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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Oh so good from first to last!
Delightful story of family, friendship, forgiveness , and love. So many little things that tug on the heart as well as the funny bone. I just loved it and look forward to reading up on what I missed from the rest of the series. A real treat with memorable characters and quotes. Definitely would recommend.
An Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) is Pride and Prejudice meets Downtown Abbey.
Set in 1822 England, the story follows Richard Brockwell as he travels home for the Christmas season. There, he tries to dissipate his mother’s match making while coming to terms with secrets and regrets from the past.
At first, I was not a big fan of Richard Brockwell. He was the typical high society leisure man. It was hard to like the man. But as the story progressed, it was nice to see his character arc change for the good. Arabella Awdry is the nice girl next door. Her character type was the perfect opposite for Richard. I enjoyed how she pushed Richard to see deep down inside himself at the man he could be.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book about second chances and forgiveness.
The cover and description totally caught my eye. The cover is beautiful and I really wanted to read about Richard Brockwell, I had a feeling that he was going to be a great character! Richard Brockwell has finally made it home for Christmas. He has avoided home for many years because of secrets from his past, but this year he has no choice. While being home Richard encounters an orphaned apprentice, his first love, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is much different then he had remembered.
I really enjoyed reading about Richard. He was a man who appeared to be a rake, but it was all just a rouse. He was actually a kind man who wanted to help others, but he held himself apart from others. He got me from the beginning, it was so sweet and I especially adored seeing him interact with kids.
Arabella was a strong woman, but she was also fun. She didn’t let others push her aside, but she was still kind. I really enjoyed reading about her and she was the perfect match for Richard. She wanted to do something great for God, but she had to learn that helping others is serving God.
This was a cute book! I loved reading about Richard and seeing him grow. He just needed to learn how to forgive and turn to God. An Ivy Hill Christmas was a wonderful book that pointed you to Christ. Both Richard and Arabella had much to learn, they learned to trust God through it all. I would definitely recommend this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
When Richard Brockwell arrives in Ivy Hill for a Christmas visit, he is unprepared to meet childhood friend Arabella Awdry . She is familiar with his reputation as a rake and a libertine and she avoids him like the plague, while he keeps staying away from all eligible ladies.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is the Christmas historical romance novella by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in fictional village Ivy Hill 1822 and we follow younger son Richard Brockwell as he comes to spend Christmas with his family. His mother wants to cut him off financially if he doesn’t make an effort to find a suitable lady to marry. Richard tries to scare off every eligible lady and continue his care-free life in London. His childhood friend Arabella Awdry also has no plans to marry and wants to spend her time doing charity work in London. They come to have a nice and relaxing time together, but Arabella is convinced Richard cannot be trusted.
Main character is budding, yet unpublished author, Richard Brockwell who seems a seriously shallow and uncharitable man with a bad reputation in London. I loved to follow his journey as he stayed with family and friends in Ivy Hill.
Supporting character is bluestocking philanthropist, Arabella Awdry. She is a strong and independent lady who is seriously unimpressed by Richard’s behavior around women; but has a secret wish for love and happiness. I liked her multilayered character a lot and she is my favorite of this story.
This sweet story was such a pleasure to read. It gave me all the Christmassy feels with the decorating, carol singing and church going. Even the rare occasion of snow. I loved how the beautiful book cover also set the tone of what to expect.
As always I loved Julie Klassen’s signature writing and the light and amusing dialogue. I particularly enjoyed the mystery element to do with a secret from Richard’ past.
My favorite part of the story was descriptions of church on Christmas Day. The part I found less enjoyable was descriptions of how a printer’s apprentice was treated. But I felt it made an excellent dramatic element.
When Richard scared Arabella off and she made her lack of interest in him blathantly clear, they both relaxed more which made room for feelings to grow. Richard seemed to go through a substantial change from his self serving life and become more aware of people around him.
This story is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction and for fans of Julie Klassen. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Erica Vetsch.
Thank you to publisher House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Conclusion: This is the entertaining Christmas novella about confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell who pretends to be a rake and Arabella Awdry who pretends to be a spinster. A satisfying Christmas add-on to the Tales from Ivy Hill series and the perfect read on a quiet afternoon in front of the fire or while on a break from Christmas preparations.
Rating: 5 stars / 5
Main reasons: entertaining Christmassy plot, great characters old and new, signature writing, enjoyable mystery element
Can a confirmed bachelor change his selfish ways? Can he give up the high life he is accustomed to in order to satisfy the wishes of a mother who openly plans to marry him off? Going home for Christmas isn’t always easy because it can be a reminder that one is not living up to the potential his family has planned. Richard Brockwell is a dreadful man who gives not a thought to his fellow man and because this is a book about Christmas, and Christmas in old England, one knows that he is about to undergo a change. I think it all starts when he allows a stray dog into his heart. From that moment, little clues seem to emerge in his thoughts that he knows are a little out of character for him.
I admit I didn’t like the character at all in the beginning and was skeptical of the outcome. This is a story of second chances and forgiveness with a bit of romance mixed in to keep our interest piqued. However, the love is not confined to Richard and Arabella but also includes a young apprentice who captures the heart of everyone in the story. Kindness never goes unrewarded, because it makes a lasting impression on the lives we touch, even inadvertently. This is a lovely story for our upcoming Christmas holiday season and Julie Klassen’s An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales From Ivy Hills Novella would be a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading list.
Masterful storyteller, Julie Klassen, whose Regency tales are reminiscent of Jane Austen and the great Bronte sisters, transports the reader back to the English village of Ivy Hill—bursting with the sights and scents of Christmas—joyous caroling, boughs of holly and ivy, mistletoe, sleigh rides, and snow, of course!
Richard Brockwell, a handsome, young man, with a devil-may-care attitude, is summoned home for Christmas by his mother, unaware of the many surprises that await him upon his return to Brockwell Court. I didn’t like his shallowness to start with, but he grew on me, as he did on a couple of other characters of the female persuasion. His evolvement throughout the story touches so many lives…that of an orphaned apprentice, his first love and her family, and even his own kinfolk.
A beautifully written, inspirational holiday novella with long-buried secrets, the gift of giving, and more than one lovely romance…this is one definitely to be read by a crackling fireplace and hot cocoa in hand! In your pjs.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.*
London – December 1822
Richard Brockwell is the younger brother of Sir Timothy Brockwell who now heads up their family. The family seat of Brockwell House is in Ivy Hill. Richard writes articles and sells them. He is writing some books as well, but so far, has only received rejections. He lives in the family townhouse in London where he enjoys life. He recently hosted his young sister, Justine, for her London season which was nice for both of them.
Richard’s mother has told him that he must come home for Christmas this year or she will cut off his funds. With no other choice, he heads home with his editor, David Murray, and his newly adopted dog, Wally.
While there, Richard enjoys catching up with old friends realizing that he should have come back home sooner.
Richard has always admired Arabella Awdry but she is cool to him. Although others are pairing up, she rejects his courtship. Instead, she wants to go to London and live with her aunt helping with charities.
As the days pass, they all enjoy the festivities of Christmas and the camaraderie of friends. The more time Richard is at home, he more he realizes that his heart truly belongs there. However, he wishes that Arabella had not turned him down.
I have read many of Julie Klassen’s books, most of which I have enjoyed. This is the second Ivy Hill book I have read and both of them didn’t have the energy of the others. The story seems to drag a bit followed by an abrupt ending. Sorry, but this was not a favorite.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hills series, so I was excited when I discovered this Christmas novella was coming. The story follows Thomas Brockwell’s younger brother, Richard.
It was fun seeing familiar characters from the series, especially Justina and Nicholas Ashford. Watching Richard’s transformation was the biggest treat, though. Klassen does a great job of contrasting his character with Murray’s, especially when it comes to orphan Jamie. And as Richard changes, so does his relationship with those around him, providing a delightful character arc as well as a romantic storyline.
The story also explores redemption and the transforming love of Christ, an important theme, especially in the Christmas season. At the beginning, Richard is skeptical of God. Instead of characters preaching at him, they show the love of Christ through their actions. And as Richard tries to overcome his past mistakes, Klassen invites you on your own journey to accept Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
Overall, An Ivy Hill Christmas is a wonderful read perfect for the holiday season.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen has an adorable Christmas cover. I love the idea of the snow on the ground and all the garland wrapped around everything. Don’t forget the well-dressed gentlemen in the forefront of the cover. What an inviting and delightful sight for the season! Even though it is September and 90 degrees outside, this novel definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. I loved how Klassen allowed the hero to change and become a better person as the story moved along. I loved seeing the traditions from long ago. I liked the idea of actually going to church and then changing gifts on boxing day. I never knew that the decorations had to be removed by the first of the year or bad luck could happen. Our family usually takes down all our Christmas decorations on the first day of the new year anyways, but it was nice to see something different. The romance between the hero and heroine was nice and slow. Just the way I like it. The plot didn’t drag at all. It was a nice little detail of a story that captured my attention. If you had read the previous stories in this Ivy Hill series, then you will find some familiar faces, which I enjoyed. I might return to this story when the weather becomes colder. Definitely a story for my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this story for fans of Christmas novels and Regency stories.
I received a complimentary copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen, but the opinions stated are all my own.
3.5 stars
“I am just a confirmed old bachelor – that’s all.”
Actually, that’s not all, but it’s going to take a special kind of woman to stir the heart of an unrepentant flirt like Richard Brockwell. Being summoned back home to Ivy Hill for Christmas, Richard is not at all excited about being around friends and family, but he experiences a surprising change of perspective in the lovely form of a woman who seems to as independently minded as he about her own nuptials, or lack thereof; a casual acquaintance, Arabella Awdry.
“You, Miss Awdry, should marry – but only a man who deserves you. One who would treat you with the utmost respect and adoration”. . . . . “Do you know of any such man?”, she asks softly.
My, oh my . . . the gift of God’s own Son, “that the heavenly Father would willingly send His Son into a harsh, fallen and dangerous world. Astounding.” Love prevails at Ivy Hill on this particular Christmas, even though it must first endure some refining disappointments.
I liked this story, but I didn’t find it as gripping as the other books in the series. It didn’t feel as polished as the other books. However, I did enjoy seeing Richard’s transformation and growth throughout the book.
3.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t realize this was a novella until reading the author’s note. It didn’t feel too short. I think it was well written and moved at a good pace. I liked the main characters who both underwent changes and growth in different ways. Richard’s growth was perhaps more pronounced in a complete change of heart and behavior. Arabella’s growth was more about coming to know what she really needed in life and where she could find it. And not being too quick to judge.
This is Christian lit and has obvious themes of forgiveness of others and self as well as Christ doing for us what we can’t for ourselves.
Sex: References to adultery prior to the story and indiscretions
Language: no
Violence: abuse to a child apprentice
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
‘Something in his chest cracked, then loosened, and a tendril of joy sprouted in his heart.’
Oh, how good it was to visit dear Ivy Hill again! This charming village with it’s wonderful mix of residents have quite grown attached to my heart.
Richard Brockwell comes home for Christmas at the near demand of his mother. Richard-who quite sees himself as so jaded as not to need anyone. But Richard has not reckoned on these dear inhabitants of Ivy hill.
Full of charm and so delightful, An Ivy Hill Christmas will just, quite simply, make your heart smile. In fact, I found my face and heart doing just that and often. Julie Klassen is incredibly adept at a stunning Regency. I have been reading her since her very first book and she just ticks all the boxes for a great Regency novel. Her work this time has just been amazing-so amazing that this book just may be my favorite of the entire series! And a plus is the gorgeous cover! An Ivy Hill Christmas if so full and rich and will warm your heart with it’s precious holiday cheer. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Return to Ivy Hill at Christmastime; what could possibly be better?! A sweet Christmas novella that manages to pack in a full story that also successfully revisits some much-loved previous characters. Although part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Richard has reason to be elusive with secrets lodged firmly above him, but then he spends time with Arabella and all his defenses are befuddled. I love how Richard is challenged by several characters and comes to a place of openness in receiving these challenges. Christmas magic has a way of restoring hope and softening even the most armored hearts. A chance for forgiveness, fresh starts, true community and family all come together in this must-read Christmas tale from Julie Klassen. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.