family – 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

Harvest Time 1947: A Love Story – Book 10 in the Christmastime Series

Published on September 30, 2026October 18, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

The latest book in the Christmastime series, Harvest Time 1947: A Love Story, is now available — just in time for fall! The back cover reads:

It’s October in New York City and fall activities are underway. Gabriel and Billy devise a Halloween event at The Red String Curio Store to help Tommy and Mickey raise funds for summer camp. Lillian embraces her life as an independent illustrator, while her friend Izzy grapples with the new role of motherhood.

On the farm in Illinois, Kate must come to terms with the changes that time inevitably brings, and Ursula finds an unexpected reason for happiness. Meanwhile, one of the sisters-in-law is seeing ghosts! and Jessica is determined to solve the mystery.

The post-war world is a jumble of contradictions. While many still recover from trauma and wounds, others welcome the bright new future with open arms. Through the enduring traditions of the season itself—complete with hayrides and haunted houses, pranks and costumes—lovers, family, friends, and neighbors find a way forward together.

Harvest Time 1947: A Love Story is the first book cover in the Christmastime series to get a new look. The other covers have been designed and will soon be available for purchase. Here’s a sneak peek for you.

I hope you make yourself a cozy drink and sit back to enjoy this fall read.

(Images are from my Pinterest boards —https://www.pinterest.com/lindamahkovec/_saved/ )

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.

Rosie the Riveter is Alive and Well

Published on March 25, 2026August 28, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - Author2 Comments

Nothing makes me happier than to know that my books are out in the world connecting with people. Now and then, moments tied to World War II remind me that the themes I explore still resonate with today’s generation — perhaps even more so as that time period recedes further into the past.

The last book I wrote, Christmastime 1946: A Love Story (book 9 in the series) is very much about WWII women and their role in the war. The back cover blurb of the book states:

“The millions of women who joined the workforce during the war years must now leave their jobs in order to make room for the returning men. Rosie the Riveter must go home and discover, if she can, a new purpose to her life.”

I’m happy to say that 60 years later Rosie the Riveter is alive and well and continues to live with purpose. Both literally — in real-life “Rosie the Riveters” such as Jeanne Gibson (honored at a recent event at Pearl Harbor) — and in all the women who embody that indomitable, spunky spirit made famous in the 1942 “We Can Do It” poster.

Below are some images from the event that took place on National Rosie the Riveter Day. A friend of mine attended and kindly presented Jeanne with my books (and had her sign a bag for me!).

(An interesting aside: the friend who went with my friend broke her wrist the day of the event, but did that stop her from attending? The “Rosie” spirit wouldn’t allow for that!)

“National Rosie the Riveter Day is observed annually on March 21 to honor the millions of American women who supported the World War II effort by working in factories, shipyards, and defense industries. This day celebrates their vital contributions and lasting legacy, first recognized by Congress in 2017.”

Read my WWII post on “Women and the Workforce:” https://lindamahkovec.com/2025/09/10/women-and-the-workforce-wwii/

Step into the world of Christmastime WWII: https://a.co/d/08Sj9tct

(The first three books in the series are available on Kindle Unlimited now through May 2026.)

Check out my Pinterest boards on the Christmastime Series: https://www.pinterest.com/lindamahkovec/ (includes Kate’s Farm, Annette’s Orchard, Mrs. Kuntzman’s Kitchen, Lillian’s Apartment, historical boards by years, and many more).

Thoughts of spring – Kate’s farm in winter (the Christmastime series)

Published on January 26, 2026March 1, 2026 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

At this time of year, I begin to wonder what Kate and her daughters would have done to get through the long, cold winters on the farm. Especially on days when they were snowed in, or the outside world was too frigid for enjoyment.

I imagine Kate would have kept busy with mending and darning and the daily chores of farm life. But I also see her in the kitchen, making something special for her family. An unexpected surprise that would warm the kitchen and fragrance the farmhouse.

In addition to their other chores, Ursula and Jessica would have been busy with weekly laundry and ironing – perhaps remembering springtime clotheslines as they gathered the cold laundry off the line.

As they listened to the radio at night, they might have crocheted or embroidered the flowers they longed for, as a way of creating a bit of springtime.

They would have continued their projects with the dried lavender gathered over the summer, making oils for baths and sachets to fragrance bed linen and nightgowns – a way of encouraging memories of spring before asleep.

I see them all pausing at the windows, searching for color out in the snowy, white world

and imagining the garden in bloom, the beehives full of honey.

Such thoughts might prompt them to make a cup of tea with honey, to warm up and savor the hint of wildflowers.

Maybe they would have gone into town with their brothers to run a few errands and catch up on the local news, finding warmth and vitality in the company of friends and neighbors.

In short, they would have done many of the things they did throughout the year – but everything now would be tinged with a wistful longing for the colors and scents of warmer months. It was second nature to them to bring touches of springtime into their lives and spread a little warmth and sunshine into the heart of winter.

(Though Kate and her family are mentioned in the earlier Christmastime books, the farm plots really blossom beginning in the 1943 book.)

https://a.co/d/dXITJZu

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.

Summer

Published on July 9, 2025September 10, 2025 by Linda Mahkovec - Author1 Comment

Freshly mowed grass, long lingering evenings,

Picnics and BBQs,

Ice cream.

County fairs and carnivals,

bike rides,

and swimming.

Evening strolls,

daydreaming,

and stargazing.

Summertime…

AND SO WE DREAM

https://a.co/d/cM6RkjR

My short, short books.

Published on May 31, 2025July 9, 2025 by Linda Mahkovec - AuthorLeave a comment

My first two books, The Dreams of Youth and Seven Tales of Love, are also my shortest. They can easily be read in an hour or less. They are collections of short stories and sketches that, overall, tell a larger story.

Particularly with The Dreams of Youth. In large part inspired by my mom’s life (though with plenty of creative license taken), six interrelated pieces tell the story of a lifetime in 48 brief pages.

I have a soft spot for these two books. They were compiled years ago on discovering that I could publish my books through Amazon – no agent or publishing house needed (both were first published in 2012, then re-published with indie-author-friendly Bublish in 2016). My lifelong dream of being a writer was now possible, with me in full control! Because I originally wrote them under a pen name (Agnes Irene), I felt free to be a little more creative with the form, mixing sketches with poetry, sometimes using impressionistic language, and tapping into the other eras, particularly WWII.

And in The Dreams of Youth, I used lines from Longfellow’s poem, “My Lost Youth,” as chapter headings. I was always deeply moved by the refrain from that poem – “And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts” – and allowed that inspiration to shape the book. Most of my subsequent books are written in the traditional novel format – except for The Notebooks of Honora Gorman, which is also a compilation.

I don’t often promote my two short books because there isn’t much of a market for them (and to avoid getting negative reviews by people who are disappointed by their length). But for the month of June, I’m lowering the price of The Dreams of Youth to $0.99 in hopes that it will be read and reviewed by readers who are familiar with my style of writing. https://a.co/d/0nIjxUn