It's a Wonderful Wife: A novella

by Camille Pagán

In this charming and heartwarming retelling of Frank Capra’s classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Camille Pagán, best-selling author of This Won’t End Well and I’m Fine and Neither Are You, introduces us to Bailey, a dutiful yet sharp-witted 30-something who finds herself on the verge of a nervous breakdown as Christmas Eve approaches. As if it wasn’t enough that Bailey’s husband has just cheated on her, the family business she’s been running since her parents died, which employs most of her small town, is about to go under. But even as she’s questioning whether her life has any meaning, Bailey bumps into a handsome stranger who claims to know her - and through a series of strange events, sheds new light on what it means to make a difference in this messy, wonderful world.

Genres: Christmas, Audiobook, Fiction, Romance, Holiday, Novella, Contemporary

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

I’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.

I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.

When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naughty or Nice list for 2025 🎄

Here’s one for those who like their Christmas season reads NICE!

It’s a Wonderful Wife by Camille Pagan
Narrated by Amy McFadden
1 hour 56 minutes at 1x
1 hour 17 minutes at 1.5x

3.5 ⭐️

This 2020 Audible Original with the ADORABLE eye catching cover, is a contemporary retelling of Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

In the original we meet George Bailey, a man who has sacrificed much to help his community of Bedford Falls. Overwhelmed after a financial crisis wishes he wishes he had never been born, until a Guardian Angel intervenes to shed light on what life in his small town would have been like without him.

In this retelling, we meet Bailey George, who is also overwhelmed by a financial crisis, and the end of her marriage after infertility struggles and infidelity. She has a “sliding doors” moment of seeing what would have happened in her small town if she hadn’t taken over her parents’ business after their unexpected and untimely death.

While this retelling doesn’t bring anything too surprising to the table, it will hopefully remind a new generation who perhaps doesn’t relate to the 1946 film that ALL lives have meaning and about what is TRULY important in life, told through the POV of a young woman we can all relate to.

I love how these short little originals also allow us to sample the work of authors we have yet to read.

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an Audible+
I recommend watching the film instead. That's the first thing I did when I finished listening to this story, even though I've seen the the Capra film at least ten times over the years. It's a Wonderful Life is only 15 minutes longer than the "retelling", yet it is richer, more beautiful and moving than this audible.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Very cute little holiday novella featuring a spin on Its a Wonderful Life. Loved the narrator.

[Rellim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Updated

Originally I DNF at 50% - This was like a depressing country song had an affair with the beginning of a Disney movie. I admit that I haven't seen "It's a Wonderful Life" in several decades... but I don't remember it proportionally being this depressing. This is less than two hours and the *entire* first hour is (almost all of this is revealed in the blurb):

1. Bailey's parents died on Christmas Eve 20 years ago
2. The only company in town is closing down
3. Bailey & her husband (Chris) are infertile
4. Chris's brother is a bum whose wife left him & the kids
4b. They live next door so Bailey gets to see daily how ignored/poor/unloved the kids are
5. Bailey walks in on her best friend & Chris having sex

Despite loving Amy McFadden as a narrator - I couldn't finish.

At the urging of another reviewer that the second half was more cheerful... I finished it. Keep in mind this entire book spans about 24 hours in present day.

Another 25% was the “if you’d never been born” portion and detailing how everything would be even worse.

Then for last 10-15 minutes of the book, Bailey gets organized and decides to move forward. Don’t worry - two men are going to save her. Her soon to be ex will loan her the money to make payroll and the guy she’s just met 12 hours ago (yeah, they knew of each other in high school, but they haven’t seen each other in 20 years) is going to save the cannery and love her forever.

I really don’t relish bad reviews... but this was proportionally way too much negative to feel joy at the unrealistic “heartwarming” of the last 10 minutes.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a modern day telling of It's a Wonderful Life - which I have never watched so couldn't really make that connection. Having said that, this is a story about Bailey who is juggling so many balls she is about to reach breaking point.

When her marriage implodes she hits a bar and here she meets someone she least expected to but maybe it was just meant to be? This takes her on a journey of sorts into the future where the lives of people she knows have turned out drastically different than she expected.

A great feel good story about overcoming challenges and knowing your worth.

[Heather R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, festive story for the holidays. This loose adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life” charms at every turn. Equal parts humorous and heartfelt, even a Grinch like me can’t help but feel the love with this one. Three cheers for Bailey George!

[Lanie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another surprisingly cute short story.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best Christmas stories I’ve read/listened/watched this season. I love It’s A Wonderful Life it always makes me think and smile. and I love retellings so this was perfect. Loved loved loved this heartwarming story. Smiled and cried and it put me in the Christmas spirit.

Loved the character of Bailey George 🎄♥️

[Ginny Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful little Christmas audio novella!

I loved the creative twist on It’s a Wonderful Life.
Bailey’s life seems to be crumbling around her as she still grieves the loss of her parents, is saddened by infertility, faces layoffs as her family’s business is now in financial trouble, and finds her husband in bed with her best friend. As she drinks to forget her problems, she runs into a former classmate, Nate, who has had a glow up since school. He may be able to help her business, and offers her a temporary place to stay. Bailey dreams of the worst situations for her loved ones; then is pleased to help things work out differently when she awakes in her reality. Things work out too easily, but that’s what I want in a fun little story.

This is a delightful listen- great for background while doing other tasks. Good narration.
Definitely a good one to add to your audible Christmas cue if you like fun romcom novellas.

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever little spin on "It's a Wonderful Life." It was short and sweet and well narrated by Amy McFadden. Just exactly what I needed on a cold December day. 🎄❄🎅

*I particularly liked the play on names (Bailey George, Clarence's tavern)

[BrandyD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this short-but-sweet take on the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

[Danielle Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Christmas story about being thankful for what you DO have instead of all the things you don't!

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling of It's a Wonderful Life was an easy, quick read. Amy McFadden is a wonderful narrator.

Also, I needed a book based on a popular movie for the Popsuger Challenge and I could not figure out what I was going to read. I was thrilled when I noticed this book in my Audible library!

[K. M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bailey has just found out that her aunt has put, their already suffering, family business in more jeopardy, only to go home and get the surprise of her life. Not knowing where to go, she goes the local bar to drown her sorrows and meets Nate, an old classmate of hers, who lets her cry on his shoulder and offers her a place to stay. She agrees with a single thought before drifting to sleep: I wish I was never born. She wakes up to find everything different. The family business is long gone, her aunt is a bartender and her sister is a drunk and married to Bailey’s husband. With each tribulation, she realizes her life has merit, that she had more impact on others than she thought. She goes back to the bar and find Nate and wishes she had been born. She wakes up to life as before and, with a grateful heart, straightens out her life.

Frank Capra’s ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ runs a little over 2 hours (131 minutes, according to IMDb.com). This book is a little over an hour to listen to. Do yourself a favor and just watch the movie. At least with Capra’s George Bailey you have sympathy for him, as he just can’t catch a break. Pagán’s Bailey asked for almost every misfortune she received, she even admitted it several times. Meh.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


Not my favorite narrator + retelling of a movie I’ve never seen = bad time.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute twist on A Wonderful Life.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute short story! A fun remake of It’s a Wonderful Life with all the drama and love you’d expect. You can’t help but love Bailey and root for her to find a way out of the hard time she’s found herself in.

This book is a great reminder of how great an impact even small acts of kindness can make on another person’s life. And a wonderful holiday reminder to appreciate what you have, but to also stand up for yourself.

So good!!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

This is a wonderful and heartfelt Christmas novella that puts a modern twist on the classic movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I enjoyed reading Bailey’s story as she finds a way to turn her life around after everything falls apart right before Christmas.

[Yan Del Cid · Rating 5 out of 5]

So real and touching

I loved the growth in Bailey and her view of life towards the end. I totally liked the twist and turn of the whole story!

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a Wonderful Wife by Camille Pagán (2020) audio (2021) print
69-page Kindle Ebook story pages 4-66

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Retelling, Novella

Featuring: Bibliography for Camille Pagán, Author's Links, Epigraph, Orphans, Family Business, Marital Issues, Infertility, Factory - Cannery, December, Upstate New York, Financial Problems, Sex, Drinking, Alternative Life Trope, Family Dynamics, Friendships, Financial Problems, Author’s Social Media Links

Rating as a movie: R

Songs for the soundtrack: "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" by Andy Williams, "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland

Books and Authors mentioned: It's A Wonderful Life by Philip Van Doren Stern [based on] The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern; How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🏭🎄

My thoughts: 🔖Page 8 of 69 [Chapter] TWO So this is pretty much a retelling of It's a Wonderful Life with opposites instead of the male George Bailey, we have the female Bailey George. Instead of having loving parents she's an orphan, instead of having a little brother, Harry, she has a little sister, Harriet/Hattie, Uncle Billy is Aunt Billie, and finally, instead of being ungrateful about a gaggle of kids, she's childless and pining for a baby. We'd better get an angel. I was mostly disappointed that the eBook didn't get to keep the cute cover that had me add the audiobook to my TBR a couple of years ago. It's cute so far.

This was promising but not what I was hoping for. I particularly didn't care for the alternative portion of the story. It also ended too abruptly.

Recommend to others: Sure, it's a quick read.

Memorable Quotes: “Bailey? I’ve got bad news.” My Aunt Billie stared at me like she was about to tell me the Grinch had just made off with all of our Christmas presents. I glanced up from the pile of papers on my desk. “Can it wait just a few? I’m wrapping up payroll.” She grimaced. “Yeah, that’s the thing. I, uh. I . . . lost some money.” “Lost? What do you mean, ‘lost’?’ I leaned forward to sniff for whiskey and regret. Like me, Billie didn’t handle the holidays too well. Because while everyone else was fa-la-la-ing about the most wonderful time of the year, we were forced to plaster on eggnog-guzzling grins and pretend it wasn’t the anniversary of my parents’ death. I was just twenty when my mom, who was Billie’s sister, asked my dad to take her out on a drive on a snowy Christmas Eve. I’ll never know exactly what happened, but I told my younger sister, Harriet, whom we’d always called Hattie, that they were singing carols to each other when they hit a patch of ice. In that version of the story, they didn’t have time to realize they were careening directly into a Douglas fir—you know, the kind you might decorate with twinkle lights and ornaments, if it wasn’t busy killing you. Eighteen years later and I still can’t shake the blues when December rolls around. “Well, you know how the cannery isn’t doing so hot?” Billie’s hands were balled into fists and her face, which was lined as much with sadness as age, was all twisted up.

[Olivia Chapé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant listen!  I would recommend this little novella to anyone who's interested in a festive read this season!

This plot reminded me of the story about Scrooge. I had to watch, "Scrooged" (1988) and see all his Christmas ghosts again. But some others had commented that this story was like "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), so I had to go and watch that too! I had never seen it before, so I had to watch it before leaving a review for this book.

The stories are similar because the notion of the story is that they are shown what life would have been like if they had never been born, and both of their names are Bailey. The character in "It's a Wonderful Life" has a different background, where he takes over his father's bank and loan business through the great depression.  Whereas, "It's a Wonderful Wife" shows this story from a woman's point of view, where she is not the owner of this grand business, but she is still in a position to make a difference to the company. 

The stories are different, because this one feels like a modern age chick lit story, whereas the film shows life from a male perspective, when life and laws were different after surviving through a couple of world wars.


Read on for SPOILERS....

Bailey is an accountant and she's not sure how she will pay all the staff this xmas. She goes home, feeling exhausted and finds her husband in bed with her best friend. "Oh, he's finally building that IKEA cabinet", she says to herself. Hilarious!  I love how naive her thinking is before stumbling upon them. She doesn't doubt her husband for a second.

She then goes to drown her sorrows at her local pub, where she bumps into an old friend. She doesn't want to go back to her home, so she stays the night at his place.

Waking up the next morning, she finds herself in an alternate universe, like she had never been born.

If she had never been born, some of her staff are either homeless or dead.  Her husband is married to her sister, and her sister never ended up becoming a doctor and traveling the world.  Her nephews live in a dilapidated shack next to a railway, because she wasn't there to look after them, or at least there to persuade her husband to take them in.

When she returns to her reality, she faces up to her problems.  She could have continued drinking, but because she has come to this realization, she faces up to a difficult situation and saves her community.  Without Bailey in town, her community would flounder.  It's a nice thought how just one individual can have such a knock on effect.  As they say in all the superhero comics, "With great power, comes great responsibilty".

Instead of simply being happy in love, the modern story shows how we can still be happy without the romantic fairytale ending.  Finding happiness within our work, because our work might not just heal others, but ourselves too.  This can be teamed with the non-fiction book, "Love Life, Love Work", by Kate Burton.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this so much more than I was expecting! Bailey is about to lose her family business, discovers her husband and her best friend having sex, and basically blames herself for the impending doom her mistakes will have on her town. Despite meeting cute with an old schoolmate, Bailey drinks herself into a sad state, wishing she'd never been born. She wakes up to discover... she wasn't born, and all the ways her absence has affected her family and town. It's just the kick in the ass Bailey needs to try to find a way back to her life and to fix her business and her love life!

[*Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Original. 1-1/2 hours listening time.
Narrated by Amy McFadden

Retelling of "It's a Wonderful Life". Easy read, although I'm not quite sure why it was written. Other than a play on words (Bailey George rather than George Bailey, etc.) and more modern-day problems dragging the MC down, this doesn't have a great twist or any major life to it. Although it is an enjoyable enough story to listen to over the holidays, I think watching the old movie would be a better use of the same amount of time.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and quick Christmas listen. Modern take on the iconic Christmas movie "It's A Wonderful Life". The protagonist is an imminently likeable and capable businesswoman whose professional and personal life are potentially wrecked by no fault of her own. I liked the story just wish it had been fleshed out into a longer book. Interesting concept.

[Erika Skarlupka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit never having seen It's a Wonderful Life AND not being super into holiday (Hallmark) movies or books, but this one is so short and sweet. Cliches galore, this is everything I expected it to be: feel good, light, with just enough drama.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, light read. Like a little jolt of Christmas spirit in a bite-sized novella. In the spirit of Its a Wonderful Life, Bailey finds herself stuck in a Christmas wish that she’d never been born. Sweet story!

[Biggest Little Book Talker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super short audible so I was g really sure what to except, but I absolutely loved it.
If you are it’s a wonder life fans then you will enjoy this loose retelling of the story.
Bailey is a 30 year old who has had her whole world turned upsides down, she is left with no other option but to get drunk at a bar and feel sorry for herself because what else is there?
That’s when she falls asleep and finds out that she never existed and the new reality is terrifying.
If you have seen a wonderful life then I’m sure you can guess how it all ends.
Really good hearty felt audible that reminds you of what really matters around the holidays.
🌶️

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay holiday book. Not terrible not great. But it was an okay quick listen!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually a really good new age take on the old classic. I liked it more than I thought I would. Main character was very real feeling.

[Kate (kateexplainslit) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’d skip it. Writing is okay but super rushed and the characters are extremely flat ☹️