Ivyland Christmas
a novel by Eileen Connolly
Dare to imagine what your life could be.
Come to Ivyland & stay for the 12 Days of Christmas
Like the Tudors, the Early Americans knew how to enjoy the season. In the village of Ivyland, the traditions live on:
singing carols while strolling through luminary-lined streets or riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, sharing a dance at the annual dress-up ball, hauling home the perfect Yule log and holiday tree, baking pies and decorating cookies, drinking hot mulled cider and snuggling in for a cozy night at the fire with a loved one.
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.”
—Benjamin Franklin
IVYWOOD GAZETTE: Special News Bulletin!
As you know, the Old Stone Carriage House has long needed a new roof. Obediah McIntyre brings it up at every darn town meeting. Today he gets to say “I told you so” because the costumes for the school’s Christmas pageant have been badly damaged by water.
But never fear, folks. All is not lost. Due to the recent severe snow storm, a bus from New York City broke down and stranded Broadway costume designer Bronwyn Jones here in Ivywood. Lucky for us, Ms. Jones has agreed to repair our cherished angel costume with its original embroidery by Betsy Ross. We couldn’t be more grateful.
Our savior seamstress will be staying with Abigail and Edmond Nash until the snow clears and her bus can travel again. If anyone has time to bake an extra pie or put together a casserole and deliver it the old Nash homestead, I’m sure it would be much appreciated as our seamstress works late into the night. And if you’re driving over that way, let Mabel know because she’d like to contribute some of her homemade peach brandy to keep the workers refreshed, and she can’t walk over because her hip is acting up.
Stay warm everyone. Beware of those icy roads. See you at the show!
Welcome to Ivyland
Located in Bucks County, just north of historic Philadelphia, Ivyland is known for its antique stores, thriving artist community, boutique shopping, gourmet restaurants, and pubs that served the likes of General Washington during the revolution.
Come for a taste of history, stay for the friendly people and slower tempo of living. We’re close to the big cities, but we promise —we’re nothing like them.
population: 1,006
founded in 1773
Where to Shop, Where to Stay, What to Eat, and What to See:
THE WARREN: This popular pub and heritage stone building dates back to the 1600’s. Stop in for a pint and stay for the live music or poetry readings.
THE WASHINGTON INN: All rooms in this heritage inn are decorated with art and antiques from the 1770s. The traditional Tea Room also offers a formal dining option. Reservations are required.
SALLY’S BREAKFAST: Open daily 6am-noon. As the name suggests, they only serve breakfast. Don’t expect a luncheon sandwich, but do expect delicious organic local produce, and Hattie’s organic free range eggs.
THE GENERAL STORE / Township & Mayor’s Office: While you get your whole grain flour and quinoa measured out, you can also have your documents notarized, sign a petition, and pay your taxes. And they have penny candy, too!
TURNER’S DAIRY FARM: Pet the cows and the llamas, pick up some fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the best ice cream ever!
ANDERSEN’S HORSE FARM & EVENTS CATERING: This family was among the first settlers to the region, and their prize-winning horses are still highly sought after today.
BUCKS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY & THE NATIVE AMERICAN MUSEUM: Don’t miss the textiles of Betsy Ross, the fine pewter of Paul Revere, or the writings of Benjamin Franklin, as well as art and artifacts from the local Susquehannock and Delaware tribes.
BODEWICK’S ANTIQUES: One of the area’s best antique stores, you’ll find everything from handcrafted toys and embroidery samplers to hand-painted sideboards and trunks.
VANDERLYN HALL ARTS LEAGUE: Named in honor of Aaron Burr’s protege, the league was founded by painters who moved to Bucks County during the early 20th century. The Arts League runs classes for all levels and hosts art exhibits from their prized collection as well as from local Bucks County artists. Sign up for their newsletter so you don’t miss out on getting a ticket to their annual costumed ball.
MCFADDEN’S BOOKSTORE / NEWSPAPER: Since 1750, the Ivyland Gazette has been keeping our village informed and connected. The publishing house was expanded in the mid-20th century to include a bookstore and spiritual center featuring yoga, meditation and acupuncture.
Main Characters
Bronwyn MacNamara:
A former Broadway costume designer, Bronwyn left it all behind to discover the next chapter in her life.
Ames Andersen:
Youngest son of the Andersen family, he abandoned his training as a chef in NYC to return home and run the family’s horse farm. His big dream is to start an events catering business in his newly renovated barn.
Abigail & Edmond Nash:
Ames’ sister married the family lawyer, Edmond, who commutes into Philadelphia some days but also has a thriving business in Bucks County where he and Abigail are kept busy raising their family.
The Nash Kids:
The angelic Eliza + the 3 Ruffians: Fern, Billy, and Ryder. They are bundles of energy and extremely well read.
The Nash Pets:
The Nash’s barn has been requisitioned by their children as an animal sanctuary for wounded wildlife (such as their numerous bunnies, all named after the signers of the Declaration of Independence).Their indoor pets include: the blind dog, Ford, and his seeing-eye cat, Graham Cracker.
Augustus Andersen:
The oldest of the Andersen siblings, Augustus spends most of his time in New York City or abroad, wheeling and dealing in who knows what. His home in Bucks County was the only thing he wanted in the divorce, even if he rarely visits it.
Grace Andersen:
Augustus’ daughter. As smart as a whip, she attends a prestigious boarding school in the area. Her father’s hope is that she’ll follow in his footsteps as a trail blazer in the business world. Grace’s hope is that she’ll be an artist like her mother.
Mrs. Gertrude MacFadden:
Gertie’s getting older now but still puts out the Ivyland Gazette like clockwork, plus emergency bulletins, as needed. After her time in India with the Beatles, meditating and finding herself, she opened a bookstore and spiritual center. Come for a yoga class or a cup of tea and gaze at back issues of the Gazette.
& Roger:
This intelligent little terrier is owned by no one yet enjoyed by all. He tends to move from home to home following his own flawless curiosity and is welcome wherever he chooses to be—his manners are impeccable. Since Bronwyn Jones arrived, he’s been at her side, day and night.
“Now Christmas comes, 'tis fit that we,
should feast and sing and merry be.
Keep open house, let fiddlers play
A jig for cold, sing care away.”
——18th century Almanac
Chapter 1
