Christmas – Linda Mahkovec

Hallmarks’ Merriest Christmas Town 2026 – Carlinville, IL

Published on October 18, 2026October 22, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - Author2 Comments

What a thrill to hear that my hometown — Carlinville, Il https://www.carlinville.com/ — has been chosen by Hallmark as this year’s Merriest Christmas Town! https://merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com/

Aerial view of a snow-covered town square illuminated at night, featuring a central gazebo, decorated trees, and surrounding buildings with festive lights.

Santa’s House on the Carlinville town square. Credit: Roger Doolin/TenSixteen Photography

And deservedly so. Carlinville (pop. 5,500) is a charming small town that has always sparkled at Christmastime. Several articles and posts on the Hallmark contest point out unique features that make Carlinville stand out: It’s located on the legendary Route 66, is home to Blackburn College, has the largest collection of Sear’s catalog homes (I was actually born in one!), and is noted for its picturesque town square and gazebo, the “Million-dollar” court house, the Historical Society (Anderson’s Mansion, as we always called it) https://macoupincountyhistoricalsociety.com/, and the list goes on.

I left the town many years ago, but as Longfellow writes, “the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts,” and the heart of the town has always stayed with me. As a writer, it has found its way into most of my stories, in one way or another.

Carlinville and the surrounding area feature largely in my Christmastime WWII series. Though most of the action is set in Manhattan, there is a parallel story line that takes place in a small central Illinois town. I was able to draw on my parents’ memories and stories from their generation — characters such as the old farmhand Ed and the stoic farmer Abe Creight have their origins in a real time and place. Kate and her children, as well as the town itself, are rooted in the people and landscape of my youth. Even the German POW plot line has its genesis in a persistent memory that my mom spoke of now and then.

(See my Pinterest boards “Kate’s Farm” and “Christmas: Rural and Small Town” for nostalgic and picturesque seasonal images: https://www.pinterest.com/lindamahkovec/_saved/)

My novel And So We Dream is even more closely based on Carlinville (renamed Greenberry in the novel). It takes place one summer in 1970 and features scenes of the county fair, the town carnival, the train that runs through the town, Anderson’s Mansion (it was still abandoned back then), bike rides through the country, strolls around Blackburn College and the town square — and the neighborliness and friendliness that is part of small-town charm.

A scenic forest path lined with vibrant purple flowers.

(Here’s a link to a post on the novel with photos I took of Carlinville and the countryside: https://lindamahkovec.com/2022/07/25/summertime-in-greenberry-1970-and-so-we-dream-a-novel/)

Carlinville is a beautiful place to visit spring, summer, and fall. But for a taste of small-town Christmas magic, stop by Carlinville during the holidays and enjoys its many charms!

From NBCChicago.com: “Located between Springfield and St. Louis, Carlinville was recognized for its historic square, which hosts a light-filled holiday ceremony and for the town’s many festivities, which make it a “holiday destination.”

“For years, we’ve heard visitors say Carlinville looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie, so to have Hallmark itself recognize our town in this way is incredibly exciting,” Karin Doolin, executive director of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “We’re proud of the traditions and community spirit that helped get Carlinville here, and we hope this gives even more people a reason to come experience our town for themselves.”

A beautifully decorated gazebo at night, adorned with festive lights and holiday decorations, surrounded by trees and people enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Carlinville’s annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony in the town square. Credit: Roger Doolin/TenSixteen Photography

The CHRISTMASTIME series – Stories of love and family set on the WWII home front. Paperbacks available on Amazon and B&N (and check your local library).

Ebooks for Christmastime 1939: Prequel to the Christmastime Series – https://a.co/d/fkjgolG and Christmastime 1940: A Love Story are $0.99 for the month of November ( Amazon, B&N, Google Play, Apple, Kobo).

You can also read the prequel, Christmastime 1939 for FREE on Substack: https://lindamahkovec.substack.com

The Christmastime Series – Update

Published on August 28, 2026September 29, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - Author4 Comments

The Christmastime series is getting a new look. For a long time, I’ve been told by many people (my publisher, consultants, readers) that my covers don’t accurately reflect the content of my books. That they are too dark, too vague, the images are too small and don’t convey what the books are about (a bridge in twilight means what?), and even that the genre isn’t clear — that the photographs could suggest non-fiction. So…

I finally listened to the feedback and made the decision to get new covers. And I’m happy with the outcome. I think they capture the tone a lot better — yes, the backdrop to the stories is WWII, but the overarching tone is one of hope, resilience, happiness, and love. And the new covers now align more closely with historical fiction, which will hopefully lead more readers to discover the series.

The covers now help to tell the stories. The cover of the 1939 prequel depicts Lillian standing in Brooklyn and looking towards Manhattan, towards her dreams. One early viewer said the message she gets from the image is: “My new life is about to begin.” The 1940 cover lets us know that Lillian’s two boys are essential to the series.

And the 1943 book? There is still a lone bridge at twilight, but now the main character stands there and we know the story will be about her, and the setting of Central Park and New York City are more clearly established.

The rest of the covers are still being worked on.

(Since the series continues to grow, I had to make one change to the 1945 book. The Epilogue had to be deleted in order for the later books to flow chronologically. That part of the story will be expanded into a book, most likely called Summertime 1948.)

I grew attached to my old covers, and they served their purpose. But it’s time to let the series continue to grow and unfold as a whole.

The latest book in the Christmastime series is called Harvest Time 1947 and will be released in a few weeks!

To all my readers, thank you for your support, your comments, and your requests to keep the series going.

Christmas Lights

Published on November 29, 2025January 26, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

Woven into the Christmastime series is the celebration of the season, where the brightness of the holiday contrasts with the darkness of war – opposing elements that help to shape the storylines.

Much of the bright cheerfulness of Christmas comes from deep-rooted traditions: enjoying family and friends over delicious meals,

the sharing of festive treats,

the old-fashioned joys of finding your Christmas tree and decorating it,

the child’s delight in Santa Claus and flying reindeer,

the thrill of a white Christmas.

Layered into the spiritual element that defines the season is the pervasive beauty that fills this time of year:

the deep resonance of traditional music and the joyful togetherness of caroling,

the fragrant woodsy beauty of pine trees, garlands, mistletoe and holly,

decorations that delight the eye and lift the spirit.

And perhaps the oldest and purest source of comfort and beauty comes from light in the darkness: the original form of fire found in bonfires, fireplaces, candles,

the old-fashioned multi-colored bulbs of my youth,

and the more recent fairy lights that bring a sense of twinkling magic.

All add nighttime magic, and comfort in the longer, colder nights.

I try to capture this contrast of light and dark in the covers of the Christmastime series. Lampposts glowing in the twilight and a city lit at night, symbolizing hope and the end of war,

Fewer, or a lonelier, single lit lamppost to reflect the darkest years of the war,

and the beauty of lamplight on snow, tinged with wistful yearning, for the new 1946 cover.

Christmas lights. In the long, cold nights of winter, they offer hope, comfort, magic, and beauty.

Click here https://a.co/d/0AdKGsB to begin the series

Women and the Workforce – WWII

Published on September 10, 2025November 14, 2025 by Linda Mahkovec - Author10 Comments

My latest book in the Christmastime series, CHRISTMASTIME 1946: A LOVE STORY, focuses on women in the workforce and the mixed feelings they had when the war ended and it was time for them to give up their jobs.

In WWII, the U.S. experienced a severe labor shortage as millions of men left to fight. The solution was to use women, along with minorities, immigrants, people with disabilities, teenagers, older adults, and retirees.

Before WWII, women were already working in large numbers (roughly 13 million) but in predominantly low-paying jobs: domestic service, clerical jobs, teaching, nursing, and textile factories. Most working women were young, lower-income, and single.

To fill the labor gap created by the war, over 6 million additional women joined the workforce – building aircraft, assembling tanks, producing munitions, and working in shipyards. They became welders and riveters, machinists and crane operators.

Others kept the country running – working as nurses and firefighters, managing offices, driving trucks and buses, working on the railroads,

delivering mail, working on farms and in food production, and countless other jobs.

Though it’s easy to idealize this period of opportunity for women, for many, it was grueling, hard work.

The war enabled women to move into higher-paying, traditionally male-dominated roles. However, it was clear from the beginning that it would be only “for the duration.” After the war, women were expected to leave their jobs to make room for returning servicemen. Rosie the Riveter had to go home.

Working women were essential to the war effort and they proved just how capable they were. While many were only too happy to return to their prewar lives, others grappled with a deep sense of loss — of higher-paying jobs, of greater freedom and independence, and of the profound satisfaction that came from being part of something larger.

Winter reading

Published on December 29, 2024January 28, 2025 by Linda Mahkovec - Author4 Comments

Cold weather, long nights, snowy days – all help to create the perfect atmosphere for snuggling into a good story.

I like to imagine my readers settling in to read the Christmastime series with a hot drink close at hand,

whether at home

or in a cozy cafe,

in a favorite reading chair,

or a reading nook.

Outside,

or in front of a fireplace.

Whatever your reading habits,

I hope you include the Christmastime series as part of your winter reading –

which begins with the 1939 prequel and ends (to date) with the 1946 Valentine’s Day book.

https://a.co/d/3SQIV8w

Wishing you all a wonderful new year and the enjoyment of many good books!

The scents of Christmas

Published on December 4, 2024December 29, 2024 by Linda Mahkovec - Author5 Comments

There are many scents that evoke the Christmas season – pine and citrus,

peppermint and gingerbread,

the spices of mulled wine and cider,

cookies being baked.

In the Christmastime series, https://a.co/d/7VG17Qu , old-fashioned ways of celebrating Christmas are woven throughout,

and the scents of Christmas play a big part. Especially the use of citrus and pine.

Greenery decorating a doorframe, mantel, or table,

sprigs of pine and cedar scattered throughout the house.

The cloves and citrus of pomander balls,

the preparation of orange-slice ornaments scenting the kitchen.

Scents can be powerful triggers of holiday traditions and good memories. Evergreens and colorful citrus fruits have the added benefit of also being beautiful and wholesome –

old-fashioned, natural seasonal decorations with scents that are both invigorating and calming.

This holiday, add some beauty and scent to your holiday decor with a bit of woodland greenery and refreshing citrus.

The Christmastime series (to date, years 1939-1946) https://a.co/d/7VG17Qu

Holiday coziness and a sense of well-being

Published on November 19, 2023February 12, 2024 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

It’s easy to create the feeling of contentment that comes from coziness and simple pleasures. Fresh flowers, the scent of baking pervading your home, music softly playing in the background.

The colder weather — especially with the approach of Christmastime — lends itself to creating such an atmosphere. It can start with using a favorite cup for your morning tea, or a piece of toast with jam, or the scent of coffee and a warm muffin.

I like to think that my Christmastime series captures, to some degree, the sense of pleasure and comfort: the scent of pine, a fire crackling in the fireplace, a radiator hissing and filling a cold apartment with warmth, the laughter of children.

Though the backdrop to the series is WWII and life on the home front is full of struggles and hardship, the overall tone of the series is uplifting and comforting.

Sad things happen, shocking events take place, but the characters roll up their sleeves and do their part to make the best of things. Love, family, friendship, and neighborliness are in the forefront and shape the stories.

Celebrating life — its holidays, the seasons, small day-to-day beauties, the quest for meaning — fill the pages of Christmastime.

So as the temperatures drop and the holidays approach, experience a sense of well-being for yourself. Fix a cozy hot drink, turn on a lamp or light a candle, and grab a warm blanket. Then nestle into your favorite reading chair and snuggle up with CHRISTMASTIME.

(Images from Pinterest)

Christmas Shopping

Published on November 29, 2022January 4, 2023 by Linda Mahkovec - Author4 Comments

Ah, the bustle of Christmas! Decorating your house for the holidays, cooking traditional family favorites,

shopping. Braving the crowds, the weather, the choices —

and returning home to relax with a mug of hot chocolate or a cup of tea.

In the Christmastime Series, Christmas shopping adds a sense of merriment and celebration to the season — whether it’s Lillian preparing for Christmas Night at the Brooklyn department store where she works (Christmastime 1939),

or Mrs. Murphy taking a store escalator up to the “North Pole” toy section to do some shopping for her nieces and nephews (Christmastime 1941),

or Izzy stopping to enjoy the window displays as she walks to work (Christmastime 1943),

or the sisters Ursula and Jessica browsing at the small-town stores in rural Illinois.

Christmas shopping. The sparkle of lights and tinsel, the scent of pine and cloves, the sounds of bells ringing and Christmas caroling heighten enjoyment of the season and deepen the pleasure of gift-giving.

Then —

And now.

Home Arts in the Christmastime Series – Part 2

Published on December 3, 2021January 10, 2022 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

In the Christmastime series, the home arts were always made of materials that Lillian, her sister Annette, and Kate and her daughters had close at hand. Sometimes this meant stepping outside to collect greenery, pine cones, and red berries.

A stroll around the orchard, farm, nearby woods — or for Lillian, Central Park — provided a way for them to bring nature indoors and decorate their homes for the holidays with winter bouquets, garlands, and wreaths.

A way to add a splash of color or a bit of charm throughout the house,

or to bring woodland beauty to the mantelpiece.

Orange slices were dried and combined with spices to decorate the Christmas tree and windows.

And of course, the holiday table was made more festive and colorful with holly, cranberries, and pine added to traditional desserts.

The home arts were a simple, old-fashioned way to make the home cozy and welcoming. Then and now, bringing the outside indoors is always a good idea.

All images from my Pinterest boards.

Home Arts in the Christmastime Series – Part 1

Published on November 11, 2021December 3, 2021 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

Throughout the Christmastime series, the home arts enrichen the lives and homes of Lillian in Manhattan, her sister Annette on her orchard in upstate New York, and Kate and her daughters Ursula and Jessica on their farm in the Midwest.

Knitting, sewing, crocheting, and embroidering were activities for early winter evenings while they listened to the radio, or sat near a fireplace with a hot drink at hand.