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The Ladies of Ivy Cottage: A Review

10 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books

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Bethany House, Book Review, Julie Klassen, Tales From Ivy Hill, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

 

From the Back Cover

A gentlewoman in reduced circumstances, Miss Rachel Ashford lives as a guest in Ivy Cottage. With her meager funds rapidly depleting, she is determined to earn her own livelihood…somehow. Her friend Jane Bell and the other village women encourage her to open a circulating library with the many books she’s inherited from her father. As villagers donate additional books and Rachel begins sorting through the volumes, she discovers mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but both find more than they bargained for.

Rachel’s hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and finds fulfillment in 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 whom-has captured each man’s attention? The truth may surprise them all.

My Review

I really enjoyed this second book in Julie Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hill. While I felt it was a bit slow to start, it was a very satisfying read. This book picks up where the first book,  The Inn Keeper of Ivy Hill leaves off.  In fact, I suggest reading the first book first.  It has been awhile since I read the first book and it took me a bit to remember and connect the characters again. In fact, this book is full of characters. I almost needed a guide at the beginning of the book to help me sort through them. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage tells the story of three main characters, Jane Bell (the focus of book one), Rachel Ashford, and Mercy Grove. Even though Rachel’s story seems to be the focus of this book, there are many chapters devoted to Mercy and Jane.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage reminds me so much of my favorite BBC, Masterpiece, and PBS shows. This book is not for the reader who needs instant gratification though. Because the story continues from book one, and all plot lines are yet to be resolved in this second book, a little patience is required, I appreciate the longevity of this series. I am found of Klassen’s characters and I become invested in their stories!  Fans of other village series books like Jan Karon’s Mitford series or the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford will certainly enjoy the Tales from Ivy Hill.

I am a long time fan of Julie Klassen. In fact, I have read every novel she has written.  Although The Ladies of Ivy Hill is not my favorite, it is definitely worth reading. I requested a review copy from the book’s publisher, Bethany House. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

My Favorites

My favorite titles from Julie Klassen include the following: The Painter’s Daughter, The Secret of Pembrooke Park,  and The Girl in the Gatehouse. 

 

 

 

A New Book from Julie Klassen

21 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by Jennifer in Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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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.

The BEST of 2015

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Favorites, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

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Book Review, Christian Historical Fiction, Favorite Fiction, Favorite Reads of 2015, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander, The Mistress of Tall Acre, The Painter's Daugher, To Win Her Favor

I spend so much time reading!  I love getting lost in a book. This year I have lost count of exactly how many I have read. However, I recall three books that I will never forget. These books are guaranteed good reads if you love historical fiction. I whole-heartedly recommend these novels. I will read them over and over again.

The Mistress of Tall Acre

 by: Laura Franz

The Mistress of Tall Acre

To Win Her Favor

By: Tamera Alexander

To Win Her Favor

The Painter’s Daughter

by: Julie Klassen

The Painters Daugher

A Historical Fiction Masterpiece!

07 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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Bethany House, Book Review, historical fiction, Julie Klassen, The Painter's Daugher

The Painters Daugher

The Painter’s Daughter is absolutely marvelous in every way. I loved it from the first page and could not put it down. I have long been a fan of author Julie Klassen. She writes historical fiction full of romance and mystery with all of the drama and loveliness of Jane Eyre. This book was perfection and it has easily found it’s way into my top reads of 2015. If you love historical fiction, you MUST read this novel!

In The Painter’s Daughter, Sophia Dupont finds herself in a most unfortunate situation. The man she loves has left her to find his muse and she is alone and ruined. Sophia carries Wesley Overtree’s child and he doesn’t even know it, for she didn’t have the opportunity to tell him. Wesley’s brother, Captain Stephen Marshall discovers Sophia…and her predicament..on his hunt for his lost absent sibling. Captain Marshall offers to marry Sophia and claim her child as his. She agrees, and her reluctant yes turns into so much more. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this beautifully crafted novel. As soon as I am done writing this review, I will read it again. You will not be disappointed with this book. If I could give it 10 stars I would!  The Painter’s Daughter is long, but not once was I bored. I skimmed ZERO pages….every single word was worth all the sleep I forfeited.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by it’s publisher, Bethany House Fiction. However, I would have bought it had I not scored a review copy. I never miss a new book by Julie Klassen. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated in any way.

Best Books of 2014

31 Wednesday Dec 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Uncategorized

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A Heart's Rebellion, best books of 2014, Best of 2014, Bethany House, BookLookBloggers, Deeanne Gist, Fair Play, Favorite Reads of 2014, Full Steam Ahead, Julie Klassen, Karen Witemeyer, Kristy Cambron, Laura Frantz, Love Skip Jump, Love's Fortune, Mary Ellis, Miracle In a Dry Season, NetGalley, Revell Publishing, Ruth Axtell, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Shelene Bryan, Susan May Warren, The Butterfly and the Violin, The Lady and the Officer, The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Tyndale House, When I Fall in Love

In 2014 I found a way to fuel my reading habit by becoming a Book Blogger. I started with one publisher and slowly added a few more. It has been so much fun! I love to see the manila envelope in my mailbox with a crisp, hot off the press, new book. Thanks to Bethany House, Revell, BookLookBloggers, Tyndale House, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review books! I have read so many fabulous books in 2014 but a few stand out above the rest. My list includes some of my favorite writers as well as new authors who absolutely blew me away.

Love's Fortune

 Love’s Fortune by Laura Frantz

I have said it before, and I will gladly say it again. This book is a fantastic work of historical fiction. Laura Frantz is a wordsmith. She has the gift of writing, the magic of words, the art of storytelling, and I cannot get enough!

In Love’s Fortune, Wren Ballantyne travels to Pennsylvania to meet her extended family, most for the first time. She is thrust into unfamiliar territory for a simple girl from Kentucky. A handsome steamboat pilot, James Sackett, is there to help her navigate all of the rules of society. It is the relationship between them that kept me turning pages through the night!

Read my review here.

THe butterfly and the violin

 The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

I will never forget this book. In the same breath I recommend Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers to a friend, I will add The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron. It was my favorite surprise find of 2014.

I will not give anyway of the plot because that would be criminal. In short, The Butterfly and the Violin is the first book in Kristy Cambron’s debut series. Art dealer Sera James is searching for a portrait she saw years ago in a gallery. The painting is of a beautiful violinist with her hair shaved and a numbered tattoo on her arm. This book is about the story the painting tells, and the impact the story has on Sera James.

Read my review here.

Miracle in a dry season

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Sarah Loudin Thomas is another debut author in 2014 who made me fall in love with her characters and her unique style. Her writing is fresh and inviting.  If you missed this title in 2014, add it to your list of must reads!

In this book, a beautiful woman named Perla escapes to Wise, West Virginia to get away from all of the gossip and judgment she faced as an unwed mother. It is in Wise she meets Casewell and entrusts him with the truth about her situation. Casewell finds it difficult to see Perla as more than her sin, regardless of his feelings for her.

Read my review here.

Full Steam Ahead

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witmeyer

I have long been a fan of Karen Witmeyer. I never have to wonder if I will enjoy one of her titles, it is a sure thing. Full Steam Ahead was by far my favorite book of Witemeyer’s yet. I enjoyed it immensely and I know you will too!

In Full Steam Ahead, Nicole Renard is on a mission to save her family’s business and legacy. She sets out to find not only the love of her life, but also an heir to take over her father’s shipping company. When her plans are deterred by those that mean her and her family harm, she stumbles upon Darius Thornton who is on his own mission, but his is one of self-imposed penance. The unlikely pair rescue each other in this fun and thrilling story.

Read my review here.

Fair Play

 Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

Deeanne Gist is another author who writes a guaranteed good read. What makes this particular title so wonderful is the relationship and love story Gist creates on the pages of this sigh-worthy book. I loved it.

Fair Play takes place at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Billy Jack Tate is a determined female doctor who is looking to make her way in the field of medicine. She is feisty, but still very much a lady. She has just hung her shingle, but hasn’t had much of a reception because medicine is a man’s world. Billy soon meets a handsome stranger who also happens to be a Texas Ranger. He is Hunter Scott and is the definition of a man’s man. They are an unlikely pair. Hunter discovers an abandoned baby at the fair and looks to Billy for help. His discovery takes the two of them down an unexpected path. Together, they work to bring life to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago. At the same time, feelings grow between them.

Read my review here.

The Lady and the Officer

 The Lady and the Officer by Mary Ellis

Author Mary Ellis wrote an amazing piece of Civil War Historical Fiction in The Lady and the Officer. This title was especially delightful for me because I happen to live in the middle of Civil War Battlefields. I adored every page and I am excited to read anything Mary Ellis writes!

The Lady and the Officer tells the story of war widow, Madeline Howard whose husband fought for the Union. As the war creeps into her backyard she is rescued by dashing General James Downing. They quickly form an attachment, but Madeline is forced to find shelter with her only family left in Richmond. It is there she finds herself constantly pulled between the love of her Confederate family and her loyalty not only her country, but her new-found love.

Read my review here.

When I Fall in Love

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

I am definitely a reader who has a preference for Romantic Historical Fiction. This book fell outside of those lines, but I found it to be a wonderful story full of endearing characters. I so wanted When I Fall in Love to be made into a movie! More than that, it left me wanting to read the entire series.

In this third book of the Christiansen Family Novels, Grace Christiansen is sent by her family on a culinary vacation to Hawaii. It is there she meets up with Maxwell Sharpe who has been asked to look after Grace while she is away. Max is a hockey player and culinary whiz desperate for a vacation and adventure. The unlikely pair hit it off in a story you will want to read over and over. I truly hope this one makes it to the big screen!

Read my review here.

The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Love, mystery, intrigue, and great storytelling make The Secret of Pembrooke Park an easy favorite! Julie Klassen not only wrote one of my favorite books this year, she is on my list every year.

In The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Abigail Foster’s family is facing financial ruin and has accepted an offer of housing from distant relatives at Pembrooke Park. Abigail and her father find the old home just as the last family left it….eighteen years ago. The house is draped in mystery and frankly, a little creepy. Abigail works to put the house in order and begins to unravel the secrets of Pembrooke Park. She also meets a very attractive local curate, William. He and his family have some part to play in the house and the secrets it holds. Abigail must decide who to trust and with whom to exercise caution.

Read my review here.

A heart's rebellion

A Heart’s Rebellion by Ruth Axtell

I am thrilled to have discovered another author who tells a captivating story. Ruth Axtell has definitely won me over with this book. I am so excited to go back and read her other titles. If you enjoy Regency Romances, this book is for you!

In A Heart’s Rebellion, Jessamine and her childhood best friend Megan have arrived in London for their first season. Jessamine’s heart has been broken by Megan’s brother, Rees Phillips. Jessamine and Megan are the wallflowers of the season until they meet Lancelot Marfleet who is the second son of an aristocrat. Lancelot is a vicar and not exactly the suitor Jessamine had hoped to win. Instead, she begins a flirtation with a gentleman with a less than stellar reputation. As Jessamine comes to terms with her lingering feelings for Rees, she opens herself up to possible ruination.

Read my review here.

Love Skip Jump

Love Skip Jump by Shelene Bryan

Clearly, I prefer fiction. However, out of all the books both fiction and nonfiction, this book was the most memorable and life changing. I have recommended this book to countless people. If you were to pick one book form this list to read, pick this one.

Shelene Bryan is the founder and executive director of Skip1.org. Love Skip Jump is the story of how Skip1.org was founded. More than that, it is the story of how one woman’s yes radically altered the lives of so many. Shelene’s actions changed her own life and caused an unknown amount of ripples throughout the world.

Read my review here.

I would love to know your favorite reads this year! Please leave your picks in the comments as well as link to your blog. Happy New Year! Here is to sleeping less and reading more in 2015!

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

05 Friday Dec 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Reviewed Books

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Great Reads 2014, Julie Klassen, The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park

I have read most of Julie Klassen’s books over the last few years, and I have to say that this might be my favorite one yet.  First, it’s a beautiful cover and begs to be read. Secondly, the book is nice and thick, 451 delightful pages! Most importantly, The Secret of Pembrooke Park is a great story you will not regret spending your time reading. I loved it!

In The Secret of Pembrooke Park, Abigail Foster’s family is facing financial ruin and has  accepted an offer of housing from distant relatives at Pembrooke Park. Abigail and her father find the old home just as the last family left it….eighteen years ago. The house is draped in mystery and frankly, a little creepy. Abigail works to put the house in order and begins to unravel the secrets of Pembrooke Park. She also meets a very attractive local curate, William. He and his family have some part to play in the house and the secrets it holds. Abigail must decide who to trust and with whom to exercise caution.

There are several things about this book that made me love it. I love all things Regency Era, and the fact that this title is a love story plus a mystery makes it all the more wonderful. I never found myself skimming pages, I enjoyed every word. Even in the middle. The Secret of Pembrooke Park isn’t long for the sake of being long. Thank you Julie Klassen for another terrific read!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Recently Read, Reviewed Books

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Bethany House, historical fiction, Julie Klassen, The Dancing Master

Image

 

Without hesitation, I would put Julie Klassen in my top five all time favorite historical fiction authors. She has a gift in storytelling.  This novel is no exception. I know I can never go wrong reading any of her titles.  In this lovely tale, full of all things English and early 1800’s, Julia Midwinter finds her way from dreary and dull to love and acceptance. There are many layers, characters, and sub plots in this novel that leave you guessing until the end regarding the true story behind Julia’s life and family.

As mentioned, I love Julie Klassen and have read almost all of her Novels. The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Tutor’s Daughter are some of my favorite novels. You know, the ones you buy in paperback and reread overtime because they are like favorite movies. Once is sometimes not enough. I am sad to say, that while I enjoyed this particular novel I also struggled with it. In truth, I believe it is personal preference. The hero, Alec Valcourt felt a bit soft to me early in the story. He becomes a more masculine hero as the story moves along, but his early preoccupation with getting his hands dirty and his flare for fashion took away from my early opinion of him. What can I say, I love a Man’s man.

Anyhow, I found the ending of the story picturesque and worthy of a Julie Garland song and dance on screen finale. If you have an infinity for period pieces, mystery, and romance, this book is for you. Just think Dancing with the Stars meets Jane Austen! 

I received a complimentry copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I have not received any compensation other than the the joy of reading a good book.

The Girl in the Gatehouse

23 Thursday May 2013

Posted by Jennifer in Books I LOVE, Recently Read

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Christian Historical Fiction, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Julie Klassen, The Girl in the Gatehouse, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

ImageHistorical fiction is my vice. I am a busy mom of boys who truly does not have much time for anything extra. However, when i find a good read, I make the time to enjoy it.  The Girl in the Gatehouse was a fantastic book and was totally worth my time.  It takes place in the Jane Austen era, a personal favorite of mine. Once I find an author whose style I enjoy, I read all of their books. It appears I am now working my way through Julie Klassen’s titles!

The heroine of the Girl in the Gatehouse is Mariah Aubrey who is like so many girls in that she makes a mistake she can’t outrun. Her father is less than forgiving and sends her away with little money and her childhood governess. Mariah struggles to overcome her past while dealing with her present. On a stormy night, Mariah meets Captain Matthew Bryant who is headed down a very different path. Author Julie Klassen does a beautiful job of bringing these two characters together in such a way that insures I will be reading this lovely novel again.

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