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Christmas Town #1
A Joyful Eve in Christmas Town
A new job brings Claire Reiser to Bedford Falls, California, a Sierra resort village widely known as Christmas Town because it celebrates the Holiday Season year-round. Claire arrives just days before Christmas, reconciled to spending the holiday alone.
Ben Scarge is also new in town, whisked in to manage the estate of his late Uncle Simon, a curmudgeonly miser who puts Scrooge to shame. Like Claire, he knows no one and anticipates a lonely holiday. Then a furry visitor delivers a gift neither Claire nor Ben will ever forget.
(formerly titled, Joy Comes to Bedford Falls)
Ben Scarge is also new in town, whisked in to manage the estate of his late Uncle Simon, a curmudgeonly miser who puts Scrooge to shame. Like Claire, he knows no one and anticipates a lonely holiday. Then a furry visitor delivers a gift neither Claire nor Ben will ever forget.
(formerly titled, Joy Comes to Bedford Falls)
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2020
142 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Susan Aylworth
47 books55 followersThe Wholesome Heart of Happily Ever After...
It all started when I was a kid. I developed a love of raspberry jam (still love it) and a love of writing (ditto on that one too).
I wrote my first book at the ripe old age of nine. It was eight whole pages! Unfortunately, it was a shameless rip-off of Black Beauty. What can I say? Like most girls, I loved horses (yep, still do). For my fifth-grade career day, I declared my desire to become a rich and famous author. Years later, I’m pleased to have achieved the “author” part of that goal.
One of my favorite things about writing is the research part! I know, it’s a bit of a surprise to some folks, because it sounds suspiciously like “homework”. But for me, it’s so much fun! I truly enjoy researching the backgrounds and careers of the characters in my novels and of course the plot lines. It's one way to live many lives all at once.
And what better inspiration than beautiful northern California, where I live with my writer husband, Roger (birds of a feather as they say). I’ve also lived on the East Coast and in the Navajo Nation, the setting for several of my novels. Like most women of my generation, I wish the kids would visit more often. When they’re not around, I enjoy playing with my imaginary friends, who take me on all kinds of adventures.
If you enjoy my books, please tell everyone you know: friends, relatives, neighbors, the person who delivers your mail, folks you meet in line in the grocery store…ahem. I love hearing from readers (the good, the bad, and the funny). Reach me at susan@susanaylworth.com
It all started when I was a kid. I developed a love of raspberry jam (still love it) and a love of writing (ditto on that one too).
I wrote my first book at the ripe old age of nine. It was eight whole pages! Unfortunately, it was a shameless rip-off of Black Beauty. What can I say? Like most girls, I loved horses (yep, still do). For my fifth-grade career day, I declared my desire to become a rich and famous author. Years later, I’m pleased to have achieved the “author” part of that goal.
One of my favorite things about writing is the research part! I know, it’s a bit of a surprise to some folks, because it sounds suspiciously like “homework”. But for me, it’s so much fun! I truly enjoy researching the backgrounds and careers of the characters in my novels and of course the plot lines. It's one way to live many lives all at once.
And what better inspiration than beautiful northern California, where I live with my writer husband, Roger (birds of a feather as they say). I’ve also lived on the East Coast and in the Navajo Nation, the setting for several of my novels. Like most women of my generation, I wish the kids would visit more often. When they’re not around, I enjoy playing with my imaginary friends, who take me on all kinds of adventures.
If you enjoy my books, please tell everyone you know: friends, relatives, neighbors, the person who delivers your mail, folks you meet in line in the grocery store…ahem. I love hearing from readers (the good, the bad, and the funny). Reach me at susan@susanaylworth.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 13, 2020
A lovely seasonal story set in snowy Bedford Falls filled with warm hot chocolate, baked goodies & an uplifting romance between fellow newcomers to the area, Claire & Ben. The star of the show has to be "Dog"!
March 4, 2024
This sweet feel-good story is what I call Hallmark-esque. It is perhaps somewhat predictable but cute and cheery like a Hallmark romance movie. And yes, it is March but it is still snowing outside so I was feeling a Christmas story. The romance is pretty much no-angst which suits my mood just fine. And it is pretty short so it was easy to read in one sitting. Also, I loved the sweet dog. Very pleasant read by the fire sipping hot cocoa.
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
December 25, 2022
Sweet story
Mrs. Aylworth made the story interesting, corresponding or paralleling with Scroge. It was nice to see that Scroge's nephew had a soft heart and just the right age for marriage.
Mrs. Aylworth made the story interesting, corresponding or paralleling with Scroge. It was nice to see that Scroge's nephew had a soft heart and just the right age for marriage.
January 1, 2023
feel good
This feel-good romance is a bit of small town, a bit of friendship, and dog-lovers hope. With challenges on all sides, Christmas brings joy and kindness for several families.
This feel-good romance is a bit of small town, a bit of friendship, and dog-lovers hope. With challenges on all sides, Christmas brings joy and kindness for several families.
November 12, 2023
I was enjoying this book but was left disappointed with the ending, going from Ben asking to go on a date to a month later just tying up the story with what happened to the dogs and other characters. And finally ending with a kiss on the cheek. It was hard to find it romantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
Claire and Ben keep running into each other all over town... and he keeps coming to her rescue. Little do they know how they are connected.
This was a cute story. I like how the characters meet and continue to run across each other and I loved the other bit in the plot. A fun, quick read.
This was a cute story. I like how the characters meet and continue to run across each other and I loved the other bit in the plot. A fun, quick read.
November 18, 2024
Nice and clean charming Christmas story!
Two lonely new to small town of Bedford Falls meet in the town's grocery store and bond over a dog,a wonderful small town short read!...wish there was a whole series about this small town!...
Two lonely new to small town of Bedford Falls meet in the town's grocery store and bond over a dog,a wonderful small town short read!...wish there was a whole series about this small town!...
December 23, 2025
Claire ♥️ Ben ♥️ Dog
I loved the Dog! Every good dog deserves someone to love them and care for them. This is a simple love story with a unique plot. I think you will enjoy this quick read of a story.
I loved the Dog! Every good dog deserves someone to love them and care for them. This is a simple love story with a unique plot. I think you will enjoy this quick read of a story.
November 1, 2021
Great read
Good happy Christmas story. Just when everything seems to be going wrong for Christmas things start to change. Could it be the sweet dog she found.
Good happy Christmas story. Just when everything seems to be going wrong for Christmas things start to change. Could it be the sweet dog she found.
November 29, 2023
Cute little Christmas romance with zero spice. People helping people and animals, very heartwarming.
November 2, 2020
Claire lives in an apartment that doesn't allow pets. The apt manager has a lot of rules that the tenant's don't really agree with. One lady has a daughter who needs a wheelchair so she isn't able to get out of the apt much because there are no elevators and they have to live on the second floor because they couldn't afford one on the ground floor.
Claire and her neighbor Kiley finds a dog that is pregnant and starving. They call the shelter but the shelter is closed during the holidays. So they sneak the dog inside trying to keep her from freezing to death and trying to keep Claire from being thrown out.
Love the story and the cast of characters. Its a short novella but its well worth reading. Love Ben as well as Claire. Check it out. A quick read for an afternoon.
Claire and her neighbor Kiley finds a dog that is pregnant and starving. They call the shelter but the shelter is closed during the holidays. So they sneak the dog inside trying to keep her from freezing to death and trying to keep Claire from being thrown out.
Love the story and the cast of characters. Its a short novella but its well worth reading. Love Ben as well as Claire. Check it out. A quick read for an afternoon.
October 31, 2020
Heartwarming Holiday Romance
Joy Comes to Bedford Falls borrows from several stories. It takes place in a town reminiscent of the It's a Wonderful Life movie town. One of the characters is Ben Scrage whose uncle Simon was a dead ringer for Ebenezer Scrooge. When he died Simon left his estate to Ben. New town resident Claire offers sanctuary to a pregnant female dog Joy after Claire finds her half-starved and about to give birth in the freezing cold.
Joy Comes to Bedford Falls borrows from several stories. It takes place in a town reminiscent of the It's a Wonderful Life movie town. One of the characters is Ben Scrage whose uncle Simon was a dead ringer for Ebenezer Scrooge. When he died Simon left his estate to Ben. New town resident Claire offers sanctuary to a pregnant female dog Joy after Claire finds her half-starved and about to give birth in the freezing cold.
November 5, 2020
A delightful read with wonderful characters! I really enjoyed this fantastic book that was a great take on Christmas. Meeting new friends and caring for people and animals made this a joy filled Christmas story. The romance is a clean respectful romance that was truly sweet. I was so caught up in the story that when the end came I was not ready for it to end. I look forward to reading more feel good stories by this author.
November 8, 2020
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed Joy Comes to Bedford Fall, It is a good start as we enter the holidays. The book has adventure, romance, and friendship, and love of dogs. I have come to really enjoy Susan’s book and this is a good one.
I really enjoyed Joy Comes to Bedford Fall, It is a good start as we enter the holidays. The book has adventure, romance, and friendship, and love of dogs. I have come to really enjoy Susan’s book and this is a good one.
January 7, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much because it has a dog that brings people together, especially 2 people named Claire & Ben. Add to that, it's set at Christmas time. There is a lot of good in this book that made me cheer. It's my first by Ms. Alyworth. Very well written.
March 1, 2021
Sweet Christmas novella about a two lonely people helping a pregnant dog and finding happiness. I liked the main characters and the story. It was a quick read and a nice Christmas story. The writing was good and could have easily been stretched out to a full novel.
October 31, 2020
Adorable!! I loved the story. I wanted to have an argument with the manager, but that’s good writing. I look forward to reading more by this author!
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November 17, 2020Lonely Christmas
As a newcomer Claire had to miss Christmas with her family
And Ben is also alone. Through a stray dog they find new friends .
As a newcomer Claire had to miss Christmas with her family
And Ben is also alone. Through a stray dog they find new friends .
November 20, 2020
This is such a cute novella. A Christmas story with wonderful characters.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews