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The Mulligan Sisters #1
I'll Be Seeing You
December 7, 1941, San Francisco is on high alert following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Mulligan family is grappling with the news that Peter, beloved son and brother, is among the missing.
Each of the Mulligan sisters—Bridget, Margaret, Colleen and Molly—strives to find her place in the rapidly changing world in these early days of World War II. With their father ailing, Margaret takes over management of the family’s grocery store—trying to keep hoarders at bay while daydreaming of a June wedding. Meanwhile Bridget focuses on her board exams and hopes to be accepted as an Army nurse. Beautiful Colleen, the “family flibbertigibbet” just wants to have fun--despite the dire news of the war. But it’s the “baby”—fifteen-year-old Molly—who seems to be the glue that holds the family together.
With siblings, friends, and beaus being shipped out weekly, the remaining Mulligans quickly realize that this war will be fought on two fronts—at home and overseas.
Each of the strong, hopeful Mulligan sisters will do their part if they hope to see victory and the end of the war.
Each of the Mulligan sisters—Bridget, Margaret, Colleen and Molly—strives to find her place in the rapidly changing world in these early days of World War II. With their father ailing, Margaret takes over management of the family’s grocery store—trying to keep hoarders at bay while daydreaming of a June wedding. Meanwhile Bridget focuses on her board exams and hopes to be accepted as an Army nurse. Beautiful Colleen, the “family flibbertigibbet” just wants to have fun--despite the dire news of the war. But it’s the “baby”—fifteen-year-old Molly—who seems to be the glue that holds the family together.
With siblings, friends, and beaus being shipped out weekly, the remaining Mulligans quickly realize that this war will be fought on two fronts—at home and overseas.
Each of the strong, hopeful Mulligan sisters will do their part if they hope to see victory and the end of the war.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
About the author
Melody Carlson
424 books3,405 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 20, 2018
What a pleasant surprise! This book really touched my heart with the endearing family dynamics and the patriotism. I felt the writing style was very easy to read and relate to, even some of the wording was more 2018 than 1941. My eyes filled up several times while reading about the Mulligans. Yet I don't consider this a sad story at all just touching. This is book 1 of the series. I would recommend reading them in order. I can't wait to read book 2.
July 7, 2017
A beautiful tribute to the Greatest Generation, "I'll Be Seeing You" by Melody Carlson is the perfect blend of what readers love already about WW2 fiction and what is new to the genre. Carlson's trademark easy style brings the 1940s to life with rich history, family drama, and war-time romance that beautifully emulates why the song "I'll Be Seeing You" is so beloved by many different generations.
*Disclaimer: I was one of the editors of this book.
*Disclaimer: I was one of the editors of this book.
August 13, 2024
This story was so sweet! It featured a quartet of sisters dealing with life on the dawn of World War II. I liked that the story was set on the home front. Between the family’s trials and drama and the surprising twists, I was intrigued and couldn’t help but read late into the night. This book held themes of hopes, dreams, fears, and frets; all of them were written well.
Favorite lines:
“Family is important. Even if I don’t always agree with my family, I still love them. I may not do what they want, but I care about what they think.”
“It seems to me that if we give in to our grief… if we let this loss steal all the joy out of life… well, it’s like letting the enemy win.”
“Yes, doing dishes—the working girl’s manicure.”
Content: Catholicism, tobacco, replacement expletives, profanity, replacement profanity, alcohol, teen drinking, teen tobacco use (excessive)
Favorite lines:
“Family is important. Even if I don’t always agree with my family, I still love them. I may not do what they want, but I care about what they think.”
“It seems to me that if we give in to our grief… if we let this loss steal all the joy out of life… well, it’s like letting the enemy win.”
“Yes, doing dishes—the working girl’s manicure.”
Content: Catholicism, tobacco, replacement expletives, profanity, replacement profanity, alcohol, teen drinking, teen tobacco use (excessive)
June 15, 2017
I was really excited when I first heard about this series, but it took me a long time to track down a copy. I'm glad I finally did, though, because I really enjoyed this.
I always love Melody Carlson's books, but having this take place during World War II really heightened my enjoyment, as I am a sucker for historical fiction. I really liked each sister in her own way, and I can't wait for the second book to find out what happens next. (I have a bad feeling about Colleen, though... I hope I'm wrong!)
I always love Melody Carlson's books, but having this take place during World War II really heightened my enjoyment, as I am a sucker for historical fiction. I really liked each sister in her own way, and I can't wait for the second book to find out what happens next. (I have a bad feeling about Colleen, though... I hope I'm wrong!)
July 23, 2018
Originally posted on Reveries Reviews.
In need of editing, but intriguing plot and characters captivate!
There is no way on heaven or earth that the girl on the cover is Irish. She’s Italian or Spanish at the very least. There were several historical inaccuracies in this novel as well, and like I said, it needs a lot of editing. I did enjoy it, though!
Content: 2/5. Written for adults and contains romance, but no inappropriate content.
In need of editing, but intriguing plot and characters captivate!
There is no way on heaven or earth that the girl on the cover is Irish. She’s Italian or Spanish at the very least. There were several historical inaccuracies in this novel as well, and like I said, it needs a lot of editing. I did enjoy it, though!
Content: 2/5. Written for adults and contains romance, but no inappropriate content.
January 6, 2017
One of her best. Glad there's 2 more in the series!
October 25, 2017
I’ll Be Seeing You
by Melody Carlson
The Mulligan family has always been close. With five siblings and a store to run, there’s never been a chance for any of them to get bored. And now that the country seems to have recovered from the Great Depression, they’re hoping that things will get even better as the year 1941 is coming to a close. Yet with the eldest and only son off in the navy, things don’t feel quite right in the Mulligan home. And when they hear that the Japanese army has attacked Pearl Harbor, they fear the worst. The sisters, Bridget, Margaret, Colleen, and Molly, try to be strong for their parents, yet this is not easy. And when their father tests positive for tuberculosis, they begin to feel as though they cannot catch a break. When they receive some more bad news, the family wonders if they’ll be able to carry on. And as the oldest daughter Bridget joins the military as an army nurse, they wonder if their family will ever be the same.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Melody Carlson and have read many of her books. After reading I’ll Be Seeing You, I think The Mulligan Sisters might be my new favorite series by her. There’s a lot going on in this book (with that large of a family, you can’t expect it not to have lot going on) but everything ties in and it doesn’t feel scattered. There’s drama, self-discovery, and a little romance. But the main focus is on the Mulligan family and how WWII is affecting all of their lives. Everything in the book seemed so real; just how you would imagine this sort of family during WWII. And the style of writing made it hard to put down.
In some ways, the Mulligan sisters sort of remind me of the March sisters in Little Women. There’s the same amount of sisters, and they all have similar personalities as those in Louisa May Alcott’s classic. Even though they disagree and there is friction between them, the Mulligan sisters still love each other and it shows throughout the book.
All in all, I’ll Be Seeing You was a great WWII era family drama that fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
by Melody Carlson
The Mulligan family has always been close. With five siblings and a store to run, there’s never been a chance for any of them to get bored. And now that the country seems to have recovered from the Great Depression, they’re hoping that things will get even better as the year 1941 is coming to a close. Yet with the eldest and only son off in the navy, things don’t feel quite right in the Mulligan home. And when they hear that the Japanese army has attacked Pearl Harbor, they fear the worst. The sisters, Bridget, Margaret, Colleen, and Molly, try to be strong for their parents, yet this is not easy. And when their father tests positive for tuberculosis, they begin to feel as though they cannot catch a break. When they receive some more bad news, the family wonders if they’ll be able to carry on. And as the oldest daughter Bridget joins the military as an army nurse, they wonder if their family will ever be the same.
I’ve been a longtime fan of Melody Carlson and have read many of her books. After reading I’ll Be Seeing You, I think The Mulligan Sisters might be my new favorite series by her. There’s a lot going on in this book (with that large of a family, you can’t expect it not to have lot going on) but everything ties in and it doesn’t feel scattered. There’s drama, self-discovery, and a little romance. But the main focus is on the Mulligan family and how WWII is affecting all of their lives. Everything in the book seemed so real; just how you would imagine this sort of family during WWII. And the style of writing made it hard to put down.
In some ways, the Mulligan sisters sort of remind me of the March sisters in Little Women. There’s the same amount of sisters, and they all have similar personalities as those in Louisa May Alcott’s classic. Even though they disagree and there is friction between them, the Mulligan sisters still love each other and it shows throughout the book.
All in all, I’ll Be Seeing You was a great WWII era family drama that fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
April 30, 2018
I'LL BE SEEING YOU ( THE MULLIGAN SISTERS #1)
December 7, 1941, the day that Pearl Harbor was unexpected bombed by the Japanese. Among those that is missing in this horrible event is Peter Mulligan the only son of the Mulligan family.
The world is rapidly changing and each of the Mulligan sisters try to find their place in the early days of World War II. Mr. Mulligan is sick with TB and it is up the the eldest daughter, Margaret to run the family store. Bridget Mulligan is looking forward to taking her board exams to become a RN so the she can join the Army Nurse Corps. Colleen, just wants to have fun despite the war and the youngest of the family, Molly, is the one holding the family together.
Friends, siblings, boyfriends, and husbands are being shipped out and their loved ones left at home are left to fight the war at home and overseas.
I'll Be Seeing You is a story full of romance, growing up, loss and some happiness. I found this to be a great story and had a hard time putting the book down to see how the Mulligan family and all those who were affected by the horrible day in December survived and moved on.
December 7, 1941, the day that Pearl Harbor was unexpected bombed by the Japanese. Among those that is missing in this horrible event is Peter Mulligan the only son of the Mulligan family.
The world is rapidly changing and each of the Mulligan sisters try to find their place in the early days of World War II. Mr. Mulligan is sick with TB and it is up the the eldest daughter, Margaret to run the family store. Bridget Mulligan is looking forward to taking her board exams to become a RN so the she can join the Army Nurse Corps. Colleen, just wants to have fun despite the war and the youngest of the family, Molly, is the one holding the family together.
Friends, siblings, boyfriends, and husbands are being shipped out and their loved ones left at home are left to fight the war at home and overseas.
I'll Be Seeing You is a story full of romance, growing up, loss and some happiness. I found this to be a great story and had a hard time putting the book down to see how the Mulligan family and all those who were affected by the horrible day in December survived and moved on.
February 11, 2018
This story begins on December 7, 1941 as the Mulligan family sits down to breakfast in San Francisco before heading off to Sunday Mass. They are discussing what Peter, the oldest child and only son, might be eating while stationed in Hawaii on the USS Arizona. We see history unfolding as war is declared and the Mulligans experience blackouts, rationing products in their grocery store, friends and family members enlisting and USO dances. Riley Mulligan (the father) has been ill for some time. He is finally diagnosed as having tuberculosis and is sent to a sanatorium where he will hopefully recover. That leaves the mother and four daughters to take care of the business.
This was a well told story of life on the home front in the early days of WWII. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
This was a well told story of life on the home front in the early days of WWII. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
July 24, 2018
Disappointing
While this book appeared to have much to recommend it, it was overall a disappointment. The story about the sisters and their various talents and personalities started out interesting but in the final page it ended in the middle of the story! I like series books. Generally i like following a group of characters that are familiar through their various life challenges. However, this book came to no conclusions at the end- it just stopped. It appears to be a blatant plot to make you buy the next book (and probably the next and next) just to see what happens. Sorry but I would prefer one longer book if that is the case rather than many smaller just to leave one guessing at the end.
While this book appeared to have much to recommend it, it was overall a disappointment. The story about the sisters and their various talents and personalities started out interesting but in the final page it ended in the middle of the story! I like series books. Generally i like following a group of characters that are familiar through their various life challenges. However, this book came to no conclusions at the end- it just stopped. It appears to be a blatant plot to make you buy the next book (and probably the next and next) just to see what happens. Sorry but I would prefer one longer book if that is the case rather than many smaller just to leave one guessing at the end.
May 9, 2020
I loooove this first book in the Mulligan Sisters' series! It's very much like sitting down on a winter afternoon with your favorite treat and watching an old timey movie in the WWII era. And this WOULD make a wonderful drama with the right cast. We watch as the four Mulligan sisters cope with losing their only brother Peter at Pearl Harbor and with their father wrestling with the dread TB. As for the sisters, older sister Bridget is heading out into this dangerous world as a ANC (Army Nurse Corps) nurse, sisters Margaret and Colleen have sent their sweethearts to war and youngest sister sixteen year old Molly is helping keep the home front and Mam together while in High School. Can't wait to read the next installment!
July 11, 2019
This is the story of The Mulligan sisters. The story begins on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked and follows these 4 sisters reaction to worrying about their older brother that is missing in that attack. What it was like in San Francisco after the attack and during the war. It is a captivating story of different points of view from each girls eyes. It is full of all the emotions we face daily and even more difficult times. Melody Carlson is a gifted author that fills her books with emotion, hope, and great story telling. Looking forward to reading the other 3 books in this series. Truly a great read.
July 19, 2017
Another World War II book! This time an American family with all girls . Characters are believable as are the situation. Not a historical romance and not necessarily a family saga, although it has elements of both. The character's development throughout the story helps in understanding what the lives were like for those left at home when a woman's place was in the home. Shows the sacrifices of all. Getting ready to start book two. Unfortunately book three isn't coming until October.
August 29, 2018
I really enjoyed this sweet tender book and immediately started the second in the series. This is a WWII story set in San Francisco. It revolves around the Mulligan Family. There is Mam and Dad, Bridget, Margaret, Peter, Colleen and Molly. It starts on Dec 7, 1941, with Peter in the Navy aboard the ship, The Arizona in Pearl Harbor. The storyline deals with their lives as they deal with the beginning of the war and their war efforts as a family.
February 14, 2018
Very nice romantic fiction novel
Nice story about a family who lives on the West coast when America enters WWII. Four sisters take care of the family business when their father is diagnosed with a threatening illness. The characters are well developed. I did not like the way the book did not really end.
Nice story about a family who lives on the West coast when America enters WWII. Four sisters take care of the family business when their father is diagnosed with a threatening illness. The characters are well developed. I did not like the way the book did not really end.
June 30, 2017
WWII historical fiction
Well written, (with some proofing mistakes) about the Mulligan family at the beginning of America entering WWII. Two parents, 4 sisters, and one older brother. Set in San Fransisco, 1941. It kept my interest.
Well written, (with some proofing mistakes) about the Mulligan family at the beginning of America entering WWII. Two parents, 4 sisters, and one older brother. Set in San Fransisco, 1941. It kept my interest.
July 8, 2017
Nice first book of the sisters following Pearl Harbor attack
Meet the family whose baby sister appears to be the glue that helps gold the family together following the days and months after the start of WWll.
Meet the family whose baby sister appears to be the glue that helps gold the family together following the days and months after the start of WWll.
August 13, 2017
Well written story that is difficult to put down.
Captivating, probably very real for some families who experienced loss during pearl Harbor. The author has a way of putting you there in the scene, her details lead you there. Very well written.
Captivating, probably very real for some families who experienced loss during pearl Harbor. The author has a way of putting you there in the scene, her details lead you there. Very well written.
September 7, 2017
Good family saga during turbulent times. Everyone trying to get used to a new way of life.c
Story moves right along but there are times when it seemed a bit over the top for all that happened to one family. Still it kept my interest.
Story moves right along but there are times when it seemed a bit over the top for all that happened to one family. Still it kept my interest.
October 29, 2017
Just like an Old Movie!
I loved the Mulligan Family, while reading the book I felt like I was a member of that loving group. While reading I understood their happiness and their grief, during this most terrible time in our history.
I loved the Mulligan Family, while reading the book I felt like I was a member of that loving group. While reading I understood their happiness and their grief, during this most terrible time in our history.
February 5, 2018
I'll Be Seeing You
What a wonderful story. Getting to know about the Mulligan family was bitter sweet. Their losses and heartbreaking lives was an eye opener to the life of the starting of WWII.
What a wonderful story. Getting to know about the Mulligan family was bitter sweet. Their losses and heartbreaking lives was an eye opener to the life of the starting of WWII.
March 13, 2018
Like the song
A very romantic novel about an irish family living their lives during WW11. A good account of 4 sisters, their hopes and love life as different circumstances affect them.
A very romantic novel about an irish family living their lives during WW11. A good account of 4 sisters, their hopes and love life as different circumstances affect them.
December 9, 2018
I enjoyed this story. It felt like this could have been any family from that time period. It showed the real trials and sorrows that each family member had to deal with. This book follows each of the family members through the start of WWII.
January 17, 2019
Hooked.
Love the setting and characters. Melody Carlson did a great job from the start hooking my interest by drawing each of these four sisters, all main characters, as unique. An empathetic, hopeful story about the strength of family.
Love the setting and characters. Melody Carlson did a great job from the start hooking my interest by drawing each of these four sisters, all main characters, as unique. An empathetic, hopeful story about the strength of family.
March 7, 2019
I got confused a couple of times, losing track of the sisters, but I felt like this book gave a great view of what it could be like to live during that time period. WW2 would be fresh in your mind as you read it and I can't wait to read the rest.
October 5, 2019
I loved the way this book was written. All 4 sisters perspectives are shown. Some more than others. But I can tell the stories will continue and grow better and better. I didn’t plan to enjoy this book as much as I did. So I’m for sure going to have to continue the next book!
May 9, 2022
Enjoyed this whole series. Even though I did not read them in order. I grabbed them from the library whenever they were available. I really like the author’s writing so I even picked up the first book in the series about the Oregon Trail. Thank goodness this author has written a lot of books!
May 27, 2017
Loved this book about WWII.
June 3, 2017
Too "light and fluffy" for me! Didn't finish.
July 17, 2017
Easy read
This was a very easy read. Young adult.
I could imagine my grandmother who was about 14 in 1941 attending GWHS in SF
This was a very easy read. Young adult.
I could imagine my grandmother who was about 14 in 1941 attending GWHS in SF
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews