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Christmastime #5
Christmastime 1944
Christmastime 1944: A Love Story is the fifth installment in the Christmastime Series.
A WWII Christmas story of love and family that takes place on the home front (NYC and rural Illinois).
A WWII Christmas story of love and family that takes place on the home front (NYC and rural Illinois).
284 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2017
26 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Linda Mahkovec
17 books157 followersLinda Mahkovec is the author of The Christmastime Series, love stories set predominantly in New York City during the World War II years. She also has two collections of short stories, The Dreams of Youth and Seven Tales of Love, and a contemporary novel set in Seattle, The Garden House. Her latest novels are And So We Dream, a coming-of-age story set in 1970, and The Notebooks of Honora Gorman, the life of a writer living in New York City.
Used to write as Agnes Irene
Themes of love, family, home, and making the most out of life dominate her stories, and though they may be set against the backdrop of war, or deal with the disappointments in life, the overarching feel is uplifting and hopeful.
One thread that runs through much of her work is that of the female artist–whether she is a painter, a writer, an actor, or simply someone who lives creatively and seeks out a life of beauty and meaning.
Another thread in Mahkovec’s work is the celebration of the seasons: the thrill of the first flowers of spring, barefoot summer nights, the nostalgic beauty of fall, and delight in the first snowfall.
Mahkovec was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. She then spent several years in the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle, and for the past thirty years has lived in New York City. She has a PhD in English, specializing in Victorian literature.
To find out more, please visit her at lindamahkovec.com.
Used to write as Agnes Irene
Themes of love, family, home, and making the most out of life dominate her stories, and though they may be set against the backdrop of war, or deal with the disappointments in life, the overarching feel is uplifting and hopeful.
One thread that runs through much of her work is that of the female artist–whether she is a painter, a writer, an actor, or simply someone who lives creatively and seeks out a life of beauty and meaning.
Another thread in Mahkovec’s work is the celebration of the seasons: the thrill of the first flowers of spring, barefoot summer nights, the nostalgic beauty of fall, and delight in the first snowfall.
Mahkovec was born and raised in a small town in Illinois. She then spent several years in the San Francisco Bay area and Seattle, and for the past thirty years has lived in New York City. She has a PhD in English, specializing in Victorian literature.
To find out more, please visit her at lindamahkovec.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 9, 2018
5 stars
Well, I spent the last 12 days reading the wonderful 6-book (1 novella and 5 novels) Christmastime series by Linda Mahkovec. Now I am in mourning as not only will I have to wait a year for a chance at another Christmastime book, but I don’t even know if any more will be written. This substantial series focuses on the Drooms families in New York City and rural Illinois during the Christmas holidays of the WWII years. Over the course of the series, I have come to know and love these people and their friends.
In this installment we revisit the families of Lillian and Charles Drooms in NYC and also Charles’ sister Kate’s family in Illinois. Highlights for me include Ursula’s ongoing seemingly impossible situation with her lover, the laugh out loud event at Tommy and Gabriel’s school theater, and the continued smoldering love between Charles and Lillian.
The many threads of the Christmastime series are layered with multiple themes. The series is billed as a set of love stories, but there is so much more than that. The horrors of the war are made clear, yet thankfully, not in a graphic fashion. We see the strength of family and the goodness of people helping others in need. Difficult choices are faced, sometimes made tougher by the opposing forces of hate towards the enemy and love of family. Young boys blossom before our eyes. Families battle to survive multiple crises. People struggle to keep their lives as normal as possible, sometimes with the goal of just surviving. As I’ve mentioned before, these stories have real depth.
I always enjoy holiday novels this time of year. This year I was blessed to serendipitously find two series well worth digging into—this one and Alan Simon’s 3-book An American Family’s Wartime Saga series (starting with The First Christmas of the War). Both series are set in America during WWII, and both provide highly meaningful, heartfelt stories for the holiday season. Strongly recommended.
Well, I spent the last 12 days reading the wonderful 6-book (1 novella and 5 novels) Christmastime series by Linda Mahkovec. Now I am in mourning as not only will I have to wait a year for a chance at another Christmastime book, but I don’t even know if any more will be written. This substantial series focuses on the Drooms families in New York City and rural Illinois during the Christmas holidays of the WWII years. Over the course of the series, I have come to know and love these people and their friends.
In this installment we revisit the families of Lillian and Charles Drooms in NYC and also Charles’ sister Kate’s family in Illinois. Highlights for me include Ursula’s ongoing seemingly impossible situation with her lover, the laugh out loud event at Tommy and Gabriel’s school theater, and the continued smoldering love between Charles and Lillian.
The many threads of the Christmastime series are layered with multiple themes. The series is billed as a set of love stories, but there is so much more than that. The horrors of the war are made clear, yet thankfully, not in a graphic fashion. We see the strength of family and the goodness of people helping others in need. Difficult choices are faced, sometimes made tougher by the opposing forces of hate towards the enemy and love of family. Young boys blossom before our eyes. Families battle to survive multiple crises. People struggle to keep their lives as normal as possible, sometimes with the goal of just surviving. As I’ve mentioned before, these stories have real depth.
I always enjoy holiday novels this time of year. This year I was blessed to serendipitously find two series well worth digging into—this one and Alan Simon’s 3-book An American Family’s Wartime Saga series (starting with The First Christmas of the War). Both series are set in America during WWII, and both provide highly meaningful, heartfelt stories for the holiday season. Strongly recommended.
December 17, 2020
I just love this Christmas series and I’m sad to know I only have one book left. I’m torn between taking my time to read the next book and reading it quickly so I know what happens. This series is excellent!
December 10, 2018
It’s been a full year since we last saw Lillian Drooms and her two sons. It is now December, 1944, and World War II still rages on, although there is talk that the war in Europe is nearing an end. Weary, anxious families await the return of loved ones. Lillian has not seen her husband Charles in many months, and her boys miss him terribly as well. Others, like Charles’ sister Kate, desperately worry about the fate of sons missing in action. Three soldier sons gone to war, with one missing without a word of where he is or what happened. The strain is unbearable.
As in the previous book, Christmastime 1944 gives us scenes of both families. In Illinois, Kate’s eldest daughter Ursula finds herself in quite a fix. Will things get worse for her, or will love find a way? Perhaps, when she least expects it, help will come along. The women of the family work hard to keep the farm going while the brothers fight in the war.
In Manhattan, Lillian may finally be ready to spread her wings and display her artistic talents beyond Rockwell’s tightly run ship. Tommy and Gabe provide much needed comic relief as they rehearse for a play with their buddies. No, it’s not supposed to be a comedy, as Tommy keeps reminding his younger brother, but Gabe just can’t stick to the script. These two guys have come a long way since 1939! It was great to see them interviewing Mrs. Kuntzman and the many references to the older friend, Henry. No, it’s not supposed to be a comedy. Famous last words!
We also get a closer look at what Charles is up to as he prepares to come home on leave. His wife and kids are not the only ones who are looking forward to his arrival. Along with his feelings of anticipation, he also has twinges of doubt and hesitation. There were some unsettled moments between Lillian and him before he left the last time, and there are some things mentioned in letters that have him wondering. But he tries to put those aside, as he tells himself that their love is as strong as ever.
These stories remind me of what our men and women sacrificed for freedom. They fought, were wounded, suffered, and died so that others could be free. Their families struggled at home without them. Older men and women of all ages picked up the slack in the factories and on the farms. Always they worried that a husband, a son, a brother, or another family member might not come home. Many of those who did come home were changed forever.
We see Kate’s son, Jimmy, come home on leave. He is very angry that Germans are working on the family farm. Hate. He uses the word hate. But being home seeing his sisters and mother with the POWs slowly changes his perspective, at least for the time being. Even the children in Tommy and Gabe’s neighborhood use derogatory names for Germans and Japanese, for Italians, as if the enemy is not human. Tommy and Gabe do too, but they recognize that their former babysitter, Mrs. Kuntzman, who is German, is okay. And the Italian guy, Mr. Saporito, he’s okay too. So when they are reminded of these individuals, they realize that not everything is black and white. This is one of the many things that I love about this series; it is so much more than a love story. It is more than history. It is life, and its themes are just as relevant today.
Ms Makhovec, MORE, PLEASE!
5 stars
As in the previous book, Christmastime 1944 gives us scenes of both families. In Illinois, Kate’s eldest daughter Ursula finds herself in quite a fix. Will things get worse for her, or will love find a way? Perhaps, when she least expects it, help will come along. The women of the family work hard to keep the farm going while the brothers fight in the war.
In Manhattan, Lillian may finally be ready to spread her wings and display her artistic talents beyond Rockwell’s tightly run ship. Tommy and Gabe provide much needed comic relief as they rehearse for a play with their buddies. No, it’s not supposed to be a comedy, as Tommy keeps reminding his younger brother, but Gabe just can’t stick to the script. These two guys have come a long way since 1939! It was great to see them interviewing Mrs. Kuntzman and the many references to the older friend, Henry. No, it’s not supposed to be a comedy. Famous last words!
We also get a closer look at what Charles is up to as he prepares to come home on leave. His wife and kids are not the only ones who are looking forward to his arrival. Along with his feelings of anticipation, he also has twinges of doubt and hesitation. There were some unsettled moments between Lillian and him before he left the last time, and there are some things mentioned in letters that have him wondering. But he tries to put those aside, as he tells himself that their love is as strong as ever.
These stories remind me of what our men and women sacrificed for freedom. They fought, were wounded, suffered, and died so that others could be free. Their families struggled at home without them. Older men and women of all ages picked up the slack in the factories and on the farms. Always they worried that a husband, a son, a brother, or another family member might not come home. Many of those who did come home were changed forever.
We see Kate’s son, Jimmy, come home on leave. He is very angry that Germans are working on the family farm. Hate. He uses the word hate. But being home seeing his sisters and mother with the POWs slowly changes his perspective, at least for the time being. Even the children in Tommy and Gabe’s neighborhood use derogatory names for Germans and Japanese, for Italians, as if the enemy is not human. Tommy and Gabe do too, but they recognize that their former babysitter, Mrs. Kuntzman, who is German, is okay. And the Italian guy, Mr. Saporito, he’s okay too. So when they are reminded of these individuals, they realize that not everything is black and white. This is one of the many things that I love about this series; it is so much more than a love story. It is more than history. It is life, and its themes are just as relevant today.
Ms Makhovec, MORE, PLEASE!
5 stars
November 26, 2017
Linda Mahkovec, how did I get so addicted to The Christmastime Series? I really NEED to read the next book!!
In “Christmastime 1944”, Linda Mahkovec writes about the years during World War Two. The author’s descriptions of the scenes, the places , and the characters are just so vivid and amazing, there are times I feel like I am there in the actual story. When Linda writes about making fresh cookies, and the boys in the story come in with their friends , I can smell the cookies, taste the cookies, feel the boy’s excitement, see how delicious they are and want to take one. Linda has a way of telling and depicting details, it just feels so real.
The genres for this story are Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction and Historical Fiction. I can appreciate the hours of historical research that the author has worked on. The story takes place in 1944, around Christmastime, mostly in New York City and the surrounding areas, and in Illinois on Kate’s farm. This is during World War Two, so the there is mention of the areas where the American soldiers are fighting.
The characters in the story are complex, complicated, confused, and depressed due to the effects of the War. Most of the characters have been in the “Christmastime series”, and the author introduces us to a few more. Lillian Drooms and her two boys eagerly await for her husband, Charles to come home for Christmas. Lillian is getting more confident in her artistic talent and career, and still volunteering. The boys miss their father, and are preparing for a holiday play. Charles’ sister Kate has her hands full on the farm in Illinois. Prisoners of War have been helping Kate manage to keep the farm, and there are obvious tensions regarding them. Kate’s daughters are trying to deal with their problems in their own way.
I love the way Linda Mahkovec, describes how the people at home feel and at the same time she describes the feelings of out soldiers, and the prisoners of war. Everything seems so confusing. War is terrible, and has a terrible effect on everyone. How can Christmas be a happy time?
The author describes the importance of family, friends, neighbors, love, faith and hope. The author talks about both men and women working and fighting for freedom, and being brave and courageous. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy Historical Fiction, and Fiction. I was captivated and enjoyed every moment, and I couldn’t put the book down. BE WARNED: The Christmastime series is addicting! Happy Reading!
In “Christmastime 1944”, Linda Mahkovec writes about the years during World War Two. The author’s descriptions of the scenes, the places , and the characters are just so vivid and amazing, there are times I feel like I am there in the actual story. When Linda writes about making fresh cookies, and the boys in the story come in with their friends , I can smell the cookies, taste the cookies, feel the boy’s excitement, see how delicious they are and want to take one. Linda has a way of telling and depicting details, it just feels so real.
The genres for this story are Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction and Historical Fiction. I can appreciate the hours of historical research that the author has worked on. The story takes place in 1944, around Christmastime, mostly in New York City and the surrounding areas, and in Illinois on Kate’s farm. This is during World War Two, so the there is mention of the areas where the American soldiers are fighting.
The characters in the story are complex, complicated, confused, and depressed due to the effects of the War. Most of the characters have been in the “Christmastime series”, and the author introduces us to a few more. Lillian Drooms and her two boys eagerly await for her husband, Charles to come home for Christmas. Lillian is getting more confident in her artistic talent and career, and still volunteering. The boys miss their father, and are preparing for a holiday play. Charles’ sister Kate has her hands full on the farm in Illinois. Prisoners of War have been helping Kate manage to keep the farm, and there are obvious tensions regarding them. Kate’s daughters are trying to deal with their problems in their own way.
I love the way Linda Mahkovec, describes how the people at home feel and at the same time she describes the feelings of out soldiers, and the prisoners of war. Everything seems so confusing. War is terrible, and has a terrible effect on everyone. How can Christmas be a happy time?
The author describes the importance of family, friends, neighbors, love, faith and hope. The author talks about both men and women working and fighting for freedom, and being brave and courageous. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy Historical Fiction, and Fiction. I was captivated and enjoyed every moment, and I couldn’t put the book down. BE WARNED: The Christmastime series is addicting! Happy Reading!
April 30, 2022
This is the fifth book in the Christmastime series and I have enjoyed each one. The story centers around Lilian, her family and friends. Each book has introduced another character who is part of the extended family. One would think they were part of a small village, rather than part of Manhattan. Each Christmas the story enlightens us to some of the effects of the war at home. I look forward to reading the last book in the series.
December 14, 2017
Having just finished Christmastime 1944, I am filled with a warm, peaceful feeling and a happy smile for the characters of Lillian and Ursula, whose stories are richly told in this book! Linda has a way of pulling you into her story, like you are right there, enjoying the delicious meals made by Lillian despite the rationing of items, laughing aloud at the antics of Tommy and Gabriel and the longing for them as they await the return of Charles from the war. Ursuala continues to be torn about her relationship with Freidrich, a POW and fearful of her brother Jimmy's finding out. Dealing with the resentment of the POW's working on the farm brings fear of the enemies, and secrets that cause heart stopping events. Kate is in despair worrying about her son Eugene whom she has not heard from and fears the worst. Mentions of 'marriages in absentia', appearances of 'Kilroy was here'..memories from those days brought to mind and made this book so relatable. I love this series and am left with images in my heart of these richly drawn characters for their hopes and dreams, I am waiting for the next Christmastime 1945 with great anticipation, as the hopes for the end of the war draw near.
February 4, 2022
1945....at peace
December 28, 2022
This is one of my absolute favorites in this Christmastime gem of a series. The story between Ursula and Friedrich, just tugs at the heartstrings...I have devoured this series over Christmas break. Just one more left to go. What joyous reads these are!
December 28, 2018
This is a wonderful series of WW2 Christmas novels set in New York. Endearing characters with unexpected plot twists make these hard to put down! If you love historical fiction and are looking for an exciting read these need to be on your TBR list.
Read
December 30, 2018I love this series..I'm hoping there is a Christmastime 1945..There has to be!!! Soon, I hope..
July 2, 2018
I love Linda Mahkovec’s Christmastime Series. Every book in this series gets better and better. You can sit down and enjoy the book so much that you lose track of how much time you have been reading. Linda just pulls you right in and you don’t want to stop reading. The descriptions are just so vivid. I would definitely recommend this series. It is a very interesting and emotional series I hope this series continues for a long time.
July 3, 2018
Another great story in this series! Very emotional and well written. You feel as if you know the characters and your heart aches for them. If you like stories about the war this is a great series. I can not wait for the next one!! Great author!! Beautiful books make a great addition to your bookshelves.
June 27, 2018
I could not put this book down. Such twists and turns Ms. Mahkovec had in store for her characters. There’s Charles Drooms, the handsome but older husband of our heroine, Lillian Grooms, back in the States on leave but not able to get home because he’s lying in a hospital bed at Bethesda Naval Hospital trying to recover from his second very serious bout of pneumonia. And in his feverish state, he’s hit hard with flashbacks of the war he’s witnessed and even begins to worry if he’s really too old for Lillian because in her letters to him, she keeps mentioning another man she works with. And then there’s Charles and Lillian Grooms’ extended family on their farm in Illinois – Charles’ sister and mother of a clan of older children, Kate, has already had one of those children killed in action, another one missing in action and yet another one, Jimmy, just returned back to the farm on furlough so he can recover from a burn he suffered when he was thrown from his ship into a sea of burning oil. The hot-headed Jimmy has a lasting contempt for the Krauts and the Jerries, who have killed his brother and countless number of his countrymen. How will he feel when he finds out, Ursula, his sister, Kate’s daughter, has fallen for a German POW who was assigned to work on their farm? Meanwhile back in Manhattan are Lillian and her two young sons. Lillian’s creativity is burgeoning and so, too, is her younger son’s, Tommy’s as he and two of his school chums are writing, producing, directing and starring in their own war-themed play that will be shown at their school’s Christmas program. How all of this turns out … well … you’ll just have to pick up ‘1944’ and find out for yourself. You will be thrilled you did. Bravo, Ms. Mahkovec!
December 29, 2022
Even with WWII coming to an end this series manages to keep me enthralled. This book continues with the Drooms doing all they can to keep Christmas traditions as normal as possible but, as in all the books, the war in Europe looms large. There is a missing son at war, POWs involving themselves with American girls, returning sons and fathers but also a sense that people are now tired of the conflict and also worried about their future after it all is over. This has always been a well-written and uplifting series but one of its strengths is that the author does not try to move out of the Christmas season. This leaves some open ends but it is the unanswered questions that make these books so enjoyable - there is always something more than what is on the page. And there is always something good on these pages. I found this series by accident and I'm glad I did. These are classic American Christmas stories. If the Victorians brought us ghosts, festivities, and family reunions during the holiday season then the American tradition is one of warmth, busybodies, and an uplifting tale. This series has all of these despite being set during wartime and it has a dash of romance just to round things out.
April 9, 2023
Great book
Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, it did. Such a happy story even in the middle of war. Love finds a way. I recommend this series to everyone.
Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, it did. Such a happy story even in the middle of war. Love finds a way. I recommend this series to everyone.
January 17, 2018
Thrilling Throughout
By far, this was the most exciting book of the series. There was more anticipation, second-guessing, with any war there is never a great level of certainty but this book remained realistic. The story telling, vibrancy, the festivities mixed with the bustle of the Christmas season, made the tale especially rich, stirring and that much more enchanting.
I don't think I am quite capable of writing a review that aptly conveys how much I enjoyed this series. I was pleased Ursula's story continued, and in a way that readers couldn't have foreseen from the previous novel. I recommend this series- but most especially the last two books.
This Christmastime series is real historical fiction but Mahkovec doesn't shy away from the actual war-time history by concealing it with swoon-worthy romance. A lovely series and for someone who is not usually a fan of series, I found this collection delightful.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
By far, this was the most exciting book of the series. There was more anticipation, second-guessing, with any war there is never a great level of certainty but this book remained realistic. The story telling, vibrancy, the festivities mixed with the bustle of the Christmas season, made the tale especially rich, stirring and that much more enchanting.
I don't think I am quite capable of writing a review that aptly conveys how much I enjoyed this series. I was pleased Ursula's story continued, and in a way that readers couldn't have foreseen from the previous novel. I recommend this series- but most especially the last two books.
This Christmastime series is real historical fiction but Mahkovec doesn't shy away from the actual war-time history by concealing it with swoon-worthy romance. A lovely series and for someone who is not usually a fan of series, I found this collection delightful.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
January 30, 2018
Another beautiful, nostalgic story, in this lovely Christmastime series.
This one is my second favorite, the first book being my favorite of the series.
In this book we find Lillian and her boys thriving, even though it's during the hardship of war. That's due to the testament of Lillian and her mothering and strength of character.
Charles, her husband, is sick and about to come home for Christmas on leave. They had a bit of a rocky visit last time they were together, but it didn't break them. They're relationship is solid.
Over on the farm of Charles' sister Kate, things are looking up. Her oldest son Jimmy is home for Christmas and the farm is thriving, mostly due to the POW's help. At first, he is angry and bitter that they are there on his family farm. He sees them as the enemy. He soon finds out his sister Ursula, is involved with one of them and that changes his mind about them, plus seeing all the hard work they do on the farm.
The book ends with two very happy events, one in New York City and one on the farm. I can't wait for 1945!
This one is my second favorite, the first book being my favorite of the series.
In this book we find Lillian and her boys thriving, even though it's during the hardship of war. That's due to the testament of Lillian and her mothering and strength of character.
Charles, her husband, is sick and about to come home for Christmas on leave. They had a bit of a rocky visit last time they were together, but it didn't break them. They're relationship is solid.
Over on the farm of Charles' sister Kate, things are looking up. Her oldest son Jimmy is home for Christmas and the farm is thriving, mostly due to the POW's help. At first, he is angry and bitter that they are there on his family farm. He sees them as the enemy. He soon finds out his sister Ursula, is involved with one of them and that changes his mind about them, plus seeing all the hard work they do on the farm.
The book ends with two very happy events, one in New York City and one on the farm. I can't wait for 1945!
January 28, 2021
Continuing!
The war continues and so does life with the Drooms' extended family and friends. Ursula and Friedrich's relationship flowers despite the obvious difficulties which include the arrival of her brother fresh from the horrors of the Pacific war. He is immediately against the "dirty Nazis" working at the farm. Ursula's story takes over the prime part of the story while we keep up with Lillian in New York keeping things together at work and home. The boys are maturing and becoming active in school and scouts. Charles is being sent all over the world and sees wonderful and terrible sights that affect him seriously. His reactions to the experience is not unexpected remembering how morose and silent he was back when we first met him. He is a very deep internalized individual and suffers deeply. Both households wait! 1945 is close and I am looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of this wonderful family.
The war continues and so does life with the Drooms' extended family and friends. Ursula and Friedrich's relationship flowers despite the obvious difficulties which include the arrival of her brother fresh from the horrors of the Pacific war. He is immediately against the "dirty Nazis" working at the farm. Ursula's story takes over the prime part of the story while we keep up with Lillian in New York keeping things together at work and home. The boys are maturing and becoming active in school and scouts. Charles is being sent all over the world and sees wonderful and terrible sights that affect him seriously. His reactions to the experience is not unexpected remembering how morose and silent he was back when we first met him. He is a very deep internalized individual and suffers deeply. Both households wait! 1945 is close and I am looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of this wonderful family.
October 15, 2020
Christmastime 1944 is book 5 in this series. I must say that not only is this a fantastic binge worthy series but one I’ll be rereading for sure! I have come to know these characters and love them so much and love when new or old ones come back into the story to see where they have been! This author totally sucks you in and for me I never want these to end! Lillian is doing better than most as we see the struggles and worries that some friends and family are wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again. Charles struggles to overcome illness that has left him bed bound. Yet others have found love in places others might frown upon, it’s always the live that keeps the light shining bright. Beautiful and touching!
January 8, 2026
I thought this was an engaging entry in the Christmastime series, with the action split between the family in New York City and their rural relations in Illinois. These books capture the feel of the U.S. during World War II. Well-written, with interesting plot points and engaging characters, this book will take you back to a time when those on the home front were struggling with problems and fears that were every bit as real (if less life-threatening) than their family members in the armed forces were facing. I highly recommend this entire series.
January 30, 2019
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Linda! She has created lovable characters and has developed them throughout the series. She describes the wartime life of service men on leave or hospitalized, and their family and friends. BUT, there are too many loose ends. What happens to Ursula and Friedrich? Does Lizzy get her happy ending? Do Lillian and Charles increase their family? When will Christmastime 1945 be out?
January 7, 2020
The best one in the series so far. Continuing the plot lines from the last book (1943), chapters alternate between the stories of Lillian and Charles in New York and the farm in Indiana where German POWs are helping Charles' sister, Kate, and her daughters. The focus is on the eldest daughter, Ursula, and the arrival of her brother, Jimmy, on leave from the Navy who discovers that the work of "the enemy" POWs is allowing his mother to keep the farm going.
December 14, 2017
Just in time for my Christmas I received 1944 it continues the story of Lillian & Charles in NYC and his sisters family in rural Illinois during WWII. From rationing and war recipes to prisoners of war working on farms the details that the author bring to these stories is just amazing. Already looking forward to 1945!
December 31, 2017
Wonderful series!
I just finished reading book 5, Christmastime 1944, the last book in this wonderful series. I’m sorry to see it end, but excited to know that there might be one more book coming! I’m sad, for now, to be saying goodbye to these lovely characters. I highly recommend these books for everyone looking for a heartfelt, poignant series to read!
I just finished reading book 5, Christmastime 1944, the last book in this wonderful series. I’m sorry to see it end, but excited to know that there might be one more book coming! I’m sad, for now, to be saying goodbye to these lovely characters. I highly recommend these books for everyone looking for a heartfelt, poignant series to read!
September 12, 2018
I read this book and I loved it. I am always surprised with what the characters and new characters in each book.
I have been reading the Christmastime collection and each book is better than the first.
I have been reading the Christmastime collection and each book is better than the first.
December 21, 2021
I love these books. The stories aren't exciting and dramatic. They are real and the description of everyday activities and feelings are wonderful. The war detail and its impact on the home front is so good. I was born during the war and much of the book brings back memories of my early life.
December 23, 2021
This book was interesting. I liked it better than 1943. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the 1945 book. Interesting to see how Jimmy has changed from when he first came home. I like Jessica. She’s always there, always making things light.
December 7, 2022
Once again, I loved the plot of this book in the series. However, I knocked off one star for all the swearing Jimmy did. I know he’s in the military and all that but his excessive use of the Lord’s name just wasn’t like the other books.
January 22, 2025
good, but…..
A Christmas series written very well but 100% secular. Too bad a bit about the reason for the season isn’t woven into the series, especially during war times. Even the troops gave thanks at Christmas.
A Christmas series written very well but 100% secular. Too bad a bit about the reason for the season isn’t woven into the series, especially during war times. Even the troops gave thanks at Christmas.
February 19, 2025
Awesome read
Another great book in the Christmastime series. I highly recommend this series. The author makes you feel like you’re there.
Another great book in the Christmastime series. I highly recommend this series. The author makes you feel like you’re there.
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