If It’s a Wonderful Life is one of your favorite Christmas classics, you may want to check out the book Christmastide in Emerald Falls by Angela E. Johnson. It’s newly published, having come out yesterday. Unlike most stories that take inspiration from older stories, this book goes back in time to the Regency Era, rather than making the story more modern.
What You Should Know
This story takes place during Christmastide (the twelve days from Christmas to January 5). Eleanor Dove left her hometown of Emerald Falls two years ago when she argued with James Bailey. They were in love, but neither was willing to admit they were in the wrong and apologize. For the last two years, both have regretted not apologizing, but both are still a little too stubborn and sure of the other’s feelings. Now, Eleanor is engaged to a man from Italy. She’s coming home one last time before moving there. While she likes her intended as a person, they are not in love.
It’s a Wonderful Life Connections
This is a cute, enjoyable story with an It’s a Wonderful Life feel. I love the little hints at It’s a Wonderful Life, such as the main male character being James (think Jimmy/James Stewart) Bailey (Stewart’s character George Bailey). You’ve got the rich guy who controls the town but who’s a jerk. He’s even in a wheelchair, much like Henry Potter. If you’re familiar with It’s a Wonderful Life, you’ll notice other little hints at the story mixed throughout this book.
For a large part of this story, it’s about the relationship between James and Eleanor more than the reflections on life story of It’s a Wonderful Life. While I liked the relationship between these two characters, I do wish that we’d gotten a bit more of the reflections on life part of the story.
It’s a Clean Novel
This is a clean novel. There’s no swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. There is one scene where a character has bruises from domestic violence, which might be a bit disturbing for some readers. You also get James Bailey contemplating suicide, much like he does in the movie. Those are really the only potentially difficult things you may encounter in the book.
From It’s a Wonderful Life to Christmas Ghosts
This book is part of a series. I have not read the other books, although I am definitely interested in reading those as well. They will be coming out over the next month or so. James’ friends, who were each briefly mentioned in this book, will be the male leads in the other three books, all connected to other classic Christmas stories.
A Lovely White Christmastide
A Lovely White Christmastide, coming out on November 12th, appears to have some White Christmas references. If you’re familiar with the movie, you’ll recognize some elements from the movie’s story in the book’s description. The main male character is even Daniel Kaye (think Danny Kaye who plays the part in the movie). This is probably the one I’m most interested in reading.
The Merry Mishap of Alfred and Clara
Then The Merry Mishap of Alfred and Clara will come out on November 26th, just before Thanksgiving. Reading the plot, it’s clear that this book was inspired by The Shop Around the Corner, which also happens to have Jimmy Stewart in it. Alfred and Klara were the names of the characters in the movie. If you’re unfamiliar with this story, think You’ve Got Mail with letters and a Christmas setting.
Mrs. Marley’s Christmas Ghost
You can finish the series with Mrs. Marley’s Christmas Ghost. This one comes out on December 3rd. With characters like Caroline Marley and Robert Cratchit, it’s pretty clear this is going to make some A Christmas Carol references.
