New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency RomanceReturn to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books … subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?
Rachel’s friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls’ school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what–or who–has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.
Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return–but where is he?
As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?
more
Love this series!
This is a very enjoyable clean romance with enough twists to make it fresh. I loved how the characters showed kindness to one another and to society’s outcasts. An easy-to-read story.
This is the middle book in a 3 part series. It helps to read them in order and this book leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
I loved this book! I’m new to Julie Klassen, but I will most definitely be reading more of her of her stories. Any I can get my hands on. Her writing is so much like Lawana Blackwell’s, who I adore! I’m so glad I know about Julie now. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
this author did an excellent job of writing the novel in UK at that time period.I enjoyed the characters,and could relate to one in fact.I was quickly pulled into it and could hardly put it down , it seemed as though I truly knew the characters,I found myself wanting to give advice and warnings . well written
Wonderfull series
I’m a huge fan of her books & excited she’s starting series novels! I cannot wait for then next one!
This is one of my favorite authors. I try never to start one of her books unless I have a lot of time to read as they are almost impossible to put down. Loved the setting and the characters Just a really good story
I have already reviewed this book on Amazon, it is one of a series of several, and I did not read the #1 in series first, which, is a must. The characters, their parts in the life of current book, is essential so read this, only in order.
I loved the generosity shown. The three ladies were very different from one another but all three overcame a lot of difficulties and courageously did the right thing.
Way too wordy Too many characters introduced at once and for me, it was confusing
Loved the book. Held my interest and made me wonder what will happen to Jane and the other characters in the book. Shows God frequently has a plan for our lives we don’t see.
I live all of her books!
Lots of sub-plots … twists and turns, although somewhat predictable. Loved the characters.
I was excited to return to Ivy Hill, and author Julie Klassen didn’t disappoint me. Klassen does a good job of putting the reader in Regency England. You can see the setting through her descriptions, and you become very familiar with the characters. Ivy Hill truly comes to life.
The story centers mainly on three friends, with other characters woven through out. If you haven’t read book 1 of the series you may have trouble following what is going on. I enjoyed the switching from one character to another, as they were all intertwined.
A slower paced story, I truly enjoyed being able to take in all of the description without feeling like I had to rush to see what happened next. Gentle romance, history, and a library. This book has something for everyone and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
There are a number of characters that play a major part in this story. Miss Rachel Ashford is the central figure though. Everyone else connects with her in some way or another. They are all extremely well developed and a delight to get to know.
Primarily this is a stand-alone story within a series. Though there were a number of things that I felt a little left out of the loop about since I haven’t read the first book in the series. I believe that this is simply because of the small country town and the tight connections that the residents have with each other.
It is set in 1820, Wiltshire, England. The descriptions of the area and how life was lived were fabulous. Many times I felt transported to the area.
Rachel’s best friends are Jane Bell and Mercy Grove. They each have things going on in their own lives and at times I was so touched by their circumstances and heart aches that I found myself reaching for a tissue to dry my eyes.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I thoroughly enjoyed this return to visit Ivy Hill; I had been missing this little village with its mishmash of characters. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, the second novel in Julie Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hill provides a unique day to day life of three women, Rachel Ashford; Jane Bell, and Mercy Grove.
Miss Rachel Ashford, having lost her home and social standing through a grace error by her deceased father, is a guest of Ivy Cottage. Rachel is very conscientious about contributing whatever she can to Ivy Hill and not be seen as one who is taking advantage. Her newest venture, a circulating library, turns out to be a bigger success than expected. Not a free library, the patrons paid a fee to be a member, with a discount on the fee if the member makes a donation of any book. With all the book donations, Rachel soon discovers some rather interesting information that leads to a mystery she feels compelled to resolve.
Meanwhile, Mercy Grove finds an increase of male visitors, none which could be interested in her, or could they? Widow Jane Bell is beginning to see success with her inn, except Athena, the spirited horse that Gabriel Locke had gifted her. Athena has become more and more distressed until even Jane could quiet her. When talk amongst the stablehands begins to turn toward putting the horse down, for its safety and those around, Jane knows she must do something drastic. She pens a letter to Gabriel expressing her concerns for Athena; not hearing an immediate response, Jane despairs for the life of Athena, until one early morning she finds a quieted Athena with Gabriel Locke in her stall, calmly working his magic with the horse. And Gabriel Locke is just as roguishly handsome as Jane remembered.
It seems each of the women, Rachel, Jane and Mercy have their hands full as they continue about their lives in the small village named Ivy Hill.
Written with such skill as to invite the reader right into Ivy Hill Cottage, perhaps to share a cup of tea or read a book in the reading room. I, for one, am ready for my next visit in Ivy Hill.
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen is the second edition in Tales from Ivy Hill. It is September in 1820 in Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England. Rachel Ashford wants to discover a way for her to earn money to support herself. She appreciates Mercy allowing her to life at Ivy Cottage, but she wants to pay her own way. The women of the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society suggest that Rachel use what her father left her in his will—his library. Rachel can open a subscription library at Ivy Cottage. The townspeople rally behind Rachel and donate books to the library. Thanks to those donated books, Rachel has two mysteries to ponder. She must also make a decision regarding Nicholas Ashford’s proposal. Jane Bell is busy running The Bell, but she misses Gabriel Locke. Is Jane ready to move on with her life? If so, is there a chance of Gabriel returning? Mercy Groves has long given up hope of getting married. She is busy running the school and is hoping to expand it. Mr. Thomas asks Mercy to become young Alice’s guardian. Mercy is happy to take on the role, but then suitor starts paying attention to her. Ivy Cottage, though, may be lost to all its current inhabitants if Mercy’s mother has her way. To see what happens to the women, join them on their journey in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage.
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is well-written with lovely characters. I do recommend reading The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill before embarking on The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. The first book introduces you to the characters, the village of Ivy Hill and their lives (it sets the stage for The Ladies of Ivy Cottage). The Ladies of Ivy Cottage picks up where the first book ended. The characters are well developed, and they continue to evolve. The pace of the story is gentle which suits the story (it is slower than The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill). I do feel, though, that the book is a little long (440 pages). Julie Klassen accurately portrayed the time-period with the clothing, the way people spoke (it was more formal), mannerisms, the shops, roles of men and women, locale, and customs. You can tell that the author did her research for the series. Through Ms. Klassen’s words you can imagine the village and its citizens. The Christian element is light and adds just the right touch. In addition to the main three ladies there are secondary characters that add drama and romance to the story. James Drake is working on his hotel, Sir Timothy Brockwell is interested in one of the ladies, Thora returns, Joseph Kingsley (the local carpenter) shows an interest in getting to know one of the women, and Mr. Carville is up to something. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is a rich, historical novel and I am eager for the next installment in the Tales from Ivy Hill.