A book review of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen. A beautiful novel set in the fictional charming town of Ivy Hill, England. This book will not disappoint readers looking for a light read filled with friendships, romance and mystery.
"Klassen launches a heartwarming new series set in the Regency era that delivers everything fans of gentle historical-romance novels could ever want..." - Booklist
The One In Ivy Hill!
This post is my personal, honest review of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage!
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
A Novel by Julie Klassen
Regency era historical fiction is, without a doubt, one of my favorite genres. Give me a cottage, and a quaint town filled with romance and mystery and I am hooked. Julie Klassen's first Regency fiction series takes us on a journey in the English countryside that makes us feel as much part of Ivy Hill as the characters themselves.
I fell in love with all the Ladies of Ivy Hill, not just the ones living in the cottage. I quickly found myself rooting for them. Facing obstacles and hearbreaks, they find solace within themselves and with each other. Julie Klassen writes a beautiful story about forgivness, grace, faith and hope that is truly inspirational.
I had not read the first book in the series, but the premise of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage was so appealing to me that it seemed like the perfect summer read. This July, our Books, Babes and Life book club readers will travel to the English countryside and get a glimpse of the life in the early 1800s.
Our book club is all about embracing and living LIFE to the fullest, as well as hope and love. And yes, about Regency Era sweet romances. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen has it all.
So without furter ado, here is our July 2022 Book Club Pick.
Happy Reading!!!
Book Synopsis & Details
- from the publisher
New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance.
Return 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 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?
Book Details:
Title: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Print Length: 448 pages
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Genres: Historical, Romance, Christian & Mystery Fiction
Where to Buy: Bookshop; Amazon; Barnes & Noble
The Story - A Spoiler Free Review
The story of a young woman, who opens a circulating Library to make a living in 19th century England was very intriguing to me. I am obsessed with anything and everything cottagecore as well, so I knew I had a winner and couldnt wait to read it. What I didn't know or expect was that Rachel's Library would be just one of the many women owned and operated businesses in this charming community.
A school teacher, an inn keeper, a soap maker and a Librarian, working together and helping each other. Of course had I read the first book, I would have known the story of Jane, the inn keeper, but either way I was delighted to learn about her. One of my favorite characters, she is a woman of strength, perceverance, wit and charisma. Not unlike the rest of the residents who make this series a delightful read.
The book explores multiple storyline switching between viewpoints, which allows for readers to connect with and feel for the characters. As the young ladies navigate through changing life circumstances, romance and heartache, they uncover secrets and grow along the way. I loved the plot twists and the clif hanger that kept me asking for more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and reunite with Juli Klassens wonderful characters.
"Miss Matty: "You were once in a position to help others, Rachel Ashford. Now others are in a position to help you. Don't waste time feeling embarrassed. But when you are in that privileged position again someday, remember to return the favor.”
Julie Klassen, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
About the Author and What to Read Next
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane - Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com. - from the author's web page
Book Recomendations for Fans of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
For the fans of Regency Era Historical Fiction set in the English countryside, Julie Klassen will not disapoint. Her stories are full of heart, charm and romance. I love the whimsy and mystery in most of her books. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second book in the heartwarming Tales of Ivy Hill series. Check out the titles below for more Ivy Hill stories and the town's beautiful world of love, hope and community ties.
Published in December 2016. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in December 2018. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Published in Sep 2020. Available in hardcover, paperback and kindle editions. Click HERE to buy online.
Final Thoughts
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage managed to surprise me a few times while I was reading the story. So many twists and turns, that had me rooting for the whole community not just one main character. Sweet regency romances, family secrets, brilliant and brave young ladies finding their place in society and gorgeous settings make this book a pleasure to read. Julie Klassen writes a story that makes you feel as a part of the community.
You laugh and cry with them. You are inspired and glad, disapointed and sad, surprised and relieved. It's truly a rollecoaster of emotions, that picks you up and doesn't let go until you turn the last page. Once turned, all you think about is, what happens next. Good thing, there is more to the story, so we can go back to Ivy Hill and continue the ride.
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