Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for … for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.
But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart . . . and hers as well?
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An Ivy Hill Christmas is a captivating addition to the Tales from Ivy Hill series written by Julie Klassen. Having read this author before, I was hoping for a good holiday read and I was not disappointed. The characters were great–evocative, vibrant, and likable. The story gripped me right from the start and just got better and better as the characters interacted and, of course, with a delightful romance set in a beautiful English village setting. I loved the depiction of a Regency-era Christmas and all the English traditions. The author has deftly woven a message of grace and forgiveness throughout the story. An Ivy Hill Christmas is a delightful Regency romance and readers who enjoy sweet Christmas romances won’t want to miss this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
A great read for this time of the year. This beautiful story is about redemption, charity, and second chances. Richard Brockwell a playboy content to live off of his family’s money in London, just doing the clubs and the leisurely life. It is the Christmas season of 1882 and his Mother has demanded he come home or his funds will be cut off. He goes home very reluctantly not knowing that there is going to be a great change in his life. He meets a beautiful woman, a small boy and a dog and somehow they all speaks to his heart and his aimless life. Klassen has written a touching novella and the characters are well written and memorable, especially Richard, Arabella, and the boy Jamie. You will certainly enjoy this one…….I was given an ecopy via Netgalley and this review is in my own words.
Are we who we seem to be? Or is there someone inside who is the real person that we don’t want others to see?
These are just a few questions you might ask as you read An Ivy Hill Christmas. Julie Klassen excels at writing Regency-era stories and this is just another example of how wonderfully she does.
We get to go back to Ivy Hill and revisit some of the characters we know and love but also get to know new characters who we haven’t known before.
I love coming back to a story that I’ve been to before. It’s like coming home. And now it’s like coming home over the holidays. This is a wonderful Christmas story about two people who have the world believing them a rake and a spinster but who really have other things and desires inside that are just waiting to burst off the pages.
This is a wonderful book and I hope you give it a read. You can read this book without having read any of the Ivy Hill books before but you’re definitely going to want to read them when you’re done if you haven’t already.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is the first book I have read by this author and whilst I enjoyed the descriptions of old country customs, I did find the story slow going which I found surprising as if was designated a novella. I am sure that readers who have read other books within this series will enjoy revisiting characters that they already know but sadly I am not one of them. Despite the fact that the story involves a gentleman improving their character, this felt very goody two shoes to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a lovely story! I have read and loved two of Julie Klassen’s books in the past, and I adore Christmas novellas so I jumped at the chance to request a review copy of this one! I have not read any of the other books in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, but I had no trouble following this story, so I would say it can totally stand alone. At first I wasn’t crazy about Richard, but I could tell he definitely had some growing to do as a character and I was excited to witness it, and oh how beautifully the change in him occurred, it was a joy to read, and I grew to love him dearly! Arabella was a fantastic heroine, I loved her spunkiness, and her kind and thoughtful heart! I also adored Richard’s loveably delightful dog, Wally!
The setting was gorgeous, there’s nothing better than Christmas in a Regency era english village! This story swept me away to another time and place and I absolutely loved every moment I spent reading it! I never cry at books but this one is so beautiful that there were moments it literally brought tears of joy to my eyes.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is an absolutely beautiful story that I adored from beginning to end and most highly recommend! Believe me, you want this book, get your copy ASAP!
(5 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
What an absolutely fun novella! It was wonderful to go back to Ivy Hill and revisit old friends.
To me, Richard is a mix between Scrooge and Grinch. lol I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like anyone. Can I say for the record that one of my favorite characters of the book is probably his valet Pickering? hahaha I love that he gives it back to Richard.
Wouldn’t it be quite the experience to be so rich that you just pay for everything for someone? Poor Richard is about to lose his mother funding his lifestyle if he doesn’t go home so that’s what he does. Only he doesn’t go alone. He takes his friend, David Murray, with him. It seems most of the people in this story are able to teach Richard either a lesson or bring something to his attention. Mr. Murray does that on their way to Brockwell Court by helping out an orphan.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Arabella. She’s like me in that she doesn’t brook any nonsense when it comes to her family. You mess with them, you mess with her. Arabella has no patience for Richard, regardless of how handsome he is. The only problem is, she starts to see him in a different light as she spends more time with him.
The two of them often find themselves together and while they fight any attraction that might be growing, we the readers are able to enjoy watching it all unfold. I liked how they both felt so compelled to help the orphan, Jamie. In fact, it’s rather funny at the end how Jamie’s situation causes some events to unfold!
I never really thought about what Christmas was like back in the 1800s. I loved how it was such a long celebration and so much festivities. At least in this story they all were delighted to give back during the season in various ways. They took their Christmas caroling seriously. Ah to be transported back to that time, even if it were just for a month!
Don’t miss out on this perfect Christmastime novella! It’ll put you in the mood for the season.
*I received this book from the author and publisher. This is my personal opinion.
An Ivy Hill Christmas was a charming Christmas novella by Julie Klassen. It was fun to learn the many customs associated with Christmas, New Year, and Twelfth Night. The food, games, and snowy outdoor activities made me start wishing for a white Christmas! How fun it would be to celebrate the season with family and friends for several weeks.
Richard was as big of a Scrooge as one could be. And there might have been a time or two I wanted to slap him alongside Arabella for the cutting remarks that came from his mouth. But his journey of learning to look past self to love and forgive others was perfect for the Christmas season. After all, it is the beginning of the path to the redemptive work of the Cross.
Arabella’s generous and kind nature is the attitude we should all have toward each other whether it is around the holidays or not. She was an exceptional woman, and I loved how she stood up for herself and others. I think we could be good friends!
Overall, I enjoyed this Christmas novella, as I do all of Julie Klassen’s stories. But Christmas stories are special, and I think An Ivy Hill Christmas conveyed the true meaning of the season perfectly. I would recommend this novella to any Regency romance fan.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Who needs a time machine when a good author can take you anywhere! Ms. Klassen takes the reader by the hand and whishes you straight back to Regency England.
Not only is she well familiar with the era, but Ms. Klassen is well versed in human nature.
Richard, self-centered and self-indulgent didn’t go home for Christmas for any nostalgic reasons. In fact, it seems to this reader that he stayed away for exactly those nostalgic reasons. Well, that and [SPOILER.]
Arabella was about as opposite to Richard as a person can be—giving and self-sacrificing, her deepest heart desire to serve others. And she knew Richard’s reputation, and had no more desire to spend time with him that he with her.
But as the holiday progressed, and as human nature tends to do, and with situation and circumstances Ms. Klassen skillfully unfolded—and as iron sharpens iron—Richard and Arabella discovered truth beneath the layers of sludge that life had cocooned around both of them.
Oh! How I wish I could have been there! The dances, the sleigh rides, the gowns—the food! I felt the biting chill in the air, I smelled the pine of the boughs, the smoke from the fireplaces, the tantalizing aromas of dinner. I heard the pianoforte, the jingle of the sleigh bells, the whisper of the harp.
Such a beautiful story of transformation, tugging heart strings, tenderness and compassion.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, An Ivy Hill Christmas, Julie Klassen, Tales from Ivy Hill, Celebrate Lit Publicity
Love, love Julie Klassen!! So I was super excited to be part of this tour. This is actually my first visit to Ivy Hill but it definitely won’t be my last. I need to go back and catch up on the rest of the series as I am sure I would of gotten much more out of this one but that being said I felt like I followed along pretty well. I was enthralled with this story and definitely puts you into a Christmas mood.
In this story we meet Richard comes home reluctantly and is faced with his past. He has a great deal of hurts that drives his behavior. He also has a lot of unresolved guilt that he is dealing with and we see that through a good chunk of the story. Arabella is the love interest that at first glance seems to have it all together but she is just protecting her heart and doesn’t want to get hurt.
There are a few romances going on which was like the cherry on top to this story! I absolutely loved all of the happiness going around.
Klassen does a phenomenal job as always! This story reminded me a little bit of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. It’s full of charity, care and most importantly redemption. The need to forgive so healing can come forth. Beautifully written and highly recommended especially if you are a fan of historical fiction!
( I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a delightful Christian historical novella. It is part of the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The story is set in 1822 in England. At times it was reminiscent of A Christmas Carol and also Pride And Prejudice but it is a perfectly wonderful tale in its own right. Snow, the festive season and Ivy Hill all blend together to tantalise the reader’s imagination.
I loved catching up with old and meeting new faces. Love and welcome abound throughout. Lives are transformed from icy indifference to care. Philanthropic hearts are huge as people are rescued from their situations. This is a motif for god as He rescues us from a life of disconnection from Him as He draws us close to His heart.
It is not good to live with an eye on the past and a heart full of unforgiveness. We need to forgive and exchange a heart of stone for a heart of flesh.
There is the theme of the prodigals returning – both physically and spiritually.
I loved the inclusion of a dog called Wally who wore a matching waistcoat with his owner! Pets turn a house into a home. They inject love and warmth into lives.
I have really loved this Ivy Hill series as I immersed myself in a bygone age.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
It’s Christmastime 1822 in the grand place of Ivy Hill. The festivities are starting and for our entertainment we have the dashing Richard and the allusive Arabella . Richard is coming home only because his mother has summoned him. He must appease her or he may find himself penniless. I really did like Richard and his charm that captured women’s attention. Well not everyone admired him. That is what makes this story so fun.
Arabella is not pleased to see Richard and doesn’t even want to speak to him. I loved how the author has them pushed together in different places and is forced to be civil to each other. Richard does come off as a well let’s say an uncharitable person. All that is about to change when his path crosses with someone in dire need. I enjoyed watching Richard show that his heart can be touched by others. If only his family can get over the past and he can learn how to forgive and be forgiven. He is not a complicated man, merely someone who wants to be accepted and to find true love.
Arabella won my heart by her strength and ability to stand up for herself . I know I The banter between Richard and Arabella is funny at times and I wasn’t sure if they would ever see eye to eye on anything. The author brings this time period to life with vivid descriptions. I wanted to join the group as they caroled and celebrated a special holiday.
The best part of the book is how God was the center of the story with illustrations of kindness to others, forgiveness and being able to accept who you are. “Do you think a man can change his nature?” “With God’s help, yes.” We can’t change people but we can pray for them. Arabella realizes that God is in control . I love happy endings and was pleased with how the author demonstrated God’s unconditional love as two people find their way back to each other.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Having read the other three books in Julie Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hill series, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this Christmas novella. It was like visiting with old friends again, my only disappointment being when I finished the last page. In addition to the townsfolk who have been a part of the regular series, we readers were introduced to some new characters, including a dog, who added more layers of richness and warmth to the story. From laugh-out-loud banter to family fun and romantic tension, this book had me turning pages while cheering on the various players to a happy conclusion. I also loved the spiritual element and how the uplifting message of Christmas impacted the story in several ways. Although this wonderful novella can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend the entire series. Lift your spirits by escaping back to Ivy Hill in this delightful Christmas tale!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is just what I needed to start the holidays. A wonderfully written story that takes place during the Christmas season. This is part of the Ivy Hill series but can totally be read as a stand-alone.
I. Loved. It. It had all of my favorite historical Christmas traditions. With well developed, multidimensional characters.
I loved seeing Arabella and Richard together. She was feisty and he was her equal. Richard had a laughable sarcasm that I loved. His quick wit and personality made me smile throughout the book.
It was the sweetest Christmas story.
There were many acts of kindness. People helping and caring for others always warms my heart.
I highly recommend this and hope you love it as much as I did. Happy Christmas!
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is part of the Tales from Ivy Hill series by Julie Klassen. I have enjoyed the other books in the series and I believe this one is among my favorites. I adored this story. It is a quick read that includes a lot I enjoy in a book. Which includes: mystery, suspense, history and romance. It is one of those books that I can sit down for a few minutes to start. Then wound up still sitting in the same chair a few hours later and reading the very last page. It is so very good.
An Ivy Hill Christmas will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction, clean romance, and those that are set during the magical time of Christmas.
I received An Ivy Hill Christmas from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
“You’re right. You don’t deserve it. Love and forgiveness are not something you earn. They are gifts. None of us deserves forgiveness. None of us can do enough good deeds to atone for our own failings. If we could, God would not have had to send the Son He loved into the world to die for us. But He did, because He loves us.”
Such a heart-warming, redemptive Christmas novella filled with forgiveness, new beginnings, and reminders of what Christmas is really about. Julie Klassen once again weaves an emotionally complex Regency novella that is nostalgic, enchanting, and oh so delightful. It is clearly a part of the Tales From Ivy Hill series but works well as a stand-alone (I have regretfully not read any of the books in the series but did not have any trouble following the plot or the characters). The dialogue is incredibly witty and clever and the Christmas house party at Brockwell Court felt so warm, fun, and delicious. I loved going through each tradition of Twelve Days of Christmas and truly enjoyed watching Richard’s facade of self-centered and irresponsible gentleman of leisure crumble to reveal the compassionate, hard-working, and resourceful man of honor and beautiful words that he is deep down inside. Arabella, with her generous and loyal heart, is easy to love and root for, though she tries her best to resist Richard’s charms. The secondary characters are equally fascinating and they’re quite well-defined even in the context of a shorter novella format. There is much forgiveness to be asked for and received as these characters revisit their pasts. And the redemptive light and hope of Christmas shines down on them all, especially on Richard.
If you enjoy Christmas novellas, especially those set in Regency England, you will absolutely adore this one. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
A kind young lady inspires a selfish gentleman of leisure to help others and reconnect with his home and family.
An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a lovely Christmas historical romance full of the magic of the season. It is part of the Tales of Ivy Hill series but can be read as a standalone.
In London, Richard Brockwell lived in his family’s townhouse, spending his older brother’s money and leaving a life of leisure and selfishness.
He had not returned to his family country estate in years, but his mother gave him an ultimatum. He would either go home for Christmas or stay in London without any allowance.
Once in Ivy Hill, Richard was astounded to realize how things have changed, and not always for the better. He was also not happy to learn that his mother had matchmaking plans for him.
He was determined to scare the young lady away, but his determination gradually weakened as he started to learn more about the lovely Miss Arabela Awry.
I loved that, inspired by the kind actions he witnessed, Richard slowly started to reach out, and the more he helped others, the happier he felt.
There are some lovely side characters, including a vest-and-tie-wearing dog and a sweet and clumsy young apprentice.
As a Jane Austen fan, it was an extra treat to find passages clearly referring to Pride and Prejudice and Emma.
This is a lovely Christmas story full of the magic of the season. Families reunited, spirituality, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, and happy endings.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
An Ivy Hill Christmas is an inspirational Christian romance set during Christmastime in the Regency period in England.
This novella is set after the events in the Ivy Hill Series. It features two main characters, Richard Brockwell and Arabella Awdry, who were briefly mentioned in the previous novels but didn’t have major roles. In this story, Richard’s mother unpleasantly convinces the selfish dandy to come home to Ivy Hill for Christmas. There, he meets Arabella again and begins to change from his selfish ways.
It is a cute romance, full of Christmas cheer, generosity, and historical traditions. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters, seeing them grow and fall in love. Julie Klassen has a talent for creating well-developed characters, and this book is no exception. I also enjoyed revisiting old favorite characters from the previous books and getting a glimpse into their lives a couple of years later.
And I enjoyed learning about the Christmas traditions; there was so much generosity and family and friends featured in the story, not so much focus on self and what one each person desires as the holidays can be in today’s world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and recommend it to fans of sweet historical romance.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive review.
I really enjoyed Julie Klassen’s new book An Ivy Hill Christmas. Klassen is one of my favorite authors!
Richard is like the Grinch and his heart is gradually growing from its tiny size. It was neat to watch his transition gradual and not sudden. I think he just didn’t realize how much he already cared or knew how to put it into action.
I appreciate how Klassen shows the story from more than just the main character’s viewpoint. I enjoyed learning more about Christmas in London and something’s I wish we still did!
The ending as pretty abrupt and I think it could have been longer to fully conclude the story. But overall I loved it!
An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a Tales from Ivy Hill novella. Richard Brockwell is being coerced into to returning to Ivy Hill for Christmas. If he doesn’t show up his mother will cut off his money. He plans to only stay until the holidays are over. Arabella Awdry has heard all the stories about Richard’s escapades; so, she doesn’t trust him. Can he convince her that he has changed? This is a return to the charming English village of Ivy Hill. I liked being able to re-connect with all the characters from the other books. I loved the cover! It sure has a classic Christmas feel to it. The Ivy Hill series puts you in mind of a Jane Austen script. I feel that Ms. Austen and Ms. Klassen would have been best friends! It was so refreshing to be able to experience an English Christmas with all the old-world traditions. This was a very heart-warming story with the undertone that anyone who wants to can change.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
Charming regency for the holiday season.
Fans of Jane Austen will love this peak at the holiday traditions of the past. Klassen gives the reader a sweet blend of romance and holiday tradition, but mostly it is a story of how family secrets have the power to haunt us, molding and defining one, and how one young man sought to break free. With a wonderfully eclectic and memorable cast of characters, readers will find their hearts stirred by Richard Brockwell’s spiritual journey just as much as that memorable character, Ebenezer Scrooge.
A book for the keeper shelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.