For Dean Mulligan, Christmas is a holiday to avoid. Growing up in a series of foster homes, it was never a very special day for him and now he would prefer to work than to celebrate. Lizzie Breen is the sister of one of the firefighters that Mulligan works with. She is also someone that Mulligan is extremely attracted to, but he will never act on his feelings because he does not feel as if he is good enough for her.

A few days prior to Christmas while on duty, they respond to a massive fire at a strip shopping center. Mulligan is on the roof of the building venting the fire when he falls through and is trapped... in a Christmas store.

Ms. Bernard takes us on a modern version of the movie It's a Wonderful Life. We are treated to a look back at Mulligan's life, including his time with Lizzie. Rather than have Clarence the Angle on this journey, he is led on the trip by Christmas Elf Lizzie. As with the movie, Mulligan also re- evaluates his life and his relationship with Lizzie.

IT'S A WONDERFUL FIREMAN is the last book in the Bachelor Firemen of San Gabriel series and it is a fantastic ending. Cameo appearances are made by almost every character in each of the previous books, allowing us to catch up on their lives. I loved watching Mulligan realize how much he means to everyone, especially Lizzie. I loved the flash backs to his life.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE left me with warm feelings and a smile after reading. It was a perfect ending to the series. Even though this is the final book in the series, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone.