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Christmastime #4
Christmastime 1943
In Christmastime 1943: A Love Story, Book Four, the war intensifies, the Christmas season arrives, and love is kept alive on the home front. In New York City, Lillian Drooms struggles on her own while her husband, Charles, is away at sea. She volunteers with “Artists for Victory” at a hospital for wounded soldiers, but soon begins to doubt her ability.
Meanwhile, on a farm in Illinois, the beautiful seventeen-year-old Ursula is torn between her sense of duty and the power of love. The source of her deepest yearning and her deepest hatred lies in Friedrich, one of the German POWs recently hired to work on the family farm. The Christmas season brings its charm and warmth – but can love survive in these turbulent, fragmented times?
Meanwhile, on a farm in Illinois, the beautiful seventeen-year-old Ursula is torn between her sense of duty and the power of love. The source of her deepest yearning and her deepest hatred lies in Friedrich, one of the German POWs recently hired to work on the family farm. The Christmas season brings its charm and warmth – but can love survive in these turbulent, fragmented times?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2016
38 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 6, 2018
4.5 stars rounded to 5 stars
This is the penultimate installment of the 6-book Christmastime series, and I am feeling the first pangs of withdrawal. I am hoping there will be at least one more book after Christmastime 1944, but that remains to be seen.
As I got going with this one, I was afraid it wasn’t going to hold up to the previous 4 books. I was having trouble connecting to Ursula, Charles’ 17-year-old niece, who has a major role in the story. German POWs are brought to help work her mother’s farm and Ursula is not in any way, shape, or form going to share space with or accept help from “those Nazis that killed my brother.” Fortunately, as the story develops, Ursula comes to a better understanding of the situation and regains some semblance of the maturity befitting her age.
Each of these books features multiple threads, including a romantic one. The main romantic subplot in Christmastime 1944 is subtle. Subtle, but beautifully poignant. Does anyone remember the library scene in the movie The Remains of the Day with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson? I still recall the understated touching or near touching of hands in that scene as the most exquisite display of romantic angst I have ever seen. The love story in this novel reminds me so much of that.
My other favorite subplot involved Lillian’s art classes for injured soldiers in the hospital. These scenes are totally believable, and the interactions are so heartening. These classes prove to be highly meaningful to Lillian and her boys.
I cannot fail to mention the further development of Lillian’s sons, 12-year-old Tommy and 9-year-old Gabriel (ages 8 and 5 at the beginning of the series). Gabriel walks to the beat of a different drummer and possesses wisdom far beyond his years. Tommy is having significant life difficulties, but begins to turn the corner towards the end of the book.
As per usual, Ms. Mahkovec brings 1940s Christmas time in New York City to life. If I had a time machine, this is definitely a place and time, for multiple reasons, I would love to visit.
I considered putting off the last book until later in the month just so I wouldn’t have to leave the series so soon; but alas, I cannot help myself. Christmastime 1944, here I come.
This is the penultimate installment of the 6-book Christmastime series, and I am feeling the first pangs of withdrawal. I am hoping there will be at least one more book after Christmastime 1944, but that remains to be seen.
As I got going with this one, I was afraid it wasn’t going to hold up to the previous 4 books. I was having trouble connecting to Ursula, Charles’ 17-year-old niece, who has a major role in the story. German POWs are brought to help work her mother’s farm and Ursula is not in any way, shape, or form going to share space with or accept help from “those Nazis that killed my brother.” Fortunately, as the story develops, Ursula comes to a better understanding of the situation and regains some semblance of the maturity befitting her age.
Each of these books features multiple threads, including a romantic one. The main romantic subplot in Christmastime 1944 is subtle. Subtle, but beautifully poignant. Does anyone remember the library scene in the movie The Remains of the Day with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson? I still recall the understated touching or near touching of hands in that scene as the most exquisite display of romantic angst I have ever seen. The love story in this novel reminds me so much of that.
My other favorite subplot involved Lillian’s art classes for injured soldiers in the hospital. These scenes are totally believable, and the interactions are so heartening. These classes prove to be highly meaningful to Lillian and her boys.
I cannot fail to mention the further development of Lillian’s sons, 12-year-old Tommy and 9-year-old Gabriel (ages 8 and 5 at the beginning of the series). Gabriel walks to the beat of a different drummer and possesses wisdom far beyond his years. Tommy is having significant life difficulties, but begins to turn the corner towards the end of the book.
As per usual, Ms. Mahkovec brings 1940s Christmas time in New York City to life. If I had a time machine, this is definitely a place and time, for multiple reasons, I would love to visit.
I considered putting off the last book until later in the month just so I wouldn’t have to leave the series so soon; but alas, I cannot help myself. Christmastime 1944, here I come.
December 7, 2018
Linda Mahkovec continues her romantic historical stories in
Christmastime 1943
. Love blooms on many fronts. So does conflict.
In previous years, 1939-1942, we’ve watched Lillian and Charles, Izzie and Red, Mary Murphy and Brendan Edith and Desmond, and of course, the family dynamics between Lillian and the boys, Tommy and Gabriel. Now, in 1943, Tommy is 13, Gabe nine. The growth in these two youngsters is quite evident, but not all of it is positive. Tommy is constantly getting into fights, which causes his mother to worry about her older son. Gabe, often the mediator, seems to be the quieter, gentler of the two. Charles has been away for months without a furlough as the war in Europe rages on. Lillian is doing her best to keep her spirits up and put on a good face for the sake of her sons, but she is incredibly lonely. She wonders if their father’s absence is the reason for the boys’ restless behavior.
In a change of pace, the scene shifts to the Midwest, where Charles’s sister and children live on a farm. Kate’s husband died a number of years earlier. One nephew has been killed in the war, and two others are still engaged in the fighting. The oldest niece, Ursula, who was closest to him, is extremely bitter when a small crew of German POWs is assigned to work detail on the family farm. This causes many heated arguments between her and her mother. Seventeen-year-old Ursula behaves quite childishly toward a handsome young German, saying that she hates all nasty Nazis. But what is really in her heart?
Meanwhile, Lillian’s friend Izzy is kicking up her heels again and encourages Lillian to volunteer her time as an art teacher for wounded soldiers. Lillian agrees, and she is gratified that she is able to make a difference. Surprisingly, her children are behind the war effort 100 percent as well. Tommy, who is all about wanting to be a pilot or sailor, makes an astonishing discovery about himself at the conclusion of the book. The boy is learning to become a man.
As these stories progress, I am finding less humor than in the first couple tales, but that is more that adequately replaced by the depth of the characters and the small details I am learning about life during the war. I am feeling so invested in these folks that I can almost call them family! I really hate to see this series end so soon.
5 stars
In previous years, 1939-1942, we’ve watched Lillian and Charles, Izzie and Red, Mary Murphy and Brendan Edith and Desmond, and of course, the family dynamics between Lillian and the boys, Tommy and Gabriel. Now, in 1943, Tommy is 13, Gabe nine. The growth in these two youngsters is quite evident, but not all of it is positive. Tommy is constantly getting into fights, which causes his mother to worry about her older son. Gabe, often the mediator, seems to be the quieter, gentler of the two. Charles has been away for months without a furlough as the war in Europe rages on. Lillian is doing her best to keep her spirits up and put on a good face for the sake of her sons, but she is incredibly lonely. She wonders if their father’s absence is the reason for the boys’ restless behavior.
In a change of pace, the scene shifts to the Midwest, where Charles’s sister and children live on a farm. Kate’s husband died a number of years earlier. One nephew has been killed in the war, and two others are still engaged in the fighting. The oldest niece, Ursula, who was closest to him, is extremely bitter when a small crew of German POWs is assigned to work detail on the family farm. This causes many heated arguments between her and her mother. Seventeen-year-old Ursula behaves quite childishly toward a handsome young German, saying that she hates all nasty Nazis. But what is really in her heart?
Meanwhile, Lillian’s friend Izzy is kicking up her heels again and encourages Lillian to volunteer her time as an art teacher for wounded soldiers. Lillian agrees, and she is gratified that she is able to make a difference. Surprisingly, her children are behind the war effort 100 percent as well. Tommy, who is all about wanting to be a pilot or sailor, makes an astonishing discovery about himself at the conclusion of the book. The boy is learning to become a man.
As these stories progress, I am finding less humor than in the first couple tales, but that is more that adequately replaced by the depth of the characters and the small details I am learning about life during the war. I am feeling so invested in these folks that I can almost call them family! I really hate to see this series end so soon.
5 stars
November 7, 2017
MY REVIEW OF “CHRISTMASTIME 1943” “A Love Story” by Linda Mahkovec
I enjoyed reading “Christmastime 1943” “A Love Story” by Linda Mahovec. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
The genres for this book are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance and Historical Fiction. The story continues as World War Two intensifies. Many men are at the home front, and businesses open up with opportunities for women. It is almost Christmas in 1943, and for many women and men it is a lonely time.
Lillian and the boys miss Charles who is out at sea fighting in the European theater. Lillian decides that she and the boys should get out of the city and visit her sister.
The author describes her characters having a vast arrange of emotions at this devastating time. Some are frightened and afraid, depressed, and others are brave and courageous.
Lillian volunteers teaching drawing and art skills at the hospital, hoping to cheer injured soldiers.
Linda Mahkovic introduces us to Charles’ family who lives on a farm. Charles’ sister is a widow, and her boys are at the front. One son has died, and the farm is being run by Charles’ sister, her daughters and an older man. To save the farm, the family uses Prisoners of War, from Germany to tend to the many tasks as fixing fences, and helping with the chores. One of the daughters is appalled that the family is using German prisoners, the same ones that killed her brother.
As Christmas nears,everyone tries to be cheery and hopeful. With rationing and it very hard to get supplies, they make the best of it.
Linda Mahkovec has an amazing way of writing the many layers, and describing the characters, the events, and the times.
The author describes the importance of family, friends, neighbors, love, faith and hope. I would highly recommend this book to readers of Fiction and Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. Happy Reading!
I enjoyed reading “Christmastime 1943” “A Love Story” by Linda Mahovec. I eagerly await the next book in the series.
The genres for this book are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Romance and Historical Fiction. The story continues as World War Two intensifies. Many men are at the home front, and businesses open up with opportunities for women. It is almost Christmas in 1943, and for many women and men it is a lonely time.
Lillian and the boys miss Charles who is out at sea fighting in the European theater. Lillian decides that she and the boys should get out of the city and visit her sister.
The author describes her characters having a vast arrange of emotions at this devastating time. Some are frightened and afraid, depressed, and others are brave and courageous.
Lillian volunteers teaching drawing and art skills at the hospital, hoping to cheer injured soldiers.
Linda Mahkovic introduces us to Charles’ family who lives on a farm. Charles’ sister is a widow, and her boys are at the front. One son has died, and the farm is being run by Charles’ sister, her daughters and an older man. To save the farm, the family uses Prisoners of War, from Germany to tend to the many tasks as fixing fences, and helping with the chores. One of the daughters is appalled that the family is using German prisoners, the same ones that killed her brother.
As Christmas nears,everyone tries to be cheery and hopeful. With rationing and it very hard to get supplies, they make the best of it.
Linda Mahkovec has an amazing way of writing the many layers, and describing the characters, the events, and the times.
The author describes the importance of family, friends, neighbors, love, faith and hope. I would highly recommend this book to readers of Fiction and Historical Fiction. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. Happy Reading!
December 29, 2017
Heartwarming, nostalgic...love and war
I can’t say enough about this wonderful book and the series that it’s part of. I am devouring these stories, each one better than three next, as I come to know these characters better. The character of Lillian epitomizes the grace, the fears, the hope, and the strength that the women at home endured while their husbands and sons were away at war. I loved the story of Ursula and Freidrick, two star-crossed lovers caught in the crosshairs of war. I’m anxious the read the fifth and final book, but I’ll be sad for this series to be over.
I can’t say enough about this wonderful book and the series that it’s part of. I am devouring these stories, each one better than three next, as I come to know these characters better. The character of Lillian epitomizes the grace, the fears, the hope, and the strength that the women at home endured while their husbands and sons were away at war. I loved the story of Ursula and Freidrick, two star-crossed lovers caught in the crosshairs of war. I’m anxious the read the fifth and final book, but I’ll be sad for this series to be over.
December 11, 2021
Heart touching!
This deserves five stars as it grabs at the heart strings and gives something in side it's reader that hauntingly hints at similar memories that they themselves have experienced yet different times and circumstances. The characters came alive and made me feel like I knew them and where part of what they were going through! Great story line. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves to really get into the hearts and lives of the people in the story, putting themselves there with all that's going on with each character. Thanks for the journey, it transported me and left me with thoughts lingering for ( I hope ) awhile longer so as to keep me there with them for just a bit longer
This deserves five stars as it grabs at the heart strings and gives something in side it's reader that hauntingly hints at similar memories that they themselves have experienced yet different times and circumstances. The characters came alive and made me feel like I knew them and where part of what they were going through! Great story line. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves to really get into the hearts and lives of the people in the story, putting themselves there with all that's going on with each character. Thanks for the journey, it transported me and left me with thoughts lingering for ( I hope ) awhile longer so as to keep me there with them for just a bit longer
January 20, 2019
Lillian's story continues with Charles out to sea, her boys growing and getting involved with scouts, and Lillian volunteering at the hospital. Ursula finally admits to herself that she is in love. Ah, forbidden love, is there anything more exciting? 1944, here I come!
November 14, 2017
Another great addition to the Christmastime Series.
The cast of characters continues to branch out and deepen as WWII intensifies and new scenes are painted for us including a wounded soldiers hospital and a working farm struggling in Illinois.
A great little love story to read as Christmas approaches! Get some hot cocoa and jump into these books!
The cast of characters continues to branch out and deepen as WWII intensifies and new scenes are painted for us including a wounded soldiers hospital and a working farm struggling in Illinois.
A great little love story to read as Christmas approaches! Get some hot cocoa and jump into these books!
December 21, 2021
Another in the series. Learned a lot about the POWs. Looking forward to the next book.
January 23, 2022
Next up....1944!
December 27, 2022
This series is such a warm, tender, heartfelt perfect Christmas read. I loved this book and the shift between the midwest farm and New York city.
December 15, 2022
Loved how the story progresses and new things about WWII on the home front. Intersting!
December 4, 2022
This was one of my favorites of the series so far! Lillian’s boys are growing up and they all miss Charles who is serving overseas. I really enjoyed the addition of the storyline with the German POWs.
Two more books to go—I’m going to miss these!
Two more books to go—I’m going to miss these!
December 29, 2022
This fourth installment in the wonderful Christmastime series brings the war into the home in a powerful and touching way. It is the first book not to feature a scene with Charles Drooms who is away at sea fighting the war and his absence in keenly felt. It still keeps the strong sense of time and place that have been a trademark of this series but now it also has a story line set in rural Illinois were German POW's are working on a farm were the men have all gone to fight the war. A love story develops between one of the soldiers and the eldest daughter that is written in a traditional style but with a modern flavor - at least a 1943 wartime flavor - that adds a new element to both the series and my knowledge of wartime America. The romance is aflame with misunderstanding and prejudice between the main protagonists before is explores the darker realities of the conflicts of an American having feelings for the enemy during wartime. It all plays out in the end and the scenes of farm life in 1943 comes alive making this romance one of the more memorable of the series and the end will leave both a smile on your face and a tear in you eye.
The New York story is even darker as the absence of a father figure affects everyone in the Drooms household but it is the interaction with the wounded soldiers that left a lasting impact on me. There are few stories sealing with this subject and even fewer that are seen through the eyes of such a dignified and forgiving character as Lillian Drooms. These scenes are not only touching and honest but they stay true to the theme or the series without hiding the horrors of war.
This book is the best of the series so far that capture the essence of the books theme of love surviving during one of Americas most troubled periods through community, friendship and a sense of national pride that we just don't see enough of anymore.
The New York story is even darker as the absence of a father figure affects everyone in the Drooms household but it is the interaction with the wounded soldiers that left a lasting impact on me. There are few stories sealing with this subject and even fewer that are seen through the eyes of such a dignified and forgiving character as Lillian Drooms. These scenes are not only touching and honest but they stay true to the theme or the series without hiding the horrors of war.
This book is the best of the series so far that capture the essence of the books theme of love surviving during one of Americas most troubled periods through community, friendship and a sense of national pride that we just don't see enough of anymore.
October 13, 2017
Another great book in this series. Linda Mahkovec is one of my favorite authors and this book is just as good as the others in the series. I love to read about the hardships and love of family during the war. And I love the physical appearance of these books. A great addition to my bookshelf to be read over and over. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
April 10, 2023
In this book We are introduced to new characters. This is when the POW's in America were used for labor cross United States at farms in places that needed help. There was such a shortage of men that jobs were being done by the women. It is introducing how the people felt about that We were still at War and had POW's from Germany and all over. This is such a great series I am gonna hate to see it again.
December 14, 2016
I love this entire series. I’ve been waiting for the 1943 installment to appear, and it did, just when I needed to remember my past, which happens to me around this time of year. My much older brothers were little boys during World War II and they told me a lot about that time. And their stories have magically appeared in these stories. But especially in this one. My brothers and mother talked about the rationing - the ‘I’ll trade you that coupon for this coupon’ and that’s here in this story. They talked about the mistrust decent folks suddenly have of the ‘other’, that’s here too. But what they could never stop talking about was the terror, the fascination of having prisoners of war right near where they lived. And that last element is presented in this story and it makes this story a real page-turner!
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March 5, 2022A really wonderful holiday series
Start at 1939 and work your way through the years. Especially at Christmas time. You can't be
disappointed. Merry Christmas
Start at 1939 and work your way through the years. Especially at Christmas time. You can't be
disappointed. Merry Christmas
March 13, 2024
I’m enjoying this series. All of the books are stories that take place at Christmas time during the years that encompassed WWII. I’m drawn to both the era and the season - a light read, but charming.
February 6, 2025
I love this Series! The trials of war and fear of losing a loved one. The love you should not have for the “enemy”. It’s all there!
Can’t wait to finish the series.
Can’t wait to finish the series.
January 29, 2021
Confusion
As the war continues, we watch Lillian cope with work, childcare, rationing and loneliness. The boys are getting older, but still need after school care. Mrs Sturtzman comes to the rescue. She is an older German sideshow is delighted to have the boys at her house after school and when Lillian works late or has an appointment and they love her. Lillian is one of the top illustrators at Rockwell and is successful with her projects though she feels a little co strained at times. We look in on Charles' sister Kate on her farm in Illinois. Her four boys are all in the service around the globe. She loses Frances in N Africa and mourns for him and worries about the others. She is trying to keep the farm going, but with only herself and two teenage daughters and a hired man it is becoming increasingly difficult. She is offered the opportunity to have the use of three German POWs. After much soul searching and with the realization that she might lose the farm without help, she accepts. We learn that most Germans are not Nazis, but ordinary and in fact likable men. Enter Friedrich! A young good looking man who catches the eye of Kate's older daughter Ursula as he goes through town on a bus. There is an instant connection between the two. But then she is told that the men on the bus are POWs and she immediately realized that she must and does hate him. The rest of the book carries on from the two locales as can be expected, but with twists to keep the interest high. Book 6 will continue and build on the story. Couldn't put this down!
As the war continues, we watch Lillian cope with work, childcare, rationing and loneliness. The boys are getting older, but still need after school care. Mrs Sturtzman comes to the rescue. She is an older German sideshow is delighted to have the boys at her house after school and when Lillian works late or has an appointment and they love her. Lillian is one of the top illustrators at Rockwell and is successful with her projects though she feels a little co strained at times. We look in on Charles' sister Kate on her farm in Illinois. Her four boys are all in the service around the globe. She loses Frances in N Africa and mourns for him and worries about the others. She is trying to keep the farm going, but with only herself and two teenage daughters and a hired man it is becoming increasingly difficult. She is offered the opportunity to have the use of three German POWs. After much soul searching and with the realization that she might lose the farm without help, she accepts. We learn that most Germans are not Nazis, but ordinary and in fact likable men. Enter Friedrich! A young good looking man who catches the eye of Kate's older daughter Ursula as he goes through town on a bus. There is an instant connection between the two. But then she is told that the men on the bus are POWs and she immediately realized that she must and does hate him. The rest of the book carries on from the two locales as can be expected, but with twists to keep the interest high. Book 6 will continue and build on the story. Couldn't put this down!
November 30, 2017
I was mesmerized with the continuing lives of Lillian, her boys, Tommy and Gabriel as they spent the days yearning for Charles, husband and father who was away at sea during the war. Lillian returns to her love of drawing and volunteers as a art teacher for the wounded soldiers in a hospital. This novel introduced Kate, Charles sister and her daughters Jessica and Ursula, whose lives dealt with keeping their farm running with the labor help of POW's as it was with many families. Although welcomed there was also fear and suspicions, not knowing if they could be trusted. Ursula was mystified and torn between desire and hate when she meets Friedrich who was a POW working on their farm. Can she come to terms with her anger? Izzie is also torn, she has fallen for Archie, but is she trying to replace Ed? Times are tense as fake news from Hitler tells that America is on the verge of collapse... Scenes of holiday preparation, delicious meals made with the food they could afford with the rationing of coupons is not the same yet this story is still full of family, love and rich descriptions that bring such emotion, and nostalgia to me as I read this book. I love this series, can't wait for 1944.
January 5, 2018
War Love Story
I've come to enjoy this little collection of Christmastime stories and even look forward to where the next story takes us. The stories are so incredibly vivid and paint a true picture of humanity at the time of the second world war: children, mothers, women and wounded soldiers.
This ever-charming story follows Lillian during the Christmas season, for the first time since their marriage, away from her husband Charles. At the same time, Mahkovec delves deeper into the lives of Charles' sister and nieces, and their life on the farm. A change in location definitely served as a good novelty making the story quite unpredictable. This was especially achieved by Charles' niece, Ursula and her fascination for a German Prisoner of War.
As always, I was impressed by how Mahkovec writes of the feelings of her characters, so in tune to behaviour and incredibly true to life. This book, more than the others in the series, takes us closer to the war and the period of disillusionment in the
aftermath of the outbreak.
While it can be read as a stand-alone, it's more enjoyable as part of the collection.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
I've come to enjoy this little collection of Christmastime stories and even look forward to where the next story takes us. The stories are so incredibly vivid and paint a true picture of humanity at the time of the second world war: children, mothers, women and wounded soldiers.
This ever-charming story follows Lillian during the Christmas season, for the first time since their marriage, away from her husband Charles. At the same time, Mahkovec delves deeper into the lives of Charles' sister and nieces, and their life on the farm. A change in location definitely served as a good novelty making the story quite unpredictable. This was especially achieved by Charles' niece, Ursula and her fascination for a German Prisoner of War.
As always, I was impressed by how Mahkovec writes of the feelings of her characters, so in tune to behaviour and incredibly true to life. This book, more than the others in the series, takes us closer to the war and the period of disillusionment in the
aftermath of the outbreak.
While it can be read as a stand-alone, it's more enjoyable as part of the collection.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
December 22, 2017
I really wish I had the next book in the series. It'd be nice to continue on with it. These are such great stories, very nostalgic.
This book delved more into helping the soldiers in the healing process. Lillian teaches an art class to a bunch of wounded GI's, at a local hospital. She is also dealing with being alone during the holidays, without her husband. Charles is on leave somewhere and won't be back any time soon.
We meet a couple more new characters. Charles' sister and two niece's and a couple POW's. I never knew there were POW's or camps in the United States, during World War 2. I was surprised by this. They were treated fairly though and helped out on farms and at factories, with so many American men, in the service.
One of Charles' niece's, Ursula, falls for one of the POW's and fights to keep it a secret. He ends up getting transferred right before Christmas, and I'm dying to find out what happens.
Tommy and Gabriel are still doing their part, in the war effort and have joined the Boy Scouts. Lillian and the boys decide to spend Christmas at Lillian's sisters farm, so they can get out of the city and be with family.
This book delved more into helping the soldiers in the healing process. Lillian teaches an art class to a bunch of wounded GI's, at a local hospital. She is also dealing with being alone during the holidays, without her husband. Charles is on leave somewhere and won't be back any time soon.
We meet a couple more new characters. Charles' sister and two niece's and a couple POW's. I never knew there were POW's or camps in the United States, during World War 2. I was surprised by this. They were treated fairly though and helped out on farms and at factories, with so many American men, in the service.
One of Charles' niece's, Ursula, falls for one of the POW's and fights to keep it a secret. He ends up getting transferred right before Christmas, and I'm dying to find out what happens.
Tommy and Gabriel are still doing their part, in the war effort and have joined the Boy Scouts. Lillian and the boys decide to spend Christmas at Lillian's sisters farm, so they can get out of the city and be with family.
October 15, 2020
Christmastime 1943 is book 4 in this beautiful series. The war doesn’t stop for Christmas but love lives on. Lillian fills her time with her children and volunteering as much as she can. With Charles still away she takes a trip and his own family has their own struggles. Another beautiful and heartwarming book by this author was a delight. As sadness and despair is a daily struggle for many people during this time it’s the light of kindness that shows what love and hope can do even in the darkest moments. Highly recommended this book and can’t wait to read what’s next !
December 14, 2024
The characters introduced to us earlier in the series continue to live their lives, even as World War II intensifies and affects them all. Author Linda Mahkovec has done a wonderful job of making these characters--and the setting of WWII New York City seem alive. She has certainly done her homework on little historical notes that give this book authenticity without distracting from the engaging story of ordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances. I highly recommend this entire series for anyone who wants a heart-felt (yet not smarmy) holiday read.
January 31, 2018
Book 4 of the series and WWII has heightened. Charles is at sea and Lillian is busy raising her boys, working and volunteering at teaching art classes at the hospital for our wounded. Another story of a young farm girl is introduced in this series. Workers are needed at the family farm because the men are serving in the war. German POW prisoners are hired to help where needed.
July 2, 2018
Christmastime 1943 is a romantic story about life and times in the 40’s war is looming and its Christmas. Linda writes this story and it pulls you right in. It is about family and friends, loves and losses. This was a very heartwarming read and I can’t wait to start into the fifth book in this series.
December 25, 2018
Good Story
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series about Christmas during the war years. This book reads fast and brings out some of the inner struggles that folks endured. Will finish the series next year.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series about Christmas during the war years. This book reads fast and brings out some of the inner struggles that folks endured. Will finish the series next year.
December 31, 2021
Hope
This book speaks so much about Hope. Especially after a disappointment hole is always there. As the war dragged on with still no ending visible, hope is what kept everyone alive.
This book speaks so much about Hope. Especially after a disappointment hole is always there. As the war dragged on with still no ending visible, hope is what kept everyone alive.
December 20, 2025
A continuing story of Lillian, her boys, and her husband in the Navy during WW2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews