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Christmastime #1
Christmastime 1940
Set in New York City against the backdrop of impending war, Christmastime 1940: A Love Story tells the story of an unlikely romance between a struggling young mother trying to make a fresh start and a man who has lost his connection to humanity.
The curmudgeonly Charles Drooms is perfectly content with his life as the owner of a successful accounting firm. However, when the beautiful widow, Lillian Hapsey, and her two young sons move down the hall from him, his narrow world is shaken. Three forces—Lillian, the Christmas season, and a mysterious little boy—converge to stir up powerful memories, pushing Drooms to make some life-altering decisions.
The curmudgeonly Charles Drooms is perfectly content with his life as the owner of a successful accounting firm. However, when the beautiful widow, Lillian Hapsey, and her two young sons move down the hall from him, his narrow world is shaken. Three forces—Lillian, the Christmas season, and a mysterious little boy—converge to stir up powerful memories, pushing Drooms to make some life-altering decisions.
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 1, 2018
4.5 stars (rounded to 4 stars)
What an enjoyable little book! After reading the prequel novella to the Christmastime series (Christmastime 1939), I knew this would be a wonderful series to binge read during the holiday season.
At the end of the prequel, Lillian Hapsey is starting to pull her life together. One year later, she and her two young sons have moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan. We revisit some of the characters from the novella, but have new characters as well, including the Hapsey’s new neighbor – Mr. Drooms, the mysterious owner of a successful accounting firm. Why is this fellow so dour and so antisocial? And what is it about him that seems to draw in Lillian?
This story with its Dickensian overtones offers up a clever plot, not something always seen with holiday fare. I was also taken by the author’s imagery of 1940 New York City during the holidays, though a pall is cast by the cloud of uneasiness portending the arrival of the Second World War.
The characterization is just excellent, not only in terms of Lillian, but also in regards to her two boys (ages 6 and 9) and the tormented Charles Drooms. There is plenty of angst, suffering, love, and forgiveness to capture one’s heart in this tale.
I’ve become invested in the Hapsey family and intend to continue on with their journey until there are no more books. This is another little gem of a historical holiday series (along with An American Family’s Wartime Saga series by Alan Simon) with substance. Highly recommended.
What an enjoyable little book! After reading the prequel novella to the Christmastime series (Christmastime 1939), I knew this would be a wonderful series to binge read during the holiday season.
At the end of the prequel, Lillian Hapsey is starting to pull her life together. One year later, she and her two young sons have moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan. We revisit some of the characters from the novella, but have new characters as well, including the Hapsey’s new neighbor – Mr. Drooms, the mysterious owner of a successful accounting firm. Why is this fellow so dour and so antisocial? And what is it about him that seems to draw in Lillian?
This story with its Dickensian overtones offers up a clever plot, not something always seen with holiday fare. I was also taken by the author’s imagery of 1940 New York City during the holidays, though a pall is cast by the cloud of uneasiness portending the arrival of the Second World War.
The characterization is just excellent, not only in terms of Lillian, but also in regards to her two boys (ages 6 and 9) and the tormented Charles Drooms. There is plenty of angst, suffering, love, and forgiveness to capture one’s heart in this tale.
I’ve become invested in the Hapsey family and intend to continue on with their journey until there are no more books. This is another little gem of a historical holiday series (along with An American Family’s Wartime Saga series by Alan Simon) with substance. Highly recommended.
November 30, 2014
4-1/2 stars rounded up to 5 because I didn't want it to end!
I received this book at no charge from a Good Reads First Reads drawing, but this fact in no way influenced my review.
This book LOOKS like 1940--I love the cover and the aged looking pages. It is the kind of book that just draws you into the time period; in my mind's eye I could see the shops, the cars, the buildings, and smell the scents of goodies coming out of the oven or simmering on the stovetop. I could see the people walking the sidewalks bundled against the cold, their feet crunching in the snow, and children throwing snowballs and building snowmen.
This is the kind of book that you can cuddle up with in your favorite chair or windowseat to read while sipping tea or hot chocolate. It is not a book to rush through. it is one to read leisurely so as not to miss anything. I found it easy to put the book down, and it gently summoned me back to it. I found it refreshing for love to bloom quietly, without a lot of profanity or graphic, hot and steamy sex scenes.
( spoiler):
Lillian is a widow. Her firefighter husband perished at work. She is raising two boys on her own. The guys at the firehouse used to help her out, but her building was scheduled for demolition and she and the boys had to move from Brooklyn to Manhattan, near Central Park. Too many changes for Tommy, who is 9 and misses his old home, neighborhood and friends terribly. He begins acting out with his Mom and younger brother, Gabriel. Lillian is having problems adjusting to the new home, new job, and taking her kids to a sitter.
War looms on the horizon like a dark cloud.
Lillian tries to make the best of things and tries to be friendly with her neighbors, but hits a stone wall with Mr. Drooms (Charles) He is surly, grouchy, and reclusive, even though he owns his own business. He isn't much better at work with his employees. He is suffering from great loss and guilt.
Circumstances throw Lillian and Charles together repeatedly and theirs is a stormy but interesting relationship. Will they become friends? Will they become more? It is hard to tell when Lillian sketches Charles hunkered down in the cold with icicles hanging off him and Charles sees the sketch. Will Tommy ever accept his move? Will Charles ever reconcile his past and improve relations with employees? Reading this book and finding these answers was like removing layers and layers of wrapping to discover the gift hidden within.
I received this book at no charge from a Good Reads First Reads drawing, but this fact in no way influenced my review.
This book LOOKS like 1940--I love the cover and the aged looking pages. It is the kind of book that just draws you into the time period; in my mind's eye I could see the shops, the cars, the buildings, and smell the scents of goodies coming out of the oven or simmering on the stovetop. I could see the people walking the sidewalks bundled against the cold, their feet crunching in the snow, and children throwing snowballs and building snowmen.
This is the kind of book that you can cuddle up with in your favorite chair or windowseat to read while sipping tea or hot chocolate. It is not a book to rush through. it is one to read leisurely so as not to miss anything. I found it easy to put the book down, and it gently summoned me back to it. I found it refreshing for love to bloom quietly, without a lot of profanity or graphic, hot and steamy sex scenes.
( spoiler):
Lillian is a widow. Her firefighter husband perished at work. She is raising two boys on her own. The guys at the firehouse used to help her out, but her building was scheduled for demolition and she and the boys had to move from Brooklyn to Manhattan, near Central Park. Too many changes for Tommy, who is 9 and misses his old home, neighborhood and friends terribly. He begins acting out with his Mom and younger brother, Gabriel. Lillian is having problems adjusting to the new home, new job, and taking her kids to a sitter.
War looms on the horizon like a dark cloud.
Lillian tries to make the best of things and tries to be friendly with her neighbors, but hits a stone wall with Mr. Drooms (Charles) He is surly, grouchy, and reclusive, even though he owns his own business. He isn't much better at work with his employees. He is suffering from great loss and guilt.
Circumstances throw Lillian and Charles together repeatedly and theirs is a stormy but interesting relationship. Will they become friends? Will they become more? It is hard to tell when Lillian sketches Charles hunkered down in the cold with icicles hanging off him and Charles sees the sketch. Will Tommy ever accept his move? Will Charles ever reconcile his past and improve relations with employees? Reading this book and finding these answers was like removing layers and layers of wrapping to discover the gift hidden within.
December 3, 2018
“It's not my business," Scrooge returned. "It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me constantly.”
– Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
Christmastime 1940 by Linda Mahkovec features a widowed young mother of six- and nine-year-old sons. Lillian Hapsy has recently moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan with her boys Tommy and Gabriel. She has her hands full managing a full-time job and raising two growing children on her own while adjusting to a new job and new neighborhood. Her older son Tommy isn’t helping; he is constantly carping about the move. He misses his friends, and he whines about having to take on the responsibilities of being big brother to Gabe.
Lillian tries to put a cheerful face on everything. She sees the move as a fresh start. She is taken at first with her attractive neighbor, Mr Drooms, but he shows little interest. In fact, Drooms is all doom and gloom. He is a regular Scrooge in the way he approaches his accounting business and his personal affairs. Whenever Lillian sees him, he seems to carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders. The boys greet him brightly; often he simply nods without stopping. Why bother, Lillian wonders.
Times are dark and dangerous. Hitler’s forces are on the move and the US is perilously close to becoming involved in the war. Citizens are feeling the specter of impeding turmoil. Lillian just wants to have a happy Christmas with her boys and help them adjust to their new home. A pleasant relationship with her new neighbor would be nice, too, but she can only do so much. Still, she finds herself drawn to this peculiar man.
Strangely, Charles Drooms notices her as well. But can he put aside the ghosts that torment him and open his heart?
The author captures the atmosphere of the time with her descriptions and phrases. Tommy and Gabe come to life on the page like real six and nine year olds – sometimes bratty, sometimes sweet and loving, sometimes adventurous boys. One does have to suspend belief with Charles Drooms, but that is the magic of a Christmas story. Its theme reminded me of a very famous one written back in the 1800s. Having read the prequel (Christmastime 1939) and now Christmastime 1940 , I look forward to seeing where the next story leads.
5 stars
Christmastime 1940 by Linda Mahkovec features a widowed young mother of six- and nine-year-old sons. Lillian Hapsy has recently moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan with her boys Tommy and Gabriel. She has her hands full managing a full-time job and raising two growing children on her own while adjusting to a new job and new neighborhood. Her older son Tommy isn’t helping; he is constantly carping about the move. He misses his friends, and he whines about having to take on the responsibilities of being big brother to Gabe.
Lillian tries to put a cheerful face on everything. She sees the move as a fresh start. She is taken at first with her attractive neighbor, Mr Drooms, but he shows little interest. In fact, Drooms is all doom and gloom. He is a regular Scrooge in the way he approaches his accounting business and his personal affairs. Whenever Lillian sees him, he seems to carry the weight of the world upon his shoulders. The boys greet him brightly; often he simply nods without stopping. Why bother, Lillian wonders.
Times are dark and dangerous. Hitler’s forces are on the move and the US is perilously close to becoming involved in the war. Citizens are feeling the specter of impeding turmoil. Lillian just wants to have a happy Christmas with her boys and help them adjust to their new home. A pleasant relationship with her new neighbor would be nice, too, but she can only do so much. Still, she finds herself drawn to this peculiar man.
Strangely, Charles Drooms notices her as well. But can he put aside the ghosts that torment him and open his heart?
The author captures the atmosphere of the time with her descriptions and phrases. Tommy and Gabe come to life on the page like real six and nine year olds – sometimes bratty, sometimes sweet and loving, sometimes adventurous boys. One does have to suspend belief with Charles Drooms, but that is the magic of a Christmas story. Its theme reminded me of a very famous one written back in the 1800s. Having read the prequel (Christmastime 1939) and now Christmastime 1940 , I look forward to seeing where the next story leads.
5 stars
November 4, 2017
My Review of “Christmastime 1940” A Love Story by Linda Mahkovec
“Christmastime 1940” by Linda Mahkovec describes the year 1940, around the holiday season. In the background is talk of war, with the Germans invading and fighting Europe.
The genres of this story are Romance, Fiction and Women’s Fiction. This story takes place in 1940 in New York.
The author describes the characters as complex and complicated.
I love the vivid presentation and descriptions of the decorations, and the food. “Hot Buttered Rum”, homemade hot chocolate and marshmallows, wood in the fireplace, the Christmas tree and decorations. Theses lend such a cozy feel to this story.
Widowed Lillian Hapsey and her two young boys have moved to a new apartment in the city. One of their neighbors, Charles Drooms seems very distant,cold, and unfriendly. Charles Drooms has an extremely successful accounting business and seems to be hiding dark secrets, and keeps his distance from people. Lillian is also lonely and feels that underneath the shell that Charles Drooms hides behind is a different man. She has seen Charles help her son make a snow-ball, when he thinks no one is looking. What is he hiding? At times Charles Drooms reminds me of “Scrooge” at Christmas. What can Lillian do to help?
I appreciate that the authors discusses the importance of family,friends,neighbors emotional support, hope and love.
The author also provides a lesson in this story. Forgiveness, acceptance, understanding, and growth are important. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. I would highly recommend this novel as a heartwarming and feel good story.
“Christmastime 1940” by Linda Mahkovec describes the year 1940, around the holiday season. In the background is talk of war, with the Germans invading and fighting Europe.
The genres of this story are Romance, Fiction and Women’s Fiction. This story takes place in 1940 in New York.
The author describes the characters as complex and complicated.
I love the vivid presentation and descriptions of the decorations, and the food. “Hot Buttered Rum”, homemade hot chocolate and marshmallows, wood in the fireplace, the Christmas tree and decorations. Theses lend such a cozy feel to this story.
Widowed Lillian Hapsey and her two young boys have moved to a new apartment in the city. One of their neighbors, Charles Drooms seems very distant,cold, and unfriendly. Charles Drooms has an extremely successful accounting business and seems to be hiding dark secrets, and keeps his distance from people. Lillian is also lonely and feels that underneath the shell that Charles Drooms hides behind is a different man. She has seen Charles help her son make a snow-ball, when he thinks no one is looking. What is he hiding? At times Charles Drooms reminds me of “Scrooge” at Christmas. What can Lillian do to help?
I appreciate that the authors discusses the importance of family,friends,neighbors emotional support, hope and love.
The author also provides a lesson in this story. Forgiveness, acceptance, understanding, and growth are important. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. I would highly recommend this novel as a heartwarming and feel good story.
November 17, 2017
Reading Christmastime 1940 transformed me back to those early years when I was young and feeling like I could walk right into this charming, cozy, old-fashioned love story. The beautiful descriptions of children playing in the snow, the sights and smells of turkey, a crackling fire, the Christmas tree, the anticipation of holiday presents, a victorian doll house, games, and of the characters held me spellbound. Lillian Hapsey, a young widow, with two young boys meets Charles Droom, a grouchy, unapproachable, accountant who lives in the same apartment building and sparks fly. This historical story is written against the background of impending war with the Germans, the real sense of fear, a suspense of what will come, and what has happened in the past that changes lives as the characters of Lillian and Charles evolve in a delightful way. You will want to wrap yourself in a warm blanket with a cup of hot-buttered rum or hot chocolate as you journey your way through this story. I loved every page and am looking forward to the next three books. Thank you Linda Mahkovec for gifting me these wonderful heartwarming books.
June 14, 2021
Great book. Would recommend it to anyone to read.
Great book to read. Would recommend it to anyone to read. Author keeps you interested. I have two books of the series
Great book to read. Would recommend it to anyone to read. Author keeps you interested. I have two books of the series
January 1, 2022
This is one book in the Christmastime series. It was offered for 99 cents on Amazon so I considered it my amuse-bouche before investing (both money and time) in the rest of the series. I’ve seen many good reviews so wanted to see what the series had to offer. I wanted to like this more than I did.
What I liked:
I like historical fiction. I could relate to a single woman raising two little boys. I like Christmas. I like reading by the fireside.
What I had issue with:
Characters being described as beautiful or handsome and this is their main quality. I like to hear people described as kind or honest or creative or considerate or forgiving or determined. These are characteristics which would make me attracted to someone. Towards the end of the book the author describes Mason. Not a word about his physical appearance.
“He had thought a lot about Mason lately, and for the life of him, he couldn’t reconstruct the chain of thoughts that had led him to believe that Mason was leaving him. Drooms knew him to be an honorable, trustworthy man – even considered him a friend. Though Drooms often used work as an excuse to lunch with Mason, the truth was he enjoyed his company. In all their years together, Drooms could remember nothing but kind words, encouragement, and a sense of humor in the most trying times. Mason certainly deserved better than what he had gotten all these years working for him. Far better.”
Characters falling in love with a stranger after being acquainted with them for a short period of time. It takes a long time to truly get to know someone and even longer to fall in love.
I had a difficult time with the anguish of Mr. Drooms. So credit the author that she was able to re-create his pain, but it seemed to be used as a stepping stone to further the story line. Let’s take a step back and help this man heal. Which leads to the next thing…
Using a relationship to fix broken spots in life.
I found myself reading this quickly just to see how the story resolved. I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series. It’s not for me.
What I liked:
I like historical fiction. I could relate to a single woman raising two little boys. I like Christmas. I like reading by the fireside.
What I had issue with:
Characters being described as beautiful or handsome and this is their main quality. I like to hear people described as kind or honest or creative or considerate or forgiving or determined. These are characteristics which would make me attracted to someone. Towards the end of the book the author describes Mason. Not a word about his physical appearance.
“He had thought a lot about Mason lately, and for the life of him, he couldn’t reconstruct the chain of thoughts that had led him to believe that Mason was leaving him. Drooms knew him to be an honorable, trustworthy man – even considered him a friend. Though Drooms often used work as an excuse to lunch with Mason, the truth was he enjoyed his company. In all their years together, Drooms could remember nothing but kind words, encouragement, and a sense of humor in the most trying times. Mason certainly deserved better than what he had gotten all these years working for him. Far better.”
Characters falling in love with a stranger after being acquainted with them for a short period of time. It takes a long time to truly get to know someone and even longer to fall in love.
I had a difficult time with the anguish of Mr. Drooms. So credit the author that she was able to re-create his pain, but it seemed to be used as a stepping stone to further the story line. Let’s take a step back and help this man heal. Which leads to the next thing…
Using a relationship to fix broken spots in life.
I found myself reading this quickly just to see how the story resolved. I don’t think I’ll read the rest of the series. It’s not for me.
December 15, 2021
I’m glad I read the prequel first, which set the stage nicely for this book. I’ve got to admit—I wasn’t too impressed with Mr. Drooms—at first, that is. By this time, my heart has become a bit protective of Lillian and her boys, so I didn’t want someone hurting them. I wasn’t sure what drew her to him. Somehow she saw past his gruffness to the wounded little boy inside. I’ve become cynical over the years, and I’m not a believer that love heals all wounds. Yet if someone is willing, love can break down walls.
December 25, 2017
Sentimental heartfelt story
Christmastime 1940 is a sentimental journey back in time to 1940, a time when the world was on the precipice of war. Charles and Lillian are two broken souls when they meet; Charles is a bit of a curmudgeon and Lillian is a widow trying to stay optimistic for her sons. This heartfelt story is filled with hope and love. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
Christmastime 1940 is a sentimental journey back in time to 1940, a time when the world was on the precipice of war. Charles and Lillian are two broken souls when they meet; Charles is a bit of a curmudgeon and Lillian is a widow trying to stay optimistic for her sons. This heartfelt story is filled with hope and love. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
January 17, 2018
This is part of a one of the 4 part Christmastime series. Each book is another year involving the same characters. I enjoyed the nostalgic style of writing the author had. It reminded me of an old classic movie. It's a simple, beautiful story with a bit of romance. I look forward to the other books in the series, so I can find out what happens next to all the characters. Thank you to the author for the copy. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2020
(4.5/5)
A captivating and nostalgic story set during the Christmas season in New York City. Lillian and her two young sons are in a new apartment in a new city facing another Christmas alone. We are introduced to wonderful new characters which includes the not-so-friendly accountant, Mr. Drooms, who lives across the hall from Lillian and her boys. Despite her efforts in trying to engage him in conversation, Mr. Drooms prefers to keep to himself. I loved how this story played out and ended. It deals with heartbreaking loss, love and forgiveness and is beautifully done. I highly recommend it.
A captivating and nostalgic story set during the Christmas season in New York City. Lillian and her two young sons are in a new apartment in a new city facing another Christmas alone. We are introduced to wonderful new characters which includes the not-so-friendly accountant, Mr. Drooms, who lives across the hall from Lillian and her boys. Despite her efforts in trying to engage him in conversation, Mr. Drooms prefers to keep to himself. I loved how this story played out and ended. It deals with heartbreaking loss, love and forgiveness and is beautifully done. I highly recommend it.
November 9, 2021
I loved this book! It reminded me of when Christmas meant something, and how special that time was, when living on very little.
December 10, 2021
Loved it! Diving into 1941!
July 20, 2022
A sweet story
I enjoyed reading this sweet Christmas story. Good, hardworking people trying to make the best of their circumstances. Glad I read it and I will probably read books by this writer again.
I enjoyed reading this sweet Christmas story. Good, hardworking people trying to make the best of their circumstances. Glad I read it and I will probably read books by this writer again.
December 30, 2022
Christmas joy
Excellent Christmas read.Nice enjoyed the first two in the set, and am eager to read the rest. A nice little look at the past.
Excellent Christmas read.Nice enjoyed the first two in the set, and am eager to read the rest. A nice little look at the past.
October 20, 2023
Merry Christmas
This author has done it again. Touched my heart with the meaning of Christmas. Truer words have never been spoken than the ones Lillian says to her boys when they are good and when they are bad. At the ending I was surprised. I want more. On to the next story. Merry Christmas to all. Hey Santa I would like a Handsome Pirate. Giggle
This author has done it again. Touched my heart with the meaning of Christmas. Truer words have never been spoken than the ones Lillian says to her boys when they are good and when they are bad. At the ending I was surprised. I want more. On to the next story. Merry Christmas to all. Hey Santa I would like a Handsome Pirate. Giggle
November 21, 2025
Love, again!
Lillian and her boys moved to an apartment in Manhattan. Down the hall is a grumpy man named Mr. Drooms. It starts with Lillian being afraid of this old guy and as the story evolves, they find that there is more to this guy than they thought. Everyone has secrets, and his was from his past.
Lillian and her boys moved to an apartment in Manhattan. Down the hall is a grumpy man named Mr. Drooms. It starts with Lillian being afraid of this old guy and as the story evolves, they find that there is more to this guy than they thought. Everyone has secrets, and his was from his past.
November 30, 2022
3.75 Sappy, cute story. This was free for kindle readers. Hallmark-kind of story.
December 6, 2021
Good story. Fun following Lillian. She sure has her hands full with everything that’s going on in her life. Ready to begin 1941. I’m sure things will be getting worse as America gets closer to war. Looking forward to continuing the series.
July 15, 2022
Heartwarming
I loved it. Very sweet story! Love can turn a hard heart of stone to a soft pillow. Read it soon.
I loved it. Very sweet story! Love can turn a hard heart of stone to a soft pillow. Read it soon.
December 6, 2024
Loved this book. Didn’t want the story to end.
December 2, 2024
Perfect Holiday Reading
Liked the book. Nice to cozy up to at the holiday time. Life was so simple back then. I just picture my parents and how the life they lived was in that era. Simple and life with meaning. A bit corney but hey..that was the time for corney. Gets u in the holiday mood and the true meaning of Christmas....Love, Belief & Hope!
Liked the book. Nice to cozy up to at the holiday time. Life was so simple back then. I just picture my parents and how the life they lived was in that era. Simple and life with meaning. A bit corney but hey..that was the time for corney. Gets u in the holiday mood and the true meaning of Christmas....Love, Belief & Hope!
December 1, 2024
Inspiring story
Continuing the Christmastime series we follow Lillian and her sons to a new home and a fresh start. With hope and lots of love they deal with difficult adjustments and accepting new experiences and new loves.
Continuing the Christmastime series we follow Lillian and her sons to a new home and a fresh start. With hope and lots of love they deal with difficult adjustments and accepting new experiences and new loves.
November 26, 2024
A sweet love story for my book club's December meeting. There is enough darkness in the lives of the man and woman to keep the story from being maudlin or too saccharine. I can foresee that we might read Christmastime 1941 next year in December. That will be all right with me.
August 10, 2022
Love heals all wounds
A widow and mother of two boys, Lillian moves from Brooklyn to Manhattan when the building she lived in is demolished. She struggles to balance a full-time job and motherhood, and at times feels lonely, especially as the Christmas holidays draw near.
Her neighbor, Charles Drooms, is fighting demons of his own. The neighborhood children refer to him as “old man Drooms.”He keeps to himself, preferring to put all his energy into his work. However, he finds himself both drawn and repelled by his soft spoken and cheerful neighbor and her two young boys.
This is a story about the power of love to change and heal the wounded and broken and to restore hope. This was a thoughtful and uplifting read.
A widow and mother of two boys, Lillian moves from Brooklyn to Manhattan when the building she lived in is demolished. She struggles to balance a full-time job and motherhood, and at times feels lonely, especially as the Christmas holidays draw near.
Her neighbor, Charles Drooms, is fighting demons of his own. The neighborhood children refer to him as “old man Drooms.”He keeps to himself, preferring to put all his energy into his work. However, he finds himself both drawn and repelled by his soft spoken and cheerful neighbor and her two young boys.
This is a story about the power of love to change and heal the wounded and broken and to restore hope. This was a thoughtful and uplifting read.
November 25, 2024
Sweet and uplifting
February 24, 2021
I love how it parallels the Scrooge story. The anticipation of Lillian and Charles keeps your interest. So anxious to book #3.
October 25, 2025
A dream for history buffs
What a terrific novel. The author described life precisely as it was in Manhattan in 1940, with all the residents' daily hustle and bustle, their prewar fears, and theIr living conditions. Even better was a very poignant and heartfelt love story.
What a terrific novel. The author described life precisely as it was in Manhattan in 1940, with all the residents' daily hustle and bustle, their prewar fears, and theIr living conditions. Even better was a very poignant and heartfelt love story.
December 21, 2023
What an absolutely delightful little book. This was exactly what I was looking for less than a week before Christmas; it read like an old movie in the best way possible. It left me feeling happy, sad, nostalgic, and anxious to know what happens next. The summary makes this sound like a hokey retelling of A Christmas Carol and while there are definitely more than few similarities between Mr. Drooms and Mr. Scrooge, this book was able to capture the simple emotion and atmosphere of those timeless Christmas stories and movies. I’m very much looking forward to returning to the story and the series next Christmas.
January 6, 2014
I received this book free through Goodreads first reads.
This is a really good book. Well worth the read.
It is about a widow named Lillian and her two small boys who move into a new place and are spending their first Christmas there. They have a neighbour, Mr. Drooms who seems to be crabby and doesn't really like Christmas. Lillian was able to find a job at a publishing house as a phone operator with a goal to get into the Art Department. Mr Drooms comes over and helps Lillian get the Christmas tree put up. Tommy runs away from home and Mr. Drooms offers to go and find him, and he finds Tommy where he use to live but now it is just a big hole. Mr. Drooms tells Tommy that his father died too when he was a little boy. Gabriel almost gets hit by a car while on an outing with Mr. Drooms. Mr. Drooms younger sister and brother drowned while in his care when he was younger. Mr. Drooms finally broke down and wept for his siblings after what happens to Gabriel. Mr. Drooms made his long time employee a partner in the business. Mr. Drooms and Lillian and Tommy and Gabriel share Christmas together. The incident with Gabriel changed Mr. Drooms completely and he went out and bought presents for Lillian and the boys and also gave his employees a really nice Christmas bonus.
This is a really good book. Well worth the read.
It is about a widow named Lillian and her two small boys who move into a new place and are spending their first Christmas there. They have a neighbour, Mr. Drooms who seems to be crabby and doesn't really like Christmas. Lillian was able to find a job at a publishing house as a phone operator with a goal to get into the Art Department. Mr Drooms comes over and helps Lillian get the Christmas tree put up. Tommy runs away from home and Mr. Drooms offers to go and find him, and he finds Tommy where he use to live but now it is just a big hole. Mr. Drooms tells Tommy that his father died too when he was a little boy. Gabriel almost gets hit by a car while on an outing with Mr. Drooms. Mr. Drooms younger sister and brother drowned while in his care when he was younger. Mr. Drooms finally broke down and wept for his siblings after what happens to Gabriel. Mr. Drooms made his long time employee a partner in the business. Mr. Drooms and Lillian and Tommy and Gabriel share Christmas together. The incident with Gabriel changed Mr. Drooms completely and he went out and bought presents for Lillian and the boys and also gave his employees a really nice Christmas bonus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews