Welcome to my tour stop with Celebrate Lit! Read my review
of this delightful story and enter the tour giveaway below...
An Ivy Hill Christmas
(A Tales from Ivy Hill Novella)
By Julie Klassen
Christian Christmas Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 212 Pages
September 1, 2020 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
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 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 many 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, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?
My Review
AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS is a delightful story of second chances, reconciliation, forgiveness, family, Christmas joy, and romance. Highly recommended to fans of the series, author, and Christian historical romance!
I loved the characters in this story! Both the hero and heroine have their own ideas of what they think they want their lives to look like and have their hearts closed, however during the house party over Christmas their plans are challenged multiple times. In the end, they find that they have some things they need to let go of. I loved all the banter, but also the heartfelt moments of friendship, service and the general Christmas cheer. I also loved the character development, especially for Richard, during this story.
I haven't read all the books in this series, but didn't have any issues following the story. There were characters with cameos who I didn't know and who didn't seem pertinent to the story, but those who have read all the books would probably enjoy this aspect of the story. Regardless, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It brought all the feels and left me feeling happy and light. Definitely worth the read, Christmastime or not.
Content: References to past affairs, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
More from Julie
My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.
An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.
In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind. I love a transformation story; don’t you?
If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:
“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.” —Booklist
“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly
And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.
Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”
Happy Christmas!
Tour Schedule
Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30
Christian Bookaholic, November 30
Andrea Christenson, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Robin’s Nest, December 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1
Blessed & Bookish, December 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Mia Reads, December 2
Wishful Endings, December 3
lakesidelivingsite, December 3
Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
For Him and My Family, December 3
Just Your Average reviews, December 3
She Lives To Read, December 4
Remembrancy, December 4
deb’s Book Review, December 4
Writing from the Heart Land, December 4
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5
Quiet Workings, December 5
Blogging With Carol, December 5
Spoken from the Heart, December 5
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6
Connect in Fiction, December 6
Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Worthy2Read, December 7
Genesis 5020, December 7
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 7
Life of Literature, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Connie’s History Classroom, December 8
Batya’s Bits, December 8
Labor Not in Vain, December 8
Hallie Reads, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Older & Smarter?, December 9
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9
Betti Mace, December 9
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10
Faery Tales Are Real, December 10
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10
Mary Hake, December 10
Daysong Reflections, December 11
Bigreadersite, December 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11
Splashes of Joy, December 11
Vicky Sluiter, December 12
To Everything There Is A Season, December 12
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12
Blossoms and Blessings, December 12
The Write Escape, December 12
A Baker’s Perspective, December 13
Bizwings Blog, December 13
Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, December 13
Tour-Wide Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
No comments
Post a Comment
I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.