3.5 stars

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second book in the Tales from Ivy Hill series and it was a little disappointing. I feel like there were so many characters and I had a difficult time keeping track of everyone.

The story did have some interesting twists and the romances were sweet. I'm curious about how everything wraps up, so I definitely plan on reading the third book and Christmas novella soon.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Although I enjoyed Book 1 of this series, The Inkeeper of Ivy Hill, its sequel, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage did not resonate with me as much. For some reason, I had a hard time keeping the story lines organized in my mind, even though many of the same characters are featured in this second novel. That said, there were many moments when I just sank into the story, not worrying over who was whom, and enjoyed author Julie Klassen's writing. Her words are like a cup of warm tea on a cold day. I still count her as a favorite author, and I have every intention of reading not only Book 3, The Bride of Ivy Green, but the holiday novella, An Ivy Hill Christmas as well.

Thanks for sending me an arc, I do appreciate it. I wasn't able to get into this one and haven't been able to get back to it so I won't be leaving an official review at this time.

RATING: 3.5 STARS
2017; Bethany House Publishers

I rated this novel a bit less than the first book just because this one was more of a bridging book. By bridging I mean, this novel was continuing the story but also setting up for the third book. You would have to read the first book before reading The Ladies of Ivy Cottage or it won't be as enjoyable. In book two, we see a lot more of Rachel and Mercy, which was great. I like their storylines and but also the joint friendships. They are not as close in book one, and are again seeing one another more and working out the issues they had. Klassen continues to do a good job with setting up the time and place. This is one of those series that really does take you to another place while you are reading. For an escapist like me, that is an A in my book (pun intended).

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when I got it. I did read it for a while but wasn't that interested.

I realised, coming to this, that it was actually part of a series but it was enjoyable none the less and a nice read to pick up in the evenings. Definitely wanted to go back to the start, however and see how it all started.

Julie Klassen’s return trip to Ivy Hill was even more enjoyable than the first time around. The pace was sedate, but the plot was intriguing, and I looked forward to picking the book back up whenever life got in the way. There is still a romance or two left to develop in the finale but those that came to fruition were oh so satisfying. The inhabitants of Ivy Hill have charmed their way into my heart and I am eager to see them again.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I usually love Julie Klassen's books but this was a difficult one to get into. I pushed myself to keep reading and I am so glad I did. There is a lot of growth within the characters. As they are figuring out their place and their roles within the community. The book leaves you hanging at the end, but fear not because there is a third book that hopefully ties it all together.

I very much enjoyed this second visit to Ivy Hill! These characters have become like family and friends to me, much like the characters in Jan Karon's Mitford, although the books themselves are a very different style. I particularly enjoyed Rachel's character growth in this book and how she became a strong woman while retaining her gentleness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

I loved the first book in this series and was really looking forward to starting this one! I enjoyed getting to know the Miss Groves more as well as really get to know Rachel. The first book didn't focus on them as much.

Handsome men come out of the woodwork! I'm definitely a fan of the cousin even though he does send Rachel from her home. Though I'm a fan I don't see him as her match. Now the local lover from the past on the other hand. . . I'm hoping for him for Rachel.

As for Mercy, I'm rooting for her and Alice to make a family with Alice's new found father. I think they'd be perfect.

This book definitely read quickly for me even though it's a long one. I loved getting to know the characters better. Jane and her not being able to carry a child to term really struggles with accepting the love of a good man because she knows she can't give him children.

Rachel struggles to support herself once her fortune and family home are gone. And can we just take a moment to recognize how unhelpful her older sister is? Turning her legacy of her father's books into a library is amazing though I just don't know how she can have lived to her age and not like books. Add in the secret she uncovers and woo you have quite the mystery going on.

And then we have Mercy's struggle. Should she accept the man she doesn't know and doesn't love just so she can keep her house when she'll have to give up her dream of a school for all girls?

Ready for the next book. Makes me sad there is so much time between releases!!



I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced in anyway. I do not provide positive reviews for products I do not enjoy and actually love.

Title: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Sequel

Plot: Since the scandal of losing all the family money and then her father's sudden death, Rachel Ashford has felt adrift in her social circle, unsure of where her place is meant to be now that so many things have changed. She's currently living with her friend Mercy Grove and Mercy's aunt, helping out with the girls' school as best she can but it's not enough to support herself. So she takes the advice of the local businesswomen and opens a subscription library with her father's vast collection of books and several donations. With the flood of attention at Ivy Cottage, Mercy finds herself the center of attention from two different men and must make a painful choice that will destroy her future as she knows it.

Meanwhile, James Drake learns some secrets of his own that cause a bit of an uproar in several local lives and Jane Bell finally has her coaching inn under control. She's made peace with her broken heart and thinks she's ready for love again but she suffered more than just the loss of her husband. Will the other losses keep her heart broken and cause her to reject the promise and hope of new love?

Likes/Dislikes: It took me awhile to get started on this book, partly because my kids kept taking the iPad away and partly because it was a sequel and I couldn't remember who all everyone was. Once I got them straight in my head and the story started picking up pace, it was an easy read. I didn't like Rachel though; in the first book she had a lot of mystery about her but in this one she just came across as very whiny and pity me, I'm poor Rachel. It was annoying after awhile. I kinda want Jane to stay single and in control cause if she marries either James or Gabriel they'll just disrupt her life now that she's found her groove. And I'm rooting for a happy ending for Mercy cause the poor thing really needs it. I related to her the most. All in all, an excellent book. I'm just bummed I can't get the next one already.

Rating: PG-12 and up, mainly for content {romance, past miscarriages, etc. nothing graphic}

Date Review Written: December 30th, 2017

I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publishers for my honest opinion. I wasn't required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

It has been too long since I read The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill . I had forgotten several key points of the book. It took me a little while to get up to speed and continue on with the story. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one, or read them one right after the other.

This book is not fast paced, just like the first. Julie Klassen is building the story, piece by piece. It moves just like life would. I like that the book is not a race, but a story that is told in detail and interesting for the reader.

The books center around a group of friends who had grown apart, but have reconciled and found enjoyment in each others company. The friends are at different places in their lives. It is very interesting to see how they handle situations, disappointment, and heartbreak.

This book is a slow romance. Not all of the women find happiness at once. The book splits it's time between the characters and describes what is happening with their prospects. I love looking back at past time periods to see how much different we are today, but at our cores we are the same.

I liked this book better than the first, but I really think that I need to go back and re-read it. I want to see what I missed and be reminded of events. Jane's relationships are of particular interest to me.

This is a clean book. It does contain mention of infidelity and premarital relations.

Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Rachel Ashford's life has crashed in around her. She's lost her father, her wealth, and her station in life. Fortunately, the Grove sisters have welcomed her to their home, Ivy Cottage until she can land on her feet. She's bewildered at how she can bring in an income to pay for room and board. She's never been in this situation.

As Rachel redefines her life, she assists Miss Mercy Groves, who teaches young girls from the small community at the cottage. The older Miss Groves, who does the cooking, unites with Mercy in creating the family Rachel lacks. Their support lays a foundation for her during the ups and downs as gentlemen come to call.

Rachel's best friend, Jane Bell handles her husband's inn as best she can without him as her mother-in-law retires with her new husband to his farm. Jane helps remind Rachel of her childhood hopes and dreams when a beau returns to both of their lives.

All of these women learn to lean on and trust in God for their futures even the Miss Groves's sisters who may lose their precious Ivy Cottage. It seems nothing remains the same. Will God be enough for each of them?

I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.

I found the writing and descriptions a bit repetitive and tedious. Also having not read any of the other books in the series, I couldn't relate to the story or characters.

This is just a delightful book. I love how the women of Ivy Hill have bonded together in support of each other. Even if reluctantly, each one works to forge a future. I found myself rooting for each bit of progress that was made. Amid all this personal strength and growth relationships of a romatic kind are growing incrementally as well. It is so fascinating how people find "the one". This series includes a cast of characters that provide ample variety in just how that occurs. I'm loving the series.

What a beautifully written story about Rachel, Jane and Mercy. I was easily transported back to 1820 to the lovely Ivy Hill. The people, the atmosphere, and the setting just took my breath away. I found myself just wishing I was there teaching the young children, or helping Rachel set up the library, or working alongside Jane. And the men! Well, they were all gentlemen, and while some had some secrets, that did not stop me from swooning over them a little bit.

But let’s talk about the most important thing in this book. The library. Okay, to me it was anyway. It was the thing that grabbed my attention the most. First of all, I was a little taken back by the fact that Rachel didn’t really care for books. I mean, hello?! Reading is awesome! But we cannot expect all the characters we read to have the same likes and dislikes as us. So when the opportunity came to start the library, that is when the little green monster took over and I decided that maybe I should just fill in for Rachel. She doesn’t even like books!

Yes, this book has some mystery, and certainly several doses of romance. They are fun and important parts of the story. But to be honest, anything that had to do with the library, before and after it started, was really what I enjoyed most in this book. One exception – Rachel was telling a story to the young girls and if you read in between the lines, you’ll find the story is really about herself and her love triangle! I thought that was great of the author to include. I think perhaps it gave us a glimpse of what Rachel thought about the situation.

Overall this book was a home run for me. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

It was enjoyable to return to Ivy Hill and watch the development of the characters through this book. These books are a quiet, gentle ride through Jane Austen's time period in England. Much is happening, but with the help of friends and faith, the characters overcome. This series reminds me of Jan Karon's Mitford series, only in early 1800s England.

Award-winning author Julie Klassen continues her Regency series set in the English village of Ivy Hill.
In The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, Rachel Ashford is Mercy and Matilda Grove’s guest at the Ivy Cottage. Rachel is a gentlewoman who seeks to make a living as her funds are dwindling. Her friend Jane Bell, the innkeeper of Ivy Hill, and Mercy, manager of the local school for girls, encourage her to start a circulating library with books she inherited from her father, as well as with donations. As she sorts through the villagers’ donations, she uncovers a mystery hidden within one of the books that she tries to solve.
Meanwhile, Mercy fills her days at the school, having given up the thought of marriage. When several men begin taking an interest in the ladies of Ivy Cottage, she assumes Rachel is the attraction, but what if she is wrong? Will the ladies solve the mysteries of the past and find hope for the future?
Klassen is known for her excellent character development in her inspirational Regency novels, which are filled with love and redemption, and family relationships. The faith elements are light-handed. Readers will appreciate the nod to Jane Austen, as well as the depth of the historical details. Discussion questions are also included.

Recommended for public and high school libraries. Her novels should appeal to adults and high school readers alike. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah E. Ladd, Carrie Turansky, and other historical fiction fans will be delighted to read this series. Watch for the next book in this series, The Bride of Ivy Green, coming in December 2018.

Do you know what my biggest issue is with this series??? There is too much time between books!! Like physical I have to wait time.....I forgot who Locke was....how did I do that? I also had a hard time remembering Talbots past role and what happened with Hetty! I can not forget what happened in this book! I need to know what happens with Mercy and Jane....its seriously a need!! I'm glad things worked out the way they did for Rachel...that made me pretty happy and the glimpse of things that might be in store for Justina is exciting(and what I hoped for half way through the book)

https://booksnbaubles.com/ladies-of-ivy-cottage-by-julie-klassen/

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen is a most delightful Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reuniting with familiar faces.
The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage is quintessentially English. Set in 1820 near Salisbury, the reader really loses themselves in English village life. With references to Jane Austen, the book had a Pride And Prejudice feel to it - with strong young women and rich young men, the reader cannot help but match-make. There was even a hint of Charles Dickens as one character reminded me of Miss Havisham, frozen in time.
The young women are forward thinkers for their day with philanthropic hearts. Although they already educate a handful of girls, there is the desire to open "a school to educate... regardless of the ability to pay." With education comes freedom and choice.
Books open up hearts and minds to new possibilities. The idea of a library for all is another innovation.
The women, as well as being independent, live their lives with open hands and hearts. When they see a need, they pull together to meet it. They give out of their poverty not their riches.
The ancient class system was very much alive, although there were steps being taken to erode it.
There is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans. Where suffering can be alleviated, it is.
Children are seen as blessings no matter how they were conceived. There are themes of single mothers, miscarriage and loss. They are all sympathetically portrayed.
The Ladies Of Ivy Cottage is a read that steps back in time to a quieter pace of life. Age old themes are the same, as is a trust in God. Prayer is powerful. "From your lips to God's ear." Life is lived with one eye on eternity. "A woman of faith who looked forward to an eternity in heaven."
I adored this book. As an English woman, I thought Julie Klassen had completely captured the English village atmosphere and charm. With comprehensive descriptions, I 'travelled' my way through the story.
A totally charming read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.