"Darien Gee writes about friendship and family with depth, grace and heart." --Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author of Blackberry Winter: A Novel Welcome to Avalon, IL. Quaint, charming, idyllic. A beautiful small river town that tourists love to visit and residents are proud to call home. Take a stroll down the flower-lined streets bubbling with old-time, classic charm or peek into any of the stores that make the local merchants proud: find a favorite book at the Book Nook, browse the selection of local wares at Avalon Gifts 'N More, or stop by Madeline's tea salons for scones and a hot cup of Darjeeling. Avalon is a place that you could stay for a while for no reason other than being there. But it's the 4,243 residents that set Avalon apart from everywhere else in the world. Characters of all sorts abound, from the friendly and hospitable innkeeper to the gossipy gal living next door to the crotchety old geezer down the street. A colorful palate of individuals give Avalon its heart, and when push comes to shove, this motley crew shows up for each other as friends, neighbors and family in the least expected ways. Written with heart, wit and honesty, An Avalon Christmas is filled with twelve heartwarming stories of hope and cheer that make every day Christmas, bringing laughter and tears to readers this holiday season.