• About

Pick Well

~ Just another WordPress.com site

Pick Well

Monthly Archives: December 2016

A New Book from Julie Klassen

21 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christian Fiction, historical fiction, Julie Klassen, The InnKeeper of Ivy Hill

the-innkeeper-of-ivy-hill

 

I am a long time fan of author Julie Klassen. I have read every book she has written with the exception of The Silent Governess. My favorites include The Secret of Pembrooke Park, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Painter’s Daughter.  Klassen’s new novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, is a bit different than her prior novels. I can’t say that it will make my list of favorites, but it could be a start to an interesting series.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill isn’t so much about a single character but about an entire town with a focus on a number of characters.  If you follow period dramas and novels, I would liken the setting to Lark Rise to Candleford with hints of Jane Austen and even the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. Klassen discloses these as inspiration in her Author’s Notes, but I assumed so as I read…especially because of a character named Sir Timothy (Lark Rise to Candleford).

Of all the characters Klassen writes about in this novel, my least favorite was Thora who gets quite a bit of page time. I am pretty sure she was meant to be more like a Dorkus (Lark Rise again) but I couldn’t shake the image of Harriet Olsen from Little House on the Prairie.  Thora is a tough middle aged woman who lacks any gentility and was difficult to pull for in the story. My favorite character, Jane, didn’t get as much page time as Thora. Well, at least it felt that way.  The book begins with Jane and her current predicament of widowhood, looming debt, and an Inn she never really had much to with that is now hers to run. This novel is not about Jane finding love again, or being rescued by anyone but herself.  I’ll admit that I am a sucker for romantic historical fiction and because all romance in this book belongs to Thora…I struggled.

I will read the next book in this series, with hope that I will see some closure for characters I feel like I have come to know. Klassen is still one of my favorite authors, this just wasn’t my favorite book. It took me longer than usual to get through, but I did finish.  I would encourage you to read The Painter’s Daughter to really get why Klassen is such an amazing writer. She really is top notch.  I was given a complimentary copy of this title by its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I have not been compensated.

Recent Posts

  • Wonderful Historical Fiction
  • National Parks and Historical Fiction
  • The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker
  • What is the Next Right Thing?
  • Something New from Jocelyn Green

A Dog Named Dolly Parton Backyard Garden Books I LOVE Cleaning House Family Favorites Food Food for thought homeschool Out West Trip Recently Read Reviewed Books Saving Money Travel Uncategorized Virginia

Twitter Updates

  • RT @Alinea_Church: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness, ke… 19 hours ago
  • RT @Alinea_Church: Tomorrow is our first Sunday of the new year! Make sure to get to church to start your year off right!! #murfreesboroch… 1 month ago
  • RT @Alinea_Church: New year. New challenges. New possibilities. SAME God! #ForGodSoLovedTheBoro #murfreesborochurch https://t.co/73DaIWBhZY 1 month ago
  • RT @MattSmethurst: This is a delightful insight that echoes the gospel. thebulwark.com/there-is-no-ma… 1 month ago
  • RT @BethMooreLPM: I’m telling you right now, Jesus is gonna be so faithful to you. Don’t fear what’s ahead. Face forward. Chin up. Put one… 5 months ago
Follow @jenpickwell

Archives

  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • February 2012
  • January 2011
  • October 2010

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 111 other subscribers
Follow Pick Well on WordPress.com

Goodreads

NetGalley

Blogging for Books

NetGalley

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Pick Well
    • Join 111 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Pick Well
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...