Welcome to my tour stop! Find out more about this new release below...
Beyond Ivy Walls
By Rachel Fordham
Historical Romance
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages
August 13, 2024 by Thomas Nelson
Summary
Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.
Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.
At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.
Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
BEYOND IVY WALLS is a story about a man with severe childhood trauma and the farmgirl who brings light back into his life. It's about assumptions, prejudice, loss and heartache. It's also about second chances, family, acceptance and love. An overall heartwarming twist on Beauty and the Beast!
I liked both these characters from the start. Both were easy to relate to and cheer on. Otis's life has been hard, and he holds that pain inside as well as it being apparent physically. It was horrifying to think of the things he endured, particularly at the hand of his own parent. He very much reminded me of the beast from Beauty and the Beast. Sadie is carrying the burden of trying to help provide for her family after her father was injured. It isn't easy and she is living basically like she is destitute until she meets Otis. She brings so much joy and lightness into the lives around her even though her family's situation is bleak. She works her way slowly into Otis's frigid heart and both don't realize how much their hearts change as time passes and they bare each other's burdens. It's not all easy. They face challenges and have to face their fears to find their own happy ending. I through the author allowed her characters to struggle while also balancing that with sweet and tender moments where they learn and grow. I loved the references to Jane Eyre with the letters these two wrote. I also loved the couple who care for Otis and his home and Sadie's family.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story and one that kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all work out. I could see the nods to Beauty and the Beast, but found this author made this story completely her own.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
Find the author here.
Have you read any of this author's other books or other stories loosely based on Beauty and the Beast?
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.