Christmastide in Emerald Falls

Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage #1

by Angela E. Johnson

The enchanting spirit of Christmastide might be exactly what they need to mend their hearts and discover a second chance at love.

Mr. James Bailey appears to possess all one could desire: wealth, a loving family, and a generous spirit. As the chilling winds of the Twelve Days of Christmastide sweep in, James embarks on a mission to aid the poor in his community with food and clothing amidst the harshest winter they have seen in his lifetime.

Miss Eleanor Dove left Emerald Falls two years previously due to a misunderstanding between herself and James Bailey. Now engaged to the Count of Montefeltro, she believes her heart is safe. But upon returning to Emerald Falls, she finds her memories tethered to the past and her heart immovably bound to her first and only love.

On the cusp of Twelfth Night, James discovers he has been swindled. His accounts have a deficit of eight thousand pounds, and he is facing debtor’s prison. With no apparent solution, fate intervenes, and James is compelled to confront the true essence of his existence and the profound impact of his deeds.

In a tale woven with love, loss, and redemption, Christmastide in Emerald Falls unfolds as a captivating exploration of the human spirit, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest riches lie not in material wealth, but in the depth and joy of our connections and the beauty of a life well-lived.

Christmastide in Emerald Falls is a clean & wholesome Regency romance.

Books in the Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage
★ Christmastide in Emerald Falls by Angela E. Johnson
★ A Lovely White Christmastide by Teah Kemp Weight
★ The Merry Mishap of Alfred and Clara by Amanda Panhorst
★ Mrs. Marley's Christmas Ghost by Courtney Willis

Genres: Christmas, Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2024

About the author

Angela Johnson has a love of literature and all things Regency. Traveling and reading are favorite past times and help her form ideas for writing. Angela despises the snow when it is on the road, but loves snow when it falls romantically in the perfect scene for characters to fall in love. Be sure to follow Angela on BookBub for the latest releases and sales. https://tinyurl.com/5n6rkytm

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!

This is a Christmas regency retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life. I really enjoyed this story of James Bailey and Eleanor Dove. The story starts with some history between them that leads to a misunderstanding and Eleanor being engaged to someone else. From there, James and Eleanor are reunited and have many interactions. This is a second chance romance and I loved watching them get together. The last quarter of the book was very well done. It went really well with the “It’s a Wonderful Life” storyline. I got a little confused/lost in the first quarter and I don’t know why but I think it was my fault not the writing. But I loved James and Eleanor’s romance. Overall I really loved this sweet story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Christmastide in Emerald Falls* is a heartwarming Regency romance that beautifully blends themes of love, redemption, and faith. In this tale inspired by *It’s a Wonderful Life,* misunderstandings and wounded pride have kept James Bailey and Eleanor Dove apart for years. Now, as the Christmas season unfolds, James faces financial ruin while Eleanor, recently engaged to another, returns to Emerald Falls—and their old feelings rekindle amid the season’s enchantment.

The well-developed plot, charming characters, and rich writing style draw readers into a world where true wealth is found not in riches but in love, faith, and generosity.

This story evoked the same profound emotions I feel when watching *It’s a Wonderful Life,* one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies. Just as that classic film fills me with happiness, sadness, and brings tears to my eyes, this book led me on an emotional roller coaster filled with inspiration and hope. It left me with that special sense of gratitude, reminding me that goodness still exists in the world. This is a Christmas story I’ll cherish and return to year after year, just like my annual viewing of *It’s a Wonderful Life.”*

Angela E. Johnson has given us an early Christmas gift with this sweet, second-chance romance it is a perfect holiday read, and I highly recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmastide in Emerald Falls is Book 1 in the Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage by Angela E Johnson. I enjoyed book 1 in the series. The characters are well written and I thought the author made the main characters sympathetic. I felt the author gave a background of Eleanor and James as well as why she was engaged to Count Montefeltro. I found this sweet romance to be an enjoyable escape into Regency England. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This clean Regency romance is the first book in the Men, Mistletoe and Marriage series. I enjoyed the atmosphere of Emerald Falls, its sense of community, and this felt very festive to read. I found myself imagining an 'old-fashioned' sort of Christmas; that's how I'd describe it. I felt the romance too, and the story was heartwarming and charming.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Brooke Hannah]

A sweet Christmas story. Perfect to start off the holiday season.

I enjoyed this book. It took a little bit for it to really catch my attention, but once it did, it was an enjoyable read.

If you love the movie It's a Wonderful Life, you will enjoy this Regency period retelling with a few twists.

I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gypsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retelling of the movie It's a Wonderful Life, set in a village in Regency England with a no-spice second-chance romance. There were several things that did not feel like England or like that time period, but it was such a sweet, fun, and even moving story that I forgave it's faults and simply enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Jessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of love and all the hardships that come with it. I especially enjoyed the last few chapters!

[RD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story with allusions to It’s a Wonderful Life. The last quarter of the book is when this story really starts to shine. I enjoyed seeing it all come together in a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars for this clean, uplifting holiday romance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet Christmas romance is the first book in the multi-author series Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage. In this series, each story is inspired by a well-known holiday story or movie. This one is inspired by my favorite Christmas movie - It's a Wonderful Life.

Eleanor Dove and James Bailey were deeply in love and on the brink of engagement when one disastrous night results in the ending of their courtship. Eleanor leaves the village and, after two years, returns to Emerald Falls with an Italian fiancé. She would rather be anywhere else, but her intended must meet her family, and she hopes once she is wed to move to Italy and never have to see James again. She is, of course, still in love with him, and her engagement to Montefeltro is simply a convenience for both parties.

James Bailey has regretted losing his temper - and Eleanor - and has spent the two years since she left Emerald Falls broken hearted and grumpy. When she returns, he can't deny the feelings he still has for her and wants to renew their relationship. But as an honorable gentleman, he can't do so when she is engaged to another man.

I really enjoyed this one. It was fun to see the bits that linked this story to the movie - from character names, circumstances, and even personalities (that Duke of Rothes was a real piece of work!). But I also appreciated that the author put her own spin on things and didn't just remake the exact same story.
The descriptions of all the festivities that these families enjoyed during the season really made me wish I could have been there to celebrate, too! I look forward to reading the next books from this series!

I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, full of hope, love, betrayal, family, lies, a thief, friends, society, intrigue and a special Christmas Angel. Eleanor left Emerald Falls and after a broken up the courtship with James Bailey. She is now engaged to marry an Italian Count so she decides to return home for the holidays. She had been hoping that her family would come to London but they have responsibilities to the community, so she goes there. James is a landowner and has tenant farms and lots to keep him busy. He is a big part in his farmer's lives and community. He hears that Eleanor is coming home after their break up years ago. He has a man of business to assist him in keeping the bills paid and the books straight. James doesn't realize what the man has been doing till the Christmas ball, when he learns that he has lost all his money and what a high amount that needs to be paid. The time James and Eleanor spend together, they bout realize that neither has really forgotten their love of the other. James in despair makes a wish that he was never born and gets his Christmas Angel. He is shown what life would be like without him. He learns that all he really wants is his life back . With the help of his friends and the community, he is able to get his life back. Eleanor and James find their renewed love during this Christmas season. Love this story and couldn't put it down. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming Regency romance that captures the magic of the holiday season while delving deep into themes of redemption, love, and second chances. James Bailey, a wealthy and compassionate man, finds himself at a crossroads when a shocking betrayal threatens his future, just as the snow begins to fall. Meanwhile, Eleanor Dove, his first love, returns to the town she once fled, now engaged to another, yet still bound to James in ways she never expected.

The tension between past misunderstandings and the promise of a future together makes this story all the more engaging. The setting of Emerald Falls during the Christmas season adds a delightful layer of charm, while the characters' emotional journeys are both touching and real. James's struggle to find meaning beyond material wealth and Eleanor's internal conflict are beautifully explored, making their eventual reunion all the more satisfying.

The story is not just about romance, but about the power of generosity and the profound impact of one’s actions. The writing is elegant and the pace is perfect for those looking for a cozy, emotional read during the holiday season. If you love stories that blend romance with deeper life lessons, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Southern Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life! This story follows the original quite well with a few variations to make it plausible for the Regency time period. James and Eleanor have much to overcome to reconnect after a disastrous courtship two years ago including Eleanor’s engagement to another. Although, I felt the reason for the end of their original courtship was a bit silly in the first place and could have been easily mended with more open communication and understanding on their part, the story shows they had grown and were able to finally put their immaturity in the past. To me, there is nothing that makes a hero and heroine shine more than kindness and generosity of spirit and these two have it in spades. Spoiler alert: It did seem a bit contrived and too easy of a solution for her fiancé to find another to fall in love with, so that part wrapped up a little too easily for my tastes, but despite some other serious obstacles, their love for each other allows them to be victorious in the end! Cuddle up in front of a fire, bundled in a cozy blanket, with some hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie while reading this, and it is sure to put you in the mood for Christmas! I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful start to this Christmas series.

After a mistletoe misunderstanding which ended her engagement to Mr. James Bailey, Eleanor Dove is back in Emerald Falls after 2 years. She’s tried to move on, but once she sees James Bailey again she realizes that her heart still belongs to him.

“I have been miserable these last two years, believing I had lost the only man whom I could ever love. Now, we have found a way back to each other.”

I was immediately charmed by James Bailey. His kindness, generosity, and compassion. Always making sure his tenants are well cared for. He regrets his actions two years ago that ended in his losing the love of his life.

I loved watching the two reconnect and heal from their past hurts. Acknowledging their mistakes and moving forward.

I loved the bits and pieces of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled throughout. Wonderfully executed, the connections were woven throughout seamlessly without overpowering the originality of the author’s story.

Some delightful things I loved:
Ice skating
The gingerbread people
The moon reference

A beautifully written story of love, loss, forgiveness, betrayal, and hope. This lovely Christmas romance is sure to delight you this season and many more.

Thank you to Angela E. Johnson for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Korbie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmastide in Emerald Falls is a lovely book to kick off the Christmas season!

I love that Eleanor Dove and James Bailey’s story is inspired by the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Johnson does fabulous work balancing the message of (and the basic structure of the story) the film it’s based off of while also creating a unique story that stands on its own. The elements of the classic Christmas story intermixed with James and Eleanor’s romance makes for a lovely Christmas backdrop against the message that each of us matters and that there is always a reason to choose hope. This is purposefully vague - so as to avoid including spoilers in my review - but I absolutely love the departures Johnson took from the inspiring story in her novel. The positive message remains intact, but with far less time spent on the negative. While I am familiar with the film It’s a Wonderful Life, the story will stand on its own quite well for anyone who isn’t.

Romance stays at just kisses, with no language or violence included in the story. Highly recommend this to all who enjoy Christmas romance!

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Misunderstandings have a way of turning lovers into acquaintances.”

Once planning their life together - a misunderstanding tears Eleanor and James apart. They are both miserable but try and carry on with their lives for 2 yrs. When she returns to town, engaged in a marriage of convenience - it stirs up feelings on both ends.

“Memories, he decided, were scars written upon his heart. Some good, some bad, all of them ready to pop into his mind without warning.”

This regency Christmas romance has it all; love, loss, redemption, swindling, mistletoe, and a touch of ‘A Wonderful Life’ vibe.

“A man that has devoted his life to serving others must graciously embrace the moment when that service is paid in kind, with an equal measure of great.”

I am a strict ‘after Thanksgiving’ Christmas girl. However, I am excited to get into the spirit of the season earlier with some fun Christmas books. (The decorations however will still come in December) This story kicked off my Christmas reads and it was a great way to do so!

Thank you @booksirens for the advanced copy for my review.

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a kisses only Regency Era romance that is part of a 4 book series with 3 other authors. I had read book 2 before this one and didn't find either book spoiled. I think the 4 books feature 4 friends from Eton. Each is definitely a standalone story. I don't know if each of them is based on a Christmas story or not. I haven't watched many classic Christmas movies. But I think this one is a Wonderful Life retelling. At least I think that's the one where the angel gets its wings. That plays into this book and I must say that was my least favorite part. But if you liked that movie, you'll probably enjoy this retelling.

The story was fine but I did find myself skimming parts of it. There is one ball where ghost stories are told. I skimmed that chapter heavily. If I'd known about that, I wouldn't have even read this book. I avoid ghosts and mystic plot lines. I don't know if that had ghosts or not. It was so far into the book that I just wanted to finish so I basically skipped those events to get to the end.

I'd probably rate this around 3.5, so I've rounded up.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute, enjoyable story with a "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. If you're familiar with "It's a Wonderful Life," you'll notice other little hints at the story.

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. That's really the only potentially difficult thing you may encounter in the book.

This book is part of a series. James' friends will be the male leads in the other three books, all connected to other classic Christmas stories. I would definitely be interested in reading those books as well.

I received a free ARC, and I left a voluntary review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Johnson has put a Regency spin on the It’s A Wonderful Life story. James Bailey is a kind landowner who takes care of his tenant farmers. His engagement to Eleanor Dove was broken off two years ago because of his bad temper. Eleanor comes back into town engaged to a wealthy Italian count and James is forced to face his feelings for her.

The love story between James and Eleanor provides most of the tension in the story and is sweet and Christmasy with lots of snowy outings and candlelit balls. Angela’s attention to detail is superb. The Wonderful Life twist comes later in the novel when James is beset with a disastrous financial problem. Angela cleverly navigates the reader through the well-beloved plot, adding her unique Regency flair and finally bringing us to a delightful ending. It was a fun and lovely seasonal tale to read with a cup of hot tea nearby.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely holiday themed historical romance. It is a story of second chances and finding the good in life. It begins with Eleanor coming home to her parents estate after being gone for two years. Her parents insisted she come home to announce her engagement. She is to marry an Italian count, but having to come home and see the love of her life was the hardest thing she has had to do. James Bailey had given up on love, no one will ever hold his heart as Eleanor had. This is a really sweet love story but I was a little frustrated. The story of their break up was not divulged until halfway through the book. I suppose in the long run it added to the suspense. I really enjoyed the characters and the homage to it’s a wonderful life. I did enjoy reading this book.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a faith based romance to remind us God shows up when we least expect! We have James and Eleanor who have been apart for 2 years.
Eleanor was young and foolish and wanted a perfect setting like something in a play instead of celebrating that a man she loved also loved her!
She has returned triumph with an Italian Count who is wealthy and will take her far away from her heartache!
When her intended realizes he has feelings for someone else then this should be an easy fix!
It is not! James is very distracted by Eleanor’s return and made some foolish decisions!
When all seems lost it is reminiscent of a popular movie how it is resolved!
It has some whimsy and a lot of faith that we call on God out of the depths of despair he will answer! Bravo I received an ARC for my unbiased review!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, second chance regency romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- "The heart does not easily forget—nor should it, when it has loved so deeply.” --- "the pond was simply a ballroom made of snow and ice. Skating is essentially dancing on ice.” --- "A woman does not mind hearing of her beauty and intelligence, at least not if the compliments are from a gentleman of impeccable character.” --- “Love…it is a pesky little emotion. And it arrives at the most inconvenient of times.” ---
What's the Duke of Rothes up to? What's Miss. Hartwell up to? What's Mr. Crane up to? What's Montefeltro up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Eleanor and James's story and I'm sure you will too. This is a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more of her books.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas time is such a magical time and this story adds to the magic of the season.

Eleanor Dove was expecting an engagement to come from James Bailey two years earlier but when the kiss from a stranger under the mistletoe destroyed her dreams, she left Emerald Falls. Now, she is returning to Emerald Falls engaged to Count Montefeltro. Now is it possible to reconnect with the feelings that James and Eleanor had for each other before or will their love be lost forever?

This was a sweet second chance story with a happy ending for all. This was a new author to me and I enjoyed her development of the characters that helped me to connect with them as if we were along in the story.

I was given an arc of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful twist on Its a Wonderful Life!! Eleanor and Mr. Bailey are perfectly in love and moving towards matrimony until a misunderstanding separates them. Now, engaged to an Italian count, Eleanor returns home to spend the Twelfthnight with her family before moving away. Lo and behold, she and Mr. Bailey keep running into each other and their live has most definitely not gone cold. With the help of some observant peers and an angel, you will experience their love story through the lens of Its a Wonderful Life. A man who loves and serves others is never alone, even when evil curmudgeons are determined to see him ruined! I enjoyed all aspects of this clean, sweet story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and am opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[MyFairLady Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Dove is engaged to one man, but longing for another. Will she choose a marriage of convenience or follow her heart? Will her father allow her to choose?
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, wholesome regency story of the love of Eleanor Dove and Mister James Bailey.

Some of my favorite lines from this story are —
“. . . imagining with each blow he could banish the memory of her angelic voice, the softness of her skin, the silky strands of hair that had brushed against his face. He ached to find relief . . .”
AND
“A beautiful woman such as yourself can hardly expect a man not to be affected by your presence.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmastide at Emerald Falls by Angela E Johnson 
What I liked about this book:
💎 Second chance romance 
💎 Love, loss, and redemption
💎 The cover! (So cute)
💎 Twelve Days of Christmastide
💎 Clean romance, just kisses
This is the first book in the Men, Mistletoe, and Marriage series that retells old Christmas movies as Regency romances. This one is a retelling of "It's a Wonderful Life" which honestly isn't a movie I care much for. If I hadn't known beforehand that this was a retelling, I wouldn't have recognized it until the very end of this book but perhaps there were things I missed since I don't know the movie that well. Lots of cute Christmas moments, although I did wish for more of a Regency feel.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took some very unexpected enjoyable twists and turns. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can't deny the heart what it wants was the main theme along with charity and sharing. Eleanor's mother was extremely disappointing as a character. She was very mercenary and valued that over love. Smh. James almost has everything he's ever wanted and it's about to all be taken away because of his oversights. Is this to be the ending??? The ending brought me to tears it was so heartwrenching. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misunderstandings, wounded pride, and the feelings of love lost are what the two main characters face. Clue in Christmas season with the nod to “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and you get yourself a second chance at love. A second chance with a stronger faith that God so willingly lavishes on His children.

Beautifully written with delightful and rich style, the well-developed plot and lovable characters pull you in for good in this Regency novel. Witty, heart-felt, and sweet.

I had a privilege to read an advanced copy but my positive review and opinions are all mine, as I highly recommend this delightful Retelling.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful second chance regency romance and retelling of It's a Wonderful Life. I enjoyed getting to know both James and Eleanor. I like how Ms. Johnson develops her characters. I was invested in the story right away. There was a bit of a faith element in the story as well, not at all preachy. I like the banter between James and Eleanor. There were a couple of laugh out loud moments for me too. This is a clean read with kisses only. Since this is book one of the series, I look forward to reading the next in the series as well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Bailey is a good guy. He cares about his tenants and helps anyway he can. Eleanor Dove and James were in love until a misunderstanding and a fit of temper tore them apart. She has come back to Emerald Falls for Christmastide with her family. They still love each other. Maybe the magic of Christmas will give them a second chance. What a great holiday story! If you are a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life (my husband’s favorite), you will enjoy this story. There are parts and characters similar to those in the movie, but with a Regency twist. There is even a Christmas angel to open James’s eyes. This is the first story in this series, and I look forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read. I enjoyed the depth and that way the characters interacted with one another despite past events. They could have let past events make them bitter and let that color the way they interacted which honestly feels like how it is with a lot of second chance romances. The conflict here was not overly dramatized instead it felt real and genuine. As a girl who is not all about the drama, even in my books, I really appreciated that aspect. Are there misunderstandings of course, but they didn't feel over the top. I definitely enjoyed this story.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.