This book was a perfect conclusion to a lovely series! I loved getting to re-visit old characters. I like the way this author can craft a story that draws you into its historical setting with vivid descriptions. The pace of these books is a little slower than her stand alone novels, but this allows you to really get to know the characters. I enjoyed the Christian principles intertwined as well. I highly recommend this book and this series, best read in order!

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen takes us back to February 1821 in Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England. Mercy Grove and her aunt, Matilda are preparing for the arrival of hew newly married brother, George and his society bride, Helena. Mercy was forced to close her school and have the lending library move to a new location in anticipation of the new occupants. She misses Alice who she wished to adopt until her biological father and hotelier, James Drake arrived on the scene. When Helena makes living in the home uncomfortable, Mercy contemplates becoming a governess. Jane Bell has a big decision to make. Gabriel Locke has proposed to Jane and, while she loves him, it would mean giving up her inn. Plus, she is unable to have children and Jane does not want Gabriel to make such a sacrifice. Then someone Jane never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. The dressmakers’ shop is let by a new woman to town who answers to the name of Madame Victorine. She doesn’t share many details of her past and Jane feels she looks familiar. Victorine has beautiful dresses on display, but her sewing skills are not on the same caliber. Will the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society help Victorine or help her new venture fail? Justine, Lady Brockwell, has a matchmaking mother who is intent on her daughter marrying well. Justine’s mother has her sights set on Sir Cyril, but Justine has eyes for a local gentleman. Will Justine give into pressure from her demanding mother? Wedding bells are ringing, but which woman in Ivy Hill will be walking down the aisle?

I have enjoyed my visits to Ivy Hill with Tales from Ivy Hill series. I could not wait to get ahold of The Bride of Ivy Green to see what would happen with Mercy, Jane, Matty, and Justine. I was especially looking forward to Mercy’s story because I wanted her to get a happy ending. Tales from Ivy Hill is one series that you need to read in order. Each book in the series builds upon the previous one. The Bride of Ivy Green is a well-written story with a leisurely pace (sometimes a little too leisurely). The setting is quaint with cozy shops and lovely homes (I picture stone homes with thatched roofs). The characters are developed, and their personalities suit the time period. They are all genteel and refined ladies with good manners. I like that the women are close friends who look out for each other. All the characters are friendly and likeable except Helena, George’s wife. Her coldness and arrogance plus her indifference to Mercy’s feelings perfectly suit this unlikeable character. I did not understand why the author decided to introduce Victorine to the story (it seemed too late in the series for this addition). That time could have devoted to Justine’s or Matty’s story. While the storylines did not play out how I would have liked them to (we all have expectations), I was happy with the outcome. Julie Klassen captured the time period with the clothing, books, pastimes, and attitudes. I am giving The Bride of Ivy Green 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Bride of Ivy Green is a satisfying conclusion to the Tales of Ivy Hill series. I will miss visiting Ivy Hill and the charming ladies who inhabit it.

Are you in need of a vacation about now? Are you ready to get away from all your responsibilities just for a little while? Then pack your valise (or valises if you're like me and tend to overpack),  hop on a carriage, and travel to Ivy Hill in Julie Klassen's newest book, The Bride of Ivy Green. Why was this book such an escape? Well, let me tell you.

The location. I seriously want to visit Ivy Hill. It seems like such a quaint little community. Julie Klassen did an amazing job at portraying a picturesque town. It seems like the perfect place to go for a stroll or to meander into the library or the dress shop to chat with a friend or two.  Which leads to the next reason why you should travel to Ivy Hill. The friends.  There are so many good friend there. After you've visited a time or two,  I'm sure they will feel like your friends too. Julie Klassen beautifully gives each character a unique personality. They have flaws; they deal with happy times and hard times; and they seem so real. They make you want to spend much more time in Ivy Hill.

The one problem I had with this book? I want more. I don't want to have to leave this quaint little town and all the friends I've made there. At least I know I can go back to visit anytime I want to by picking up a book from the Tales of Ivy Hill series.

I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans, to those who have read the first two books in the series, and to those who need a vacation to a quaint English town.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What can I say about this book? Julie Klassen does it again. This is a beautifully written, detailed story with the familiar characters we love from Ivy Green. I recommend reading the first two book in ththe trilogy first. This is a beautiful ending to a richly detailed trilogy of a lovely English village and it’s inhabitants. I’m just sad it’s come to and end! The best book I read all year!

This was a very satisfying conclusion to the "Tales from Ivy Hill" series. I was happy to dive back into the lives of the characters. The book ended up just as I hoped it would.

There is not one but two brides in this story. Jane and Mercy finally have their lives come together and find love and happiness. Both women at different points in the series faced uncertainty with their livelihood as well as personal issues.

There are a few new faces that came to town in this story. Jane had an unexpected surprise visit from someone from her past who brought love and happiness into her life. A new dressmaker came to town and became a mystery for the residents to uncover.

Mercy's story is sweet. She had many options but found the one that would give her the greatest satisfaction and happiness. This book was everything that I hoped it would be.

This book is a clean work of Christian fiction. It does contain kissing.

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

This is a book that is part of a series, so that meant me coming in at the last story of the series had me pretty much uninterested. I had an extremely difficult time in starting the book and even completing the story. There was nothing that drew me and captured my interest.

The premise of the story was great and that is what drew me in. That and the book cover itself. Plus, having read Julie Klassen books in the past I knew that I was reading from a great author.

As much as I dislike being "Debbie-downer" on an author and the hard work they have put upon a book, I just couldn't finish the book.

The Bride of Ivy Green
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 04 Dec 2018


I am reviewing a copy of The Bride of Ivy Green through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


A lot has happened in Idylic Ivy Hill in the past months. While several villagers have found love and happines, there are still question remains and not everyone has had their dreams come true.



Jane Bell is torn because Gabriel Locke has come back and has made his intentions clear. The problem is Jane dies not want to give up her in and destine Gabriel to a childless marriage. After someone she had never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill even more questions come back.


After loosing her school Mercy Grove has resigned to a life as a spinster. Especially because the man she greatly admires seems out of reach. Now Mercy Grove must decide whether or not to leave Ivy Cottage in order to become the governess to a former pupil. Her decision will affect more than herself.


A new dressmaker with a mysterious past arrives in the village, but soon the ladies suspect she isn’t who she says she is? Will they reveal her secret, or help to rescue her from a dangerous situation?


Everyone expects Miss Brockwell to Marry a titled gentleman despite the fact that her heart is drawn to another man. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate a wedding, the bride may be a surprise to all of them.


I give The Bride of Ivy Green five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Best Selling author Julie Klassen has the gift of transporting her readers to that special village called Ivy Hill. On  the surface, life in the village carries on as it does every day; the mail coach arrives on time, the inn greets its visitors and life is as it should be.  That it, until a mysterious new modiste lets Mrs. Shabner's old dressmaking shop and things begin to change around the village.  Life, as they knew it, took a turn with no going back.  Speculation can damage any newcomer to small villages and it was diverting compared to every day living. 

For the reader, the experience is a pleasant reminder of Jane Austen's beloved books.  Indeed, one can't miss a nod to Jane with dialogue such as  "Do have compassion on my nerves,"  or "You are all generosity my dear," and you know that you are in good company.  Award winning author Julie Klassen's writing is just the thing to warm up a cold winter night while sipping a cup of Earl Gray tea. 

The characters unfold well into a story of people who care for their neighbors.  While a stranger in their midst may unsettle their well ordered lives and rank, they will pull together when needed most. They are, after all, part of their town, and become, in due course, their own.

This is book 3 in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, and the conclusion of the series. This is the first of the series I have read and honestly, I felt a little lost. It did not keep me from enjoying the book, however I feel I would have enjoyed it much more had I started at the beginning of the series and read them all and in order.

There is a lot going on in this novel all centered around the town of Ivy Hill. With many different characters whom all interact. It is well written with many twist and turns, some heartache and much more.

What a satisfying conclusion the the series, especially for the leading ladies.
This was, admittedly, not as compelling as the previous books in the series or others by this author and there is no real mystery or intrigue.

This series is not really meant to be like that though. Its more reminiscent of Cranford, and the trilogy has focused on the lives of three female friends in a small Berkshire village Jane Bell, Mercy Grove and Rachel, as their neighbours.

Its much more a light read with a gentle pace, which focuses a lot more on relationships between families and friends, as well as the village community. Mercy Grove, the former schoolteacher apparently destined to be a lifelong spinster is the focus of this story, although the other characters come into it as well.

Really its just a very gentle and heartwarming story with themes about love, forgiveness and the important of family, especially reconnecting with unknown or long lost family. The faith elements are not preachy or overwhelming, but instead inform the character's attitudes and ideas in a way that's realistic for the time. 1821 to be precise.

I will say that its not advisable to jump straight in with this story. Its the third in a trilogy, and there is a lot of backstory that underpins the interactions and relationships between the characters. Its easy to get lost otherwise.
Others have remarked that some situations felt a little forced towards the end to bring about a happy ending. That was the case, and a couple of things came across as predictable, but that was true to the spirit of the story (this is not meant to be a thriller after all), and its very satisfying for the reader.

I will say that I loved the way Mrs Klassen worked some real and unusual historical events into the story. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction at times. She also uses details about everyday lives and events that might traditionally be considered mundane to weave a realistic and historically authentic story.

Julie Klassen thus remains one of my favourite authors of Regency Fiction, and this story is recommended for fans of that genre.

I purchased a copy of this title and the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to review it and all opinions expressed are my own.

First off, I would highly recommend reading or rereading the previous two books in the set before starting this one. I barely remembered who any of these people were and where we left off. And that made for confusion and missed connections for a bit.

In the first book, I loved that the romantic choice was not obvious and that it was not even fully resolved. Rather the story was about Jane's growth and dealing with things and putting them to rights herself. The next two books followed suit and now it seems less like a strength and more like a formula: multiple men vie for our female lead's affection, two come out at the top and that keeps the romantic tension going until the conclusion. I felt more frustrated in this book. Too many misunderstandings dragged out. I just didn't have the patience for it.

Additionally, it felt weird to introduce Madame Victorine into the story at this point and I just wasn't interested.

I was glad Jane finally got a resolution and that it came at an unexpected time in an unexpected way.

I love this era. Julie is a wonderful storyteller. She makes you want to be with her character’s as they go though life.

The third and final installment in the Tales From Ivy Hill bring things to a head for Mercy, Jane, and other residents of Ivy Hill Village. I’ve been with this story since the beginning and was eager to see how things wrapped up for several favorite characters. So much was going on that it got off to a sluggish start, but by the end I was flipping pages quickly to a satisfying end.
Review

The Bride of Ivy Green is the conclusion of a gently-paced ongoing saga that stretched out over three books so it does not make a good place to jump in. I’m pretty sure new readers would be dreadfully lost because a continuing reader like myself struggled at times to remember who was was who and where things were left off with certain plot threads.

The focus of the book was on three ladies with a few other side plots as well. Mercy Grove seems to have hit rock bottom, but then a few surprising twists bring interesting prospects for her with a new chance at love and her dreams of teaching. Jane Bell can’t let fear and bitterness rule and has to take the gamble of her life while dealing with a bitter past once and for all. A newcomer makes the biggest gamble of all when she sets up a dressmaking shop in the village and fends off questions about her past while desperate to make a go at a new life.

This was a bulky story. It had a big job to do wrapping up not one, but a handful of story threads. And, if that wasn’t enough, the author introduced a few new ones for good measure. I’m conflicted about this. I loved those new threads- the surprise from Jane’s past and the new mysterious dressmaker and her past ties to Ivy Hill life. The side romance for the losing rival to Rachel’s affections from the last book and James Drake’s family. That said, I wish there had been a fourth book. There was so much going on in this one that its pace was ponderous at times and all the viewpoint shifts leaving off one thread to pick up another could get distracting. A few spots felt under-developed as a result. Nothing about the book fell into dislike for me whether characters or their stories.

I don’t wish to give the impression that I didn’t enjoy this book. I did and was deeply vested in the outcome for all my favorite Ivy Hill residents and the new ones. I confess that I’ve been impatient with Jane over Gabriel for some time so I was glad circumstances pushed her along and got her off the fence in spite of her fear. I found the confrontation Jane finally had to have with her past was an interesting and realistic layer to add to her life. Mercy’s situation was rather complicated and I felt so badly for her. She gives up her school and refuses probably her last big opportunity to marry well in her parents’ eyes because she couldn’t countenance a marriage of convenience. She is choosing the life of a poor, spinster sister living in her brother’s home and at the mercy of his social-climbing, avaricious wife who makes it difficult for Mercy and Aunt Matty so they are not welcome in their own home (ala Fanny Dashwood of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility). She wants to marry for love, but the man she is interested in has given her no sign and seems to put her on a pedestal out of his own reach because she is scholarly and he works with his hands. I happily appreciated seeing couples I was rooting for find their way to happiness.

But, this wasn’t just a good historical romance. This book also addresses historical stigmas about illegitimacy, class differences, and views on mixed marriages which I enjoyed seeing teased out in thought-provoking ways. Then, there is the religious themes running through the book of God’s goodness through times of trial, people who made mistakes and seek forgiveness, and people overcoming their pasts and changing for the better.

All in all, it was a satisfying- if bulky- wrap up to a great series. I can see where there is room left for more at a future date while still bringing all major storylines to a fabulous finish. I am sad to be leaving Ivy Hill for the last time and loved how the author made me fall in love with the setting and people there. Fans of sweet historical romance and inspirational romances should definitely give this series a try.

I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

I'll post my official review later, but for now, this rant will have to do. :P (There will be no spoilers; I'll just rant without meaning. I realize it's not launched yet.)

Now, I hate, hate, HATE those readers who are like, "I KNOW HOW THE BOOK SHOULD HAVE ENDED AND THE AUTHOR WHO SLAVED ENDLESS HOURS OVER THIS BOOK DOESN'T SO LET ME TELL YOU HOW I HATED THE ENDING."

I don't want to be that person! And yet the author, to me, left such major things out of the ending, and furthermore wrote the final novel in the series in a way that ... that just ruined the whole thing for me??? So. I guess I'm going to rant EVEN THOUGH I don't think it's my right to do so! And I dislike myself for doing so.

Let me explain (without spoilers so vaguely):

-BASICALLY, Jane didn't get what I wanted her to. I have specific expectations for Jane, you see. She's, well, she's special to me. And I love her. But everything about her story was anticlimactic. It might have been REALISTIC, yes, but I don't care about that???

She has a story that appeals to me and hits on some of my deepest fears (I am mortally afraid that I'll never have children, even though I actually don't have any strong feelings about getting married ... like, I don't want to have kids without getting married, obv., but if I could I would ... kids are the main thing for me, essentially).

ANYWAYS ... yeah. I was just dissatisfied with her story. It was boring in this book; not a lot happened that I care about. (Yeah, stuff happened, but I ... didn't care. That was not the "stuff happening" that I care about, lolll)

-NEXT, Mercy. I actually feel like ... ugh. I know he wasn't good for her, exactly, but ... I wanted her to end up with someone different. I thought she SHOULD fall in love with and marry someone and she didn't. And I hate, hate, HATE that I was bothered by this, but I was, and you know what? I'm going to list it even though, as I said, it is the author's choice not mine ... I just am frustrated. My ship did not sail. I am furious. Also, Alice is my sweetheart, and ... uggghadjfklaj;galksdf. I'm mad. Sorry.

-Madame Victorine. Uninteresting sideplot that I cared nothing for. I just ... didn't care? Wanted her to go away? I'm sorry, but I needed more Jane, more Mercy, even more Justina ... and less Victorine. Who, again, I don't care about.

-I WAS SO MAD WHEN [THAT COACH DUDE WHOSE NAME I COULDN'T CARE LESS ABOUT] MADE MADAME VICTORINE TELL HIM [SECRET STUFF]. HE HAD NO RIGHT. NOONNNNEEE. He comes running into her life like he OWNS it when she's never seen him before and he's never really met her and just ... ugalkdjg;alkgjasd. I could kill him. If I had been M.Victorine, I would have pulled out my sheers, cut him into a million little pieces, and buried them at every coach stop between here and Yorkshire. I'm serious.

NOBODY, and I mean nobody, pries into my business like that! He. Had. No. RIGHT. He doesn't even know her! I am just ... wow. He is awful. I hate his soul. (I can do that since he's fictional.)

HER. LIFE. IS. NOT. YOUR. BUSINESS. DUDE. She has every right to lie to everyone in the whole dang universe. SHE DOES. She can lie and lie and lie ... and it is not your business UNLESS she's hurting someone. Her past is not your business. Her name is not your business. What she does is not your business. JUST. BUTT. OUT. MAN.

And in the next couple chapters she's (mild spoiler) [KISSING HIM!?!?!? WHAT THE WHAT THE WHAT THE WHAT!?!?!? They don't even know each other ... and she's like, "Hey boy you hot let's kiss." NO NO NO. The man who just threatened you, who acted like your life was his business??? WHEN HE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW YOU!? I legit had to put down the book and scream into my pillow when he treated you like that ... and then you're making out? WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?!? I am just so ... ugh... (hide spoiler)] That was just ... horrid to an extreme degree.

-Justina. Needed. More. Page. Time. I'm sorry, but she did.

That said, there's nothing wrong with this book but the disappointed expectations of a moody teen. :P So ... you will probably adore it. Any sane person would! xP But ... I just ... I can't do that. I'm giving it three stars when it deserves 4 or 5.

Ugh, just when I thought I'd thrown out my emotions and replaced them with cogs and wheels ... I should be able to accept it. *smh*

This was a well-written book, it was fairly well-structured (with just the M. Victorina/that random coach guy thing making no sense), and like ... kadjl;adjg. I don't know. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't.

Another thing: I kind of hated ... what's his face? I've already forgotten. #somememorable The carpenter dude. [ANY MAN who needs a WOMAN to say, "I love you" first is not worth it. Drop him. Drop him like a ... cold potato. :P Just ... everything about him and Mercy's romance was horridly horrid. HE. WAS. NOT. GOING. TO. PROCLAIM. HIMSELF. He was going to leave it to her. Ughljakdf;ja (hide spoiler)]

Good things:

-I love JD. Just love him. Drake for the win. <3
-I love Alice. <3 <3 <3 I want to hug her and wrap her in bubble wrap so nothing can ever hurt her.
-Mercy is always cool except she made the wrong choices. #burntheships
-Jane my baby. <3
-Actually, Gabriel is like goals. (p.s. I'm still waiting for my handsome horse owner to come sweep me off my feet. *ahem* Okay, not really, I'm not interested now ... but he needs to come around in 5 or so years when I'm old enough and ready for a serious relationship. And be Gabriel Locke.)

I have loved this English community and all the charming characters we’ve met through the course of this series, especially Jane and Mandy. I’ll miss reading about the events that happen in the village and the way the friends have always supported each other in every circumstance along the way. This book brings the stories of Jane and Mandy to a well-deserved happy endings. Faith, hope, and love guides these characters all through this book. I’m hoping that we’ll get to revisit Ivy Green again in the future. Julie Klassen has given us entertaining and inspiring stories in this series to reread and enjoy again through the years.

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

Wow! I totally loved this saga!
Julie Klassen was an instant favorite when I first read her book The Silent Governess. I love her Austen style and her characters are always deep and endearing. I always find myself related to the heroine in many ways.
I was curious how a series from her would turn out and I loved these stories! She has a way that inmerse you in the time and place. Ivy Hill Inn is a charming little town and its characters vivid and realistic. I like that not all is perfect in her stories. The characters struggle and have flaws, and things are not perfect, but the happily ever after is satisfying and realistic at the same time.
I fell in love with more than one character: Jane, Mercy, Rachel. I’m so glad Mercy finally found her HEA! I loved her story.
And James, Gabriel, and Joseph. So different but endearing too!
It was a story that has everything: sweet romance, mystery and intrigue, even banter and humor. The perfect mix!
I would totally recommend this series to anyone who loves historical romances, especially to Jane Austen’s fans!
I guess the books could be read as standalone but it is so much more worthwhile reading in order all the background for each character.
A must read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

This is a satisfying conclusion to the series.

I will say I think to fully appreciate this book you should read the other two first. I don’t think this is a book you can just jump into without reading the others and find that interesting. But because I have read the other two I enjoyed meeting up with these characters again and seeing what was going on and their lives continue to develop.

I look forward to reading more of Julie’s work in the future.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it is my favorite of the series. And the cover is just beautiful. I think Mercy's story is my favorite, and I liked Jane's story continued and Victorine's begun. I am really drawing a blank on what to say, but I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of this author and this era.

The Tales from Ivy Hill series is perfect for fans of gentle period pieces like Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford. This series, which focuses on several woman living in Ivy Hill, is sweet, gentle, and completely addicting.

The Bride of Ivy Green is the third and final book in the series (and you really do need to read the series in order, as each novel builds on the last). It's told from the perspectives of four women: Mercy Grove, whose life is turned upside-down by the arrival of her brother and his wife (think Austen's John & Fanny Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility); Jane Bell, owner of The Bell Inn, who is in love with Gabriel Locke but not sure if she is strong enough for another marriage; Rachel, Lady Brockwell after finally marrying Sir Timothy, who is now intent on seeing her sister-in-law Justina marry for love, not duty; and newcomer Victorine, the dressmaker with a mysterious past who opens a shop in Ivy Hill.

The women experience unexpected joys and sorrows as they continue living their lives in Ivy Hill. Of all the stories, Mercy's was the one that most interested me; she broke off a relationship in the second book and seemed to be building something with Joseph Kingsley, though he considered himself to be below her station. But then another suitor entered the mix, once who could give Mercy's nearly all of her dreams. The trajectory of Mercy's life drastically changed throughout the novel, and I loved watching her navigate everything.

I also enjoyed continuing Jane's story, and I loved how Mercy's Aunt Matty's life intertwined with Jane's in an unexpected way.

The one aspect I didn't totally love about this novel was Victorine. She was fine, but her story didn't interest me nearly as much as Justina's story did, yet Victorine got much more page time.

Overall, this is a wonderful conclusion to the series; while "Happily Ever Afters" abound, not every story is tied up with a neat bow, and I appreciated that real-life feeling. Honestly, I'm a little bit jealous of readers who haven't begun the series yet, as I think reading the three novels back-to-back would be an even more enjoyable experience! 4-1/2 stars.

Note: If you've read Klassen's The Dancing Master, look for a fun cameo by Alec and Julia!

Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.

I have been eagerly awaiting to read The Bride of ivy Green, the third book in Ms. Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series. This series is such a great historical fiction romance series!

It took me a bit to get back into the wonderful world of Ivy Hill but once I did, I was swept away into it's beautiful countryside, the wonderful characters and a story that warmed my heart. I came away from this book with a huge, soppy grin on my face and my family just said "Yep, she's read another good one!"

I highly recommend The Bride of Ivy Green- it will truly warm your heart and brighten your day. What better way to start of your reading year than with a faith based, wonderful romance!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Klassen, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.