First sentence: Rachel Ashford wanted to throw up her hands.

Premise/plot: The first book in this giddy-making series is The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. In that book, readers are introduced to a small, yet complex, community. Within that community, several women are striving to maintain their independence and make a living. Jane, one of the main characters, has an inn. Mercy and her aunt have a school. And Rachel is venturing forth in this novel with a circulating library--using her father's collection of books which she inherited when he died.

The main characters of this second novel have shifted a bit to Rachel and Mercy, though Jane still factors into the novel quite a bit. (Especially towards the end of the novel--swoon!!!)

Each woman is at a crisis point--though none of the character truly hit rock bottom because of the resourcefulness of friends and family and a supportive community.

Rachel is living on charity, and she absolutely hates it. The only thing she owns is her father's library. She doesn't read. One of the stipulations of the will was that the collection could never be sold. Fortunately, a friend suggests that she could open up a circulating library. She's staying with Mercy and her aunt, Matilda. They graciously agree to allow two of their rooms to be dedicated to that library.

Mercy is a teacher, and she absolutely LOVES it. Part of her still aches for a child of her own, but she's past thirty and if she didn't find love when she was young, what are the chances of her finding it now? But she's given the opportunity to become a guardian to one of her pupils, Alice. But is this too good to be true? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Regardless, her crisis is of a different sort. Her parents have given her an ultimatum: marry Mr. Hollander, a gentleman they've set her up with, OR her home will be given to her brother, George, and his new wife. It seems the new year will bring unwelcome change no matter what.

My thoughts: This is very much a romance novel. I found it to be giddy-making or even swoon-worthy. I loved it. I think you will too. (Even if you don't enjoy love triangles. Rachel is being courted by several men. But it's fairly obvious which is her true love.)

I usually don't like my romance novels so peopled--so many main heroines, so many stories--but in the case of this series I wouldn't dream of leaving anyone out. I love them all. Klassen even has a few more 'minor' characters that I enjoy quite a bit.

If you enjoy watching miniseries like Lark Rise to Candleford and North and South, or reading the works of Jane Austen, I think you will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one as much as I do.

This book was really good, though it is a slower, more relaxing read. This series is not one that you are unable to put down; rather they are books to read on a nice relaxing weekend or a snowy day.

I love how much I feel that I know each of these amazing women. They are all strong, independent, and rather stubborn; I can feel a kinship with them. Each of them has suffered a great loss or experienced deep pain and struggle with it, while trying to make a life for themselves. This is the kind of motivation I need at times.

Julie Klassen’s writing in this book is incredible. I was able to visualize everything about this story. I felt the pain and humiliation, the joy and triumph, and even the confusion each person experienced.

I enjoy this series and look forward to the next book in this series.


*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second book in Julie Klassen's Ivy Hill series. I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. I loved reading about the different characters in the village of Ivy Hill. This time around the main focus is on Rachel and Mercy and I found their stories pretty compelling. The way Rachel ends up supporting herself was brilliant and I enjoyed reading about her as she started this endeavor and eventually gained more confidence in herself. Mercy was also an interesting character to read about. I loved how she cared so much for the girls in her school, and felt for her as she struggled with wanting a family of her own.

There is more romance in this book and quite a bit more focus on religion, both of which were woven into the story really well without being overly romantic or preachy. As for the romance, I loved the way Rachel's love interest ends up declaring his love for her, even though I wanted to hit him over the head few times along the way. Also Jane, who was the focus of book one finds love as well, and I'm just going to say that I love him, and one scene in particular was very romantic.

There are some plot threads that have not been resolved, Mercy's story being one of them, so I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. This book felt a bit like reading a classic at times. If you like books like Cranford, or Jane Austen's books you might like this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bethany House for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

An invitation to return to the world of Ivy Hill was a delightful prospect for me. I might encounter the three lovely childhood friends- Jane, Rachel, and Mercy- who must all make their way in the world independently or any of the other village characters.
Review

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second of the Tales from Ivy Hill series. It flows right out of the first book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill so does not make a good place to start.

The focus of this book is divided with an ongoing story of Jane who was the central figure of the first book, Mercy whose story is emerging, and Rachel who is the central figure of this book. I liked how the story flowed easily from friend to friend taking the reins of the narrative.

This is a gently paced book that is a series of village encounters for all the main players and their acquaintances. There are several interesting plot threads going on that range from character driven to mysteries to romances. While some threads are introduced and do not finish off in this book, others are tied off nicely.

The first book had more action and immediacy to it with all the work that was being done to save the inn and figure out who was sabotaging the efforts. Though, Ladies of Ivy Cottage is more divided in its focus; there were still some riveting moments when the ladies were faced with big, difficult choices. It took me a bit to get settled into the story and it didn’t read quickly for me. I didn’t mind once I got in sync with the pace that read more like women’s fiction or- an ongoing chronicle which this is.

I enjoyed the interplay between the three friends and also their personal stories that are going on. Jane, Mercy, and Rachel are all so very different and encounter much different issues in their lives though they lean on each other for support and wisdom. Each have their personal low points, but come into their own. Rachel, in true Jane Austen fashion, has her own second chance romance ala Persuasion-style playing out while Mercy is startled by sudden interest in her and Jane has to overcome her fears and grief before she can accept her own romance.

Like in book one when Jane had to do what she could to save her livelihood, Rachel and Mercy are faced with their own obstacles. Rachel’s subscription library has the whole village in a twitter while Mercy’s dreams of having a village charity school are foiled by lack of funds, but also her own parents’ desire to see her in a traditional situation of marriage and home. There is also a child with a secret past that may foil Mercy’s adoption efforts and a friend’s dark family secret that Rachel inadvertently stumbled over. Side characters like Thora, Andrew, and James are also getting their stories and they are just as interesting as the main story paths.

There are inspirational themes laced throughout with the biggest being letting go of improper pride when it comes to getting defensive about the past or relying on help from God and others.

The elements of mystery, personal growth, spiritual growth, and romance along with village life were just the thing. I continue to adore this author’s writing and look forward to what comes next from The Tales from Ivy Hill.

Considering the sheer size of this book, and I've managed to read it in a few days, says all you need to know about how I feel about it! Not since 'The Maid of Fairbourne Hall', which was one of the first books of Julie's I read, have I enjoyed something this much from this author. In fact I've been hoping for years that she would release a book that would wow me this much. I was not much of a fan of the first book, struggling to connect with Thora & Jane, and a dragged out plot. I've been hesitant to continue with this Ivy Hill series.

There was something appealing about getting to know Rachel, Mercy and even Jane a little better. Jane became more endearing, you are exposed to the rawness of miscarriage. Rachel's long term heartbreak over Sir Timothy, and Mercy's plight to fight for her desires. There are many challenges faced by these 3 women throughout this story, and often it seems so bleak. At times you may feel like you are reading a historical fiction soap opera, but it truly works and Julie Klassen has done a good job of weaving this plot together.

We see the return of Hetty, Thora and not surprisingly, Gabriel. We don't get this story told from the perspective of the men of the village. However, the scenes are written so well, Gabriel appearing in the stall, Timothy's gift to Rachel, Mr Kingsley happening upon Mercy in her moment of distress.

There is one more book to come, and I shall be glad of it. My only issue with this style of writing is not having the conclusion at the end of a book. It reminds me of watching movie trilogies, in which the middle movie just feels like a bridge. Although this book was a delight to read, I prefer finality at the end of a book. What will happen to so many of the characters we've come to know and love?

If anything, with the way Julie has written this series, the true treasure is in the way she can develop the location. We become familiar with Ivy Hill as a community, not just a few major characters as is the norm. The buildings, the village, the class system. The way of life, the beauty of the English countryside. This is my homeland, and I know Julie has done it justice in her writing. This area is beautiful. Well done for keeping it true to the time period and the area on which it is based.

If you haven't read the first, it is an absolute must. This book is not a stand alone.

Thanks to Bethany House & Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.

I ADORE this book! I loved The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill and missed the characters sorely after finishing it. (In record time, I might add.) I was thrilled to see Jane and Thora once again, as well as the other characters that I fell in love with in the first book. I loved so much that I was given the opportunity to dive more into Rachel's story. Julie Klassen is hands-down one of my very favorite authors and creates places and characters that I wish were not just in the pages of the book. But how very thankful I am that I can visit them in these lovely books anytime I wish.

I loved this return visit to Ivy Hill. Julie Klassen has done a wonderful job bringing this world to life. The characters are very real. I feel their struggles and root for them the whole time I'm reading. I can't wait to see where this journey takes them in the next installment. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy quaint village settings and British period drama.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

Oh those ladies that live at Ivy Hill, especially the two ladies that live in Ivy Cottage. These two ladies have left the bloom of youth behind and it appears that love and marrying has left them behind. One is beautiful and still pines for her first love. After Rachael Ashworth’s father died and his estate passed to another Ashworth, she is penniless and moves into Ivy Cottage with her friend Mercy. Mercy is plain in looks and her mother does not let her forget and does her best to get suitors that will take an interest in her. This is humiliating to Mercy. Klassen has a wonderful way of bringing life to her characters and making them real. You find yourself in the middle of their struggles and wanting the best for their life. You will definitely enjoy your visit to Ivy Hill and want to return to see how it goes with the interesting inhabitants……….I was gifted this book from netgalley for my honest review.

After her father's death and the transfer of his estate to a male relative, Nicholas Ashford, Rachel Ashford has moved into the home of her friend Mercy Grove and Mercy's spinster aunt Matty. While she has helped with the school that Mercy and Matty run for girls, Rachel needs to find a way to support herself. With the encouragement of her friends as well as other women in the town, Rachel decides to open a subscription library with books she inherited from her father and donated books from the townspeople. As she works to get her library up and running, Rachel stumbles upon a couple of mysteries that she sets out to solve--and finds that doing so brings her in close contact with the man who broke her heart years ago.
Mercy Grove wants nothing more than to expand her school; she loves her girls and her work. When the great-grandfather of one of her pupils wants to make her the child's guardian, Mercy happily accepts. However, when she tells her parents the news, they come to visit--bringing a potential suitor with them. While he might suit her in some ways, Mercy finds herself more interested in the carpenter who donated his services to install shelves in Rachel's library...but she doesn't think he returns her regard. She must figure out which path is the right one for her.
Things are running well at Jane Bell's inn, and James Drake, who is establishing an inn of his own nearby, is attentive and charming, but she wonders what his true motives are and finds herself longing for the company of a different man--but she doesn't know if she'll ever see him again.

I thought this book was charming. I wish I could jump into the story and visit Ivy Hill and all the characters. Ivy Hill just seems so charming, and I'm just in love with the delightful setting. I also loved the characters; I was swept up in their stories and really wanted to see how things would play out for them. I felt like they were well-developed and it was easy to empathize with their worries and fears. I will say I wish there had been more of a resolution for one character in particular--but that is just a reflection of how much I enjoyed the book, not a criticism of the way it was written. I can't wait for the third book in the series! I actually like this series more than any of Julie Klassen's other books.

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is my first visit to Ivy Hill, and I am looking forward to my next visit. Although I entered this series in book two of the Tales From Ivy Hill series, it worked quite well as a stand-alone read. I don’t believe too much was revealed to spoil my going back and reading book one. I am actually quite intrigued to discover what previously occurred between Jane Bell and Gabrielle Locke, as well as to learn what motivated the change in Jane’s mother-in-law, Thora. Klassen does a good job of balancing closure in this book with leaving enough of the plot line open to motivate her reader to read book three.
Themes in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage deal with the struggle to ask for help from others, and maybe even from God. While the story is set in 1820’s England, this struggle may be even more prevalent in today’s society that values independence, self-reliance, and pulling oneself up by one’s own bootstraps. The book also deals with the importance of truth: the sometimes-high cost of truth, the fact that truth always has a way of coming out, and the strength of character that is displayed when one deals with a hard truth in a way that pleases and glorifies God. This too is a theme that is pertinent to modern living as we are daily faced in mainstream media and social media with discerning truth, holding our leaders to the truth, and behaving truthfully in our own lives even when the cost may be quite high.
The main characters in this book are endearing. The three central characters inn keeper Jane Bell, school teacher Mercy Grove, and librarian Rachel Ashford now all working for a living were once ladies of nobility. They are evidence of changing times in England, as are their friendships with secondary characters that cross social boundaries. Changes, even positive ones, take time to accept by people of both genders and across all walks of life. This is evidenced by the reaction and interaction of characters throughout this story, as it is probably evidenced in each of our own lives.
I recommend The Ladies of Ivy Cottage to historical fiction fans, they will likely be intrigued by the information on subscription or circulating libraries, forerunners of today’s public libraries, that is woven into the story. I also recommend it to fans of romantic fiction, and of course to those who love Christian fiction. I thank NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is a tale of a few women, it reminds me of my favorite author - can you guess what author that is? Yes you're right Jane Austen, each of these women go their own, way they go on their own journey of life. One is trying to find her way in life. The other is trying to find her way in love - will someone love her? You have best friends supporting and directing the friends. The village is full of characters, each with their own stories and direction in life - you have good parts and bad parts. The villagers are unique and are characters in and of themselves - they each have a story to tell, but the women of Ivy Cottage are special to each other and to those in the village - this is a major must read and the book is abundant in love, befitting their generation and brilliantly written- my only regret is I didn't get the first book. I hope that I did honor to this book and the author.

This is my first Julie Klassen though I've heard much about this talented and established author. It is the second in the Tales from Ivy Hill series but I didn't feel I'd missed out on anything that stopped me from enjoy this story even if I am tempted to go back and read The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. I anticipated the usual romance which follows two lead characters meeting...except who are the leads here? Which romance will succeed? Those questions kept me reading...and reading...until I reached the end of the book hungry for the next one! Yes, I enjoyed Rachel's story but I loved Mercy and Jane and their stories are just beginning. More twists than even I could anticipate made it a most interesting and diverting read. I enjoyed the unpredictability and the gentle Christianity. There is a great sense of hope in difficult circumstances. As a fellow reviewer remarked, it's a lovely chronicle of village life and the characters within that! Roll on the next one! A four out five on the en-JOY-meant scale!

Loved this book. A true Regency I couldn't put down. I hope there are more stories to come/continue. Well done and not over the top. A true look at that time period.

In a return to the idyllic Ivy Hill, several leading ladies must make important decisions that will impact their futures in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. Rachel Ashford has recently moved into Ivy Cottage with the two Miss Groves after her father's death-- and the scandal surrounding it-- leave her virtually penniless. While struggling to support herself, Rachel is often tempted to marry the man who inherited her father's estate, but will her heart allow her to do so? Mercy Grove finds fulfillment in managing the girls' school in her home, but will her parents desire to see her finally married steal her home from her? Down the road, Jane Bell is confidently and expertly running her coaching in and finally feels ready put aside the grief of losing her husband.


I had a much easier time falling in love with this second installment of Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series than I did the first. Rachel and Mercy are both worthy protagonists, and Thora and Jane Bell grew more appealing in this novel than they did in the last. While I adored Rachel, I was never particularly fond of her love interest, Sir Timothy. Inconstant and overly obsessed with his family's reputation, Timothy simply didn't live up to Klassen's typical male-leads. As a result, the ending was less than satisfying in that I felt Rachel could somehow do better. While still not my favorite of Klassen's books, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage has me anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series. The conclusion of both Jane's and Mercy's stories have the potential to be lovely indeed.

The second installment of Klassen’s Tales From Ivy Hill series focuses on Rachel Ashton and her friend Mercy Grove. Rachel, impoverished and recently orphaned, has moved in with her friend Mercy at Ivy Cottage. She tries to help Mercy with the school for young ladies that Mercy and her Aunt Matilda run out of Ivy Cottage, but she doesn’t feel that she has the gift of teaching.

Mercy encourages Rachel to attend the local women’s business meeting—also known as the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society—where the ladies suggest that she start a circulating library. Everyone pitches in to help her set up her business, and she soon has a means to support herself—which leads to a mystery. Unraveling the mystery may could mean the end of Rachel’s hopes for her future.

Mercy Grove has accepted that fact that she will remain a spinster. Her mother has made clear through the years that Mercy’s plain looks and lack of fine figure will limit her choices. Mercy finds contentment in running the girls’ school with her aunt and participating in village life. But her brother’s engagement threatens to take away everything she holds dear.

Fans of Jan Karon’s Mitford series will enjoy the Ivy Hill series. Klassen uses her extensive knowledge of 1820s England to create a village full of characters with depth. Reading the first book will prove helpful, as the stories in this book pick up where they left off in the last book. I found myself sad when the book ended.

Another completely delightful experience by Julie Klassen. Not only do you return again and again to find out what happens next, but you do so simply to become immersed in her world once more. Write faster! :)

When I think of Regency romance, I think Julie Klassen and Sarah E. Ladd. Both authors capture the essence of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters when they compose a novel. I was introduced to Klassen's writing with The Secret of Pembroke Hall, which I enjoyed. I loved the mystery surrounding the house. As for her newest addition to her first series, The Ladies of Ivy Hall, the story lagged in the beginning, but then picked up pace as the novel moved along.
The top aspect of Klassen's writing is her ability to create the world for her characters. She does a great job at describing and staying true to her settings. I have no problem visualizing the settings with her characters and traveling with them as they move around. I can see the houses and the inn. The story becomes alive with her setting.
The characters shine in their different settings. I really liked seeing more of Rachel in this edition. She became front and center as one of the main characters, and it was nice seeing develop a library that would give her a way to provide for herself. Mercy was a character that shined in this story too. We learned more about her family and her situation that Klassen made hard for her to survive. Again, we return to the story of Jane, but Klassen draws her closer to a happy ending, but rips the rug right out from under her. I really don't see any transformation of the three main women. A couple of the men change, but the women don't really.
The plot lagged in the beginning. I thought that I would be giving a bad review because I couldn't stay focused on the plot. The story is just the characters moving around and doing things, but no real conflict. Then the story picks up around sixty percent where the conflict comes one after another. Once majority of the conflict is solved, than Klassen throws in hopeful resolutions for each woman. I wanted more with the plot.
The spiritual element isn't really there either. I didn't know what the novel's theme was. The characters attended church, but nothing really spiritual about any of them.
Overall, The Ladies of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen features a wonderful world brought to life with vibrant characters who begged me to stay and learn more about them, but the plot of their story didn't really capture my attention until almost the end.
I received a complimentary copy of The Ladies of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It had traces of Jane Austen running through the pages. The village with its mix of high society and common villagers reminded me of “Larkrise to Candleford.” It felt very comfortable to me and the story flowed beautifully. I would love to walk through the village, stop at the inn, ride the stagecoach, and visit the circulating library. This story reminded me of some of the best things about small town life…where people take care of each other….even those who are different from them. I didn’t want the story to end and longed to see Mercy’s dreams come to fruition and for Jane to feel hope and joy. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

As Klassen’s novels usually release about a year apart from each other, it took me a little bit of time to regain my footing – remembering all that had happened in the first book (The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill). It’s worth the time it takes to refresh your memory, as this novel is a complete continuation of all that transpired in book one. The stories of Jane Bell, Rachel Ashford, and Mercy Grove all continue to develop further as they continue on in their small-town lives. Klassen deftly weaves the lives of several small town inhabitants – keeping their stories separate, yet intersecting believably. The novels work well as a series – following along individual lives but, ultimately, telling the story of how lives in Ivy Hill influence each other.

(It reminds me a lot of the British miniseries Cranford.)cranford

One of the things I enjoy most about these books is the varied way Klassen tells the stories of town individuals. In book one, Jane and her mother-in-law Thora received the most attention (though Rachel was given a fair amount as well). Here we see very little of Thora (as her story culminated well at the end of the first book), but still get to see Jane and Rachel. We’re also better introduced to Mercy (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters).

Here in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, Rachel’s story culminates nicely (as does Jane’s…slightly), but be prepared to wait for another book in order to witness more of Mercy’s story.

That’s my biggest complaint (albeit not a real complaint). I love multi-book series for the in-depth consideration they can give their characters and plotlines. The downside, of course, is the length of time between dates of publication and, thus, the length of time readers have to wait to find out what happens next. So a word of warning to those who can’t stand waiting to see “what’s next.” Not everything gets neatly tied up in this book. (But if you read the last book, you’re probably not surprised by that fact).

Still, I heartily recommend this series for those who enjoy 19th Century England. Klassen does a great job at developing intricate characters with unique situations – and allowing them to co-exist admirably.

Grab this one once it’s out. Then join me in solidarity as we wait (patiently?) for Julie Klassen to release another installment…

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is scheduled to be released by Bethany House on December 5, 2017.

I didn't think this book was as strong as the previous one. Right off the bat, several love interests are struck out, which I had thought was a strong point of the first book- that no characters were obvious choices- life doesn't usually work that way; while hindsight may make things seem obvious, in the moment... not so much. Some of the "twists" were not surprising, but rather the character seemed to be blind and/or exceptionally unobservant.

Rachel's tale was the focus and I did like her story in general. The focus on friendship is still there and I liked the way that the women support each other. I thought her struggle with accepting help was well done.

The biggest issue for me was all of the references to Jane Austen. I'm a huge fan as well but it was just too much. There were many lines taken directly out of her novels. Several scenes bore a very strong resemblance to those in her works and some of the characters (Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy etc) seem to make an appearance via some established characters. It was jarring and took me out of the flow of the story every. single. time. And it wasn't necessary. The best parts of the story were those that felt 100% original (read: not influenced or inspired by Jane Austen's work) and I think the novel would have been a lot stronger on its own.

The storyline that I found most intriguing was Mercy's and that one was not resolved, so I will have to read the last installment and hope that this book was touched by middle book syndrome.