Saturday, January 6, 2018

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen (Review)


  • Series: Tales from Ivy Hill (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 5, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0764218158
  • ISBN-13: 978-0764218156
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches

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?


My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second in the Tales from Ivy Hill series and my favorite. I recommend reading them in order since the characters repeat and the background knowledge is helpful. The main characters in this book are Rachel Ashford, Mercy Grove, and to a lesser extent Jane Bell. The first book was focused on Jane Bell. There are several minor plot lines. It is nice to see the other characters continue. I love the characters and plot. The author does a good job developing everything and making you feel like you are there. There are some twists and turns. The ending is satisfying.  If you a fan of British 1800s books then you will love this. Highly Recommended. 


Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Her book, The Silent Governess, was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com for more information.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.


The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson (Review)





  • Hardcover: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Revell (September 5, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0800722701
  • ISBN-13: 978-0800722708
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.6 inches 



  • When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

    My Review:

    This was an easy, short, Christian fiction book. It is set around Christmas time after WWII.  The characters and plot are well developed and interesting. Amelia Richards and her baby are the main focus of the book. She travels to her baby's paternal grandparents house to beg for help. They do not know either of them exist. Amelia is desperate. She is unable to take care of her baby. I really felt for her. There are some twists and the ending is perfect. Recommended. 



    Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several Christmas books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.


    Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

    Hello

    Hello Everyone,

    It has been awhile since I have been able to update my blog. Last Fall I decided to go to graduate school. Working full time it liked to have killed me.  IF I go back to school, it will this Summer or Fall. I had no clue how hard it would be combined with my job. I miss regular life and reading. I am working on catching up review books and blog posts now. Thank you for your patience.

    Brittanie 

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