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Bedford Falls: The Story Continues
Sixty-two years after that remarkable Christmas of 1945, when George Bailey realizes he really did have a wonderful life, his grandson and namesake has forgotten the lessons his grandfather taught him. Young George is living in New York City, building shoddy apartment buildings, kicking elderly renters out of their homes, and neglecting his wife and children. He's become one of the richest and meanest men in town. But during Christmas of 2007, his life falls apart, and only the angel Clarence (who now has his wings) can help him. But will George listen?
Meanwhile, back in Bedford Falls, new incarnations of Old Man Potter are slowly but surely destroying everything the Bailey family sacrificed so much to protect.
In Bedford Falls: The Story Continues, readers learn what happened to George and Mary Bailey, their children, the Martinis, Violet Bick, Henry F. Potter, and the other residents of Bedford Falls. In the decades since the Second World War, new immigrants have moved to town, looking for a safe place to rear their children. They—like those who came before them—must learn the importance of of sticking together in a crisis, and standing firm against those who` put greed above the good of Bedford Falls.
Meanwhile, back in Bedford Falls, new incarnations of Old Man Potter are slowly but surely destroying everything the Bailey family sacrificed so much to protect.
In Bedford Falls: The Story Continues, readers learn what happened to George and Mary Bailey, their children, the Martinis, Violet Bick, Henry F. Potter, and the other residents of Bedford Falls. In the decades since the Second World War, new immigrants have moved to town, looking for a safe place to rear their children. They—like those who came before them—must learn the importance of of sticking together in a crisis, and standing firm against those who` put greed above the good of Bedford Falls.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 26, 2017
Sixty-two years after the Christmas that forever changed George Bailey, George's grandson, a wealthy real estate tycoon in New York, has veered far away from what his grandfather taught him. The town a number of the Baileys hail from, Bedford Falls, seems to have lost its way as well. It's about time for another visit from Clarence, a guardian angel who now has his wings, in Bedford Falls: The Story Continues, a novel by author Anne Morse.
I'll admit I don't usually read classic work continuations written by people other than the original authors. It just doesn't feel authoritative enough to me, like, "Who's to say that's what did or should have happened next? I could make up my own continuation too, and it may or may not match what was in the original author's heart."
However, the affirmation of an actual cast member from It's a Wonderful Life is what moved me to step outside of my usual boundary and read this book. And, my goodness gracious—am I ever glad I did.
I think it can be easy to romanticize the 1946 film and to regard it as just some whimsical Christmas fairy tale with a happy ending while forgetting or missing the real breadth and depth of the story. One thing I most respect about this novel is that it isn't a fairy tale, merely romanticizing the Baileys and Bedford Falls, lacking the film's depth. Morse is clearly someone with a true grasp on the significance of the motion picture, and the complexity and spirit of the poignant continuation she's woven together does the film justice.
Sure, the book has its minor weaknesses, sometimes in sentence structure, and while the typographical errors aren't numerous, a few of them are a little jarring. There are also times when the characters' reminiscing can feel somewhat unrealistic. (For instance, I don't think a grown Zuzu Bailey would remember a long-ago speech of her father's word for word, particularly when she wasn't born at the time and only later heard the news secondhand from Uncle Billy, whom I wouldn't trust to have relayed the speech verbatim. Dear Uncle Billy likely would have summarized or exaggerated, added his own embellishments for the parts he couldn't remember, or what have you.)
Nevertheless, this is a moving and excellent piece of storytelling that packs in much for fans of Frank Capra's masterpiece to appreciate. It hit me in so many places, and by the Epilogue, I was sobbing so hard I had to set the book aside for a good five or ten minutes before I could finish it. This novel is going right up on my list of all-time favorite books.
I'll admit I don't usually read classic work continuations written by people other than the original authors. It just doesn't feel authoritative enough to me, like, "Who's to say that's what did or should have happened next? I could make up my own continuation too, and it may or may not match what was in the original author's heart."
However, the affirmation of an actual cast member from It's a Wonderful Life is what moved me to step outside of my usual boundary and read this book. And, my goodness gracious—am I ever glad I did.
I think it can be easy to romanticize the 1946 film and to regard it as just some whimsical Christmas fairy tale with a happy ending while forgetting or missing the real breadth and depth of the story. One thing I most respect about this novel is that it isn't a fairy tale, merely romanticizing the Baileys and Bedford Falls, lacking the film's depth. Morse is clearly someone with a true grasp on the significance of the motion picture, and the complexity and spirit of the poignant continuation she's woven together does the film justice.
Sure, the book has its minor weaknesses, sometimes in sentence structure, and while the typographical errors aren't numerous, a few of them are a little jarring. There are also times when the characters' reminiscing can feel somewhat unrealistic. (For instance, I don't think a grown Zuzu Bailey would remember a long-ago speech of her father's word for word, particularly when she wasn't born at the time and only later heard the news secondhand from Uncle Billy, whom I wouldn't trust to have relayed the speech verbatim. Dear Uncle Billy likely would have summarized or exaggerated, added his own embellishments for the parts he couldn't remember, or what have you.)
Nevertheless, this is a moving and excellent piece of storytelling that packs in much for fans of Frank Capra's masterpiece to appreciate. It hit me in so many places, and by the Epilogue, I was sobbing so hard I had to set the book aside for a good five or ten minutes before I could finish it. This novel is going right up on my list of all-time favorite books.
December 17, 2023
"Its a Wonderful Life" is my favorite Christmas movie so I enjoyed this book so much. It picks up in the year 2007 with the grandchildren and great grandchildren of George and Mary. George who is the original George Bailey's grandson has become a wealthy very hard man almost like Mr Potter. On this Christmas Eve he's about to realize exactly the affect his life has had on others will his heart change? Very fast paced quick read. Loved it!
December 22, 2025
no one needed this book lol
April 14, 2024
George Bailey was dubbed the "richest man in Bedford Falls" and rightfully so: he's got his family and a town full of friends who came to his aid in his time of need. Even more so, George always put the needs of others first before his own.
Sixty years from the fateful Christmas Eve night, George Bailey's grandson (also named George) is "the most hated man in Bedford Falls." A wealthy businessman, the new George becomes consumed by greed that he neglects his wife, isn't involved in the lives of his children, and fails to consider the needs of others. No one seems to know how to reach George, except for his loving grandmother Mary. It takes a visit from Clearance (who of course earned his wings) and a Christmas miracle in the time of an emergency to get George to see the error of his ways.
This was such a fun read that definitely worked hard to capture the spirit and charm of its predecessor. George wasn't anything lie his grandfather, which made for a convincing storyline. I always did wonder what happened to George, Mary, and the rest of Bedford Falls afterwards, and this gives some insight into what could have happened. George and Mary finally got their honeymoon trip, for example, and George got to see some of the places he always dreamed about as a kid. It was also nice to see how the Bailey family grew and changed in the years following. There's even a mentioning of Mr. Potter but I won't ruin that.
If you're a fan of "It's a Wonderful Life" this will definitely be an enjoyable book. The film itself is special to many and this story doesn't try to replace that, but it is a nice way to imagine that "what if" future of the beloved characters.
Sixty years from the fateful Christmas Eve night, George Bailey's grandson (also named George) is "the most hated man in Bedford Falls." A wealthy businessman, the new George becomes consumed by greed that he neglects his wife, isn't involved in the lives of his children, and fails to consider the needs of others. No one seems to know how to reach George, except for his loving grandmother Mary. It takes a visit from Clearance (who of course earned his wings) and a Christmas miracle in the time of an emergency to get George to see the error of his ways.
This was such a fun read that definitely worked hard to capture the spirit and charm of its predecessor. George wasn't anything lie his grandfather, which made for a convincing storyline. I always did wonder what happened to George, Mary, and the rest of Bedford Falls afterwards, and this gives some insight into what could have happened. George and Mary finally got their honeymoon trip, for example, and George got to see some of the places he always dreamed about as a kid. It was also nice to see how the Bailey family grew and changed in the years following. There's even a mentioning of Mr. Potter but I won't ruin that.
If you're a fan of "It's a Wonderful Life" this will definitely be an enjoyable book. The film itself is special to many and this story doesn't try to replace that, but it is a nice way to imagine that "what if" future of the beloved characters.
November 18, 2023
A sweet and heart-warming story
This story centers on George and Mary Bailey's grandson George, but all the Baileys and others we met in the beloved movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," are given their due. The first part of the book relies heavily on exposition, recounting the story from the movie and bringing the family narrative up to the current date in 2007. We then learn that young George has lived a life contrary to the lessons he learned from his grandfather, until he's beginning to have a reputation like that of old man Potter. However, the prayers of his grandmother Mary bring a heavenly visitor to George, this time with wings!
It took me a little while to get into the story, but very soon, I couldn't put it down. I was in tears by the end as the residents of Bedford Falls work together to save a child, and George learns what is really important.
This story centers on George and Mary Bailey's grandson George, but all the Baileys and others we met in the beloved movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," are given their due. The first part of the book relies heavily on exposition, recounting the story from the movie and bringing the family narrative up to the current date in 2007. We then learn that young George has lived a life contrary to the lessons he learned from his grandfather, until he's beginning to have a reputation like that of old man Potter. However, the prayers of his grandmother Mary bring a heavenly visitor to George, this time with wings!
It took me a little while to get into the story, but very soon, I couldn't put it down. I was in tears by the end as the residents of Bedford Falls work together to save a child, and George learns what is really important.
December 23, 2025
If George Bailey’s namesake grandson wasn’t on the verge of suicide before his visit from Clarence he surely was after said visit! This story made George II more like Mr Potter than OG George with Clarence giving him a Christmas Carol like experience to see what people would be like had he never been born. Trouble is they would all be better off including the man who died because George wouldn’t donate his bone marrow to a sick teenager. Explain how that kid would have lived if George had never been born to donate in the first place? Major plot hole there. Aside from that there were too many characters forced into roles that continued the movie storyline which really weren’t necessary. I love variations of classic stories but this one was a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
Wonderful story
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is my favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year and have tears every time. This book continues the story of George and Mary Bailey’s children and grandchildren. Anne Morse beautifully recounts important events from the movie that tie the two stories together. George’s grandson, also named George, who is the only child of Peter Bailey, George and Mary’s oldest child, chose a different path than his beloved grandfather. But the thread of redemption runs through this narrative in a beautiful way. If you’re a fan of the movie, I think you will find this continuing story very meaningful.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is my favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year and have tears every time. This book continues the story of George and Mary Bailey’s children and grandchildren. Anne Morse beautifully recounts important events from the movie that tie the two stories together. George’s grandson, also named George, who is the only child of Peter Bailey, George and Mary’s oldest child, chose a different path than his beloved grandfather. But the thread of redemption runs through this narrative in a beautiful way. If you’re a fan of the movie, I think you will find this continuing story very meaningful.
January 4, 2018
LOVED reading this! These iconic characters come to life again. No profanity. Some Bible verses throughout. Love that Zuzu opened a flower shop named Zuzu's Petals and that Janie became a concert pianist and traveled the world. Great to revisit these memorable characters and Bedford Falls again. Neat Bailey family tree at beginning of book. I learned about this book through a Breakpoint Daily article by Eric Metaxas on 12/15/16.
December 22, 2020
If you love the iconic Christmas film, you'll enjoy this quick read. It's kind of like speculative fan fiction, but it was still interesting. The kindle version had too many typos to give it 5 stars, but after watching the film a few days ago, this little novel was just what I was looking for. Recommended, especially if you love the film.
December 28, 2023
Great story!
I have always loved the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and watch it every year at Christmas time. This story was just as sweet and meant as the original . A great sequel!
I have always loved the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, and watch it every year at Christmas time. This story was just as sweet and meant as the original . A great sequel!
December 4, 2024
Truly wonderful as you can see from how quickly I read the book. Written by someone who truly understands the original story, the book does so with such care and attention. An absolute delight to read.
January 4, 2020
3.5 felt like it tried to hard. But I do love the characters!
July 18, 2024
Kind of cheesy, but still great for fans of It’s a Wonderful Life.
December 21, 2024
What a great story of the Bailey's!!
May 5, 2020
I was unable to put it down. I liked the way different names were referred back to, people from George’s past. Very enjoyable.
August 9, 2024
Written in short segments, this was so much like 'A Christmas Carol'.
January 22, 2023
I wanted to like this so bad. But half of the book is a a flashback to the film and rehashing almost every scene. The other half is full of plot holes large enough to fly a helicopter through.
If a vehicle breaks down and it's in the way, most regular people would tow it out of the way. If you need a parking lot to land a helicopter in, the hospital parking lot would probably fit the bill instead of driving the patient to another parking lot at another business.
That being said, the author is very effective in her use of word and getting her point across efficiently. Some of her most effective chapters were only a page long.
On second reading of the digital version, I quit 18% in when the author started in with her virtue signaling about teenagers not having autonomy because they’re teenagers. 🤮 Combine that with her version of what happens when a teen-focused sex health program comes to town (rampant intercourse, unwanted pregnancies and turning their backs on the Bible) doesn’t match any of the national statistics of what REALLY happens in this situation (decreases in both STDs and unwanted pregnancies), I decided I couldn’t buy the bullshit she was selling. She couldn’t even be bothered to get the address of the Granville House correct. I’ll stick with the movie, thank you very much.
If a vehicle breaks down and it's in the way, most regular people would tow it out of the way. If you need a parking lot to land a helicopter in, the hospital parking lot would probably fit the bill instead of driving the patient to another parking lot at another business.
That being said, the author is very effective in her use of word and getting her point across efficiently. Some of her most effective chapters were only a page long.
On second reading of the digital version, I quit 18% in when the author started in with her virtue signaling about teenagers not having autonomy because they’re teenagers. 🤮 Combine that with her version of what happens when a teen-focused sex health program comes to town (rampant intercourse, unwanted pregnancies and turning their backs on the Bible) doesn’t match any of the national statistics of what REALLY happens in this situation (decreases in both STDs and unwanted pregnancies), I decided I couldn’t buy the bullshit she was selling. She couldn’t even be bothered to get the address of the Granville House correct. I’ll stick with the movie, thank you very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2017
A fabulous follow-up to Its a Wonderful Life
I was a little worried that the follow-up story to my favorite movie might end up being campy. I was thrilled. It was just perfect. It flowed well and it respectfully made callbacks to the movie without over doing it. You will not be disappointed.
I was a little worried that the follow-up story to my favorite movie might end up being campy. I was thrilled. It was just perfect. It flowed well and it respectfully made callbacks to the movie without over doing it. You will not be disappointed.
December 28, 2016
A fun read during the holidays!
August 23, 2025
Bedford Falls
I really enjoyed this sequel to “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It is predictable, sweet, and a feel-good read. Thank you Clarence for reminding us all…
I really enjoyed this sequel to “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It is predictable, sweet, and a feel-good read. Thank you Clarence for reminding us all…
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June 5, 2016Great little Christmas read..follows the lives of the family after a Wonderful Life
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews