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
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen is the second book in the Tales from Ivy Hill series. The women of the village are encouraging Miss Rachel Ashford to set up a circulating library with the many books that were left to her by her late father. As she begins to sort through the different books that the villagers also donate she stumbles upon a mystery. With the help of an ex-suitor Rachel searches for clues. Mercy Grove, Rachel’s hostess, is resigned to being a spinster and running her girls’ school. So, when several men begin to stop by Ivy Cottage she assumes they are interested in Rachel. The truth may come as a shock to everyone. I admit the story started out a little slow. It seemed to be just the everyday lives of an English village. But, once you immersed yourself in that daily living you began to be a part of it. I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed getting to know the ladies living in Ivy Hill. Their struggles and triumphs were an inspiration. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I have loved all her books. looking forward to reading this new one set at Christmas time.
Very much enjoyed this trilogy and felt a part of each Ivy Hill lady’s life. I will look for more to read from this author.
I am loving the Tales from Ivy Hill! The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is another winning story, full of charm, whimsy, and characters that I grew to love. The plot is best described as steady, flavored with issues that aren’t particularly heart-stopping, but still full of heart and emotion.
Usually when a book switching between characters, I usually get impatient to leave one and get back to my favorite, but that wasn’t the case here. Even though I probably do prefer Jane over the others (I’m usually loyal to the first character I “meet”), the other characters are endearing, and I loved each part of their stories, as they navigated their lives.
It was a delight to see more of Jane and Thora, but also delightful to get to know Rachel more, a character that I wasn’t too sure about in the first book. I admit, when she said that she didn’t care for books, I just thought there was no way I could relate to her, ha! But then, when she stepped out and started her own circulation library, I had to come around. I just loved the details about the circulating library.
Saying that the plot is steady is not to say that there were no mysteries or no romance. Indeed, some of the character surprised me, both in the revelations that were made about them, and the way they interacted with others in unexpected ways. One certain character I was just desperate to see back, and even though all things are not resolved, I have high hopes! And, oh my, this book has some of the sweetest and endearing declarations of love that just made me sigh. I’m so looking forward to the third book. In the next book, I really hope to see a happily ever after for Jane, and I can’t wait to see what happens with Mercy – I thought I knew what I wanted to happen, but now I’m just not sure and can see multiple avenues. I can definitely see myself re-reading this series, and they are definitely going on my keeper shelf, which is what I say about all of Klassen’s titles. Both books are on my favorites list for the year. It seems such a long wait for book three, but I know it’ll be worth it!
One more note – I highly recommend reading these books in order. I think it’s unfair when readers get annoyed that a book in a series doesn’t stand alone. If you don’t like stories with unresolved plot points, then you won’t like this series. I know a lot of Christian fiction uses the term “series” very loosely (like set in the same town, or within the same family), so many CF readers come to expect that, but these books are a series in the truer sense of the word, in that, you will be confused about many things if you don’t read book one first, and therefore, probably not enjoy it.
I love the propriety, etiquette and decorum of the Regency period. The slow pace of life is a welcome diversion from today’s fast world. Despite the improprieties of the upper crust—their infidelities, indiscretions and scandals, Julie Klassen does not reveal them to us in the same way we’d receive them from a dime novel. In contrast, her prose is all manners and grace, indicative of the time period. The visual impact of her stories is what keeps me coming back to her books.
If you love historical fiction involving revitalized friendships, swoon-worthy romantic moments, an atmospheric setting with fully developed characters, this book is for you. But do yourself a favor and begin with the first book of the series, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. A highly recommended series.
The saga continues and readers get to learn more about the three women who have grown up as friends, each with their own destiny. A lot of the hierarchy of entailment and British life and what the consequences of such could is explained well in this book.
With her father dead and her childhood home in the hands of a new owner, Rachel Ashford must out her mind to providing for herself. She begins a subscription library with the collection of books her father left her. But marriage still becomes. Does an old love hold promise for the future or will her cousin draw her back home?
This is as beautifully told as the first book was. I love how intertwined the multiple story threads are. Jane Bell, becoming more confident as an innkeeper, is uncertain about opening up her heart. Mercy Grove’s family has returned to manage her future. And Rachel… her trust was broken once and she isn’t sure she can let herself be hurt again. All of these are balanced in the story so no one is overshadowed.
The story is grounded in reality, which I love. It is kept clean and is a calm, peaceful read. The plot is slow, even with a mystery to be solved, but does not get tedious.
For a reader looking for a gentle, afternoon read, I would recommend this.
I LOVE EVERYTHING Julie Klassen writes and the Ivy Hill series is at the top of the list!
I really enjoy Julie Klassen. She develops characters with real emotions.
Really enjoyed this historical romance. It is a part of a series that I will continue to read. Excellent characters, interesting setting.
Julie Klassen’s return trip to Ivy Hill was even more enjoyable than the first time around. The pace was sedate, but the plot was intriguing, and I looked forward to picking the book back up whenever life got in the way. There is still a romance or two left to develop in the finale but those that came to fruition were oh so satisfying. The inhabitants of Ivy Hill have charmed their way into my heart, and I am eager to see them again.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This was the last book in the series. It did not disappoint. I love all of Julie Klassens books. All of her books is a must read!!
I thought this book was a good read!
Just lovely! It’s not fast-paced or terribly exciting, but the women of Ivy Hill have a gentle strength that made this book a pleasure to read. I recommend reading the first book in the series, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, to more fully understand and appreciate the backgrounds of the various community members. The perspective switches often between Jane (the innkeeper), Rachel (the librarian), Mercy (the teacher), and Thora (Jane’s mother-in-law). We learn more about Timothy, Rachel and Jane’s childhood friend and beau, Mrs. Haverhill, the mysterious recluse, and Mr. Grant, the businessman, and their pasts and secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book in intriguing layers which propelled the story forward. By the conclusion of the book we have happy endings for some, and interesting prospects for others, making me wish the third book was already out! The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is definitely a book to savor as it’s read.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I enjoyed the setting, and the characters.
I found this slow moving in the beginning and it took me awhile to get into it but part way in I was compelled along. I would describe it as a meandering stream that you sit and enjoy on a warm spring day. I recommend reading book one first, as this revisits numerous characters and you might feel lost if you read this as a stand-alone. Many stories left hanging in book one are resolved and others leave you hanging for book three. Now I will anxiously await to read it. I found it interesting how a circulating library worked in 1820. I loved the friendships of the ladies and how they support each other in their endeavors to support themselves financially in a time when it was difficult to be unmarried. I enjoyed the handwritten letters and secrets that were revealed through them. The character development especially of Thora was heartwarming and I loved the lesser character of Hetty. Very interesting read of friendship, faith, secrets revealed, and opening your heart..
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This book was a great read. I loved it.
Thought it was a great read.
Julie has a great way of bringing characters to life!
Great book and ready to read the next one…