up a little too prettily for me, but better that than to keep me hanging. I am looking forward to reading this author’s next project.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews