“An Ivy Hill Christmas” by Julie Klassen is a companion novella to her “Tales from Ivy Hill” trilogy. It can also be read as a standalone. I have absolutely loved her “Tales from Ivy Hill” novels! They remind me of the show “Lark Rise to Candleford” or any show with a small, English village set in the country where all the residents know one another. I became so invested in Ms. Klassen’s characters that I was so delighted to hear I would be able to visit Ivy Hill once more through this novella.

This book is everything a lover of Regency stories would want in a Christmas novella. It includes all the traditions and customs of the time and just has that “olde Christmas” feel to it. I was delighted to once again meet some of my favorite characters and get to know some new ones. My Jane Austen loving heart was excited to pick up hints or nods to “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” throughout Ms. Klassen’s novella. Of course, Ms. Klassen always includes beautiful sentiments and lessons. This story has lessons on forgiveness and on learning that a person is valuable and significant just as they are.

The characters of “An Ivy Hill Christmas” are well done, and I did not feel like the story was too rushed, as is often the case with novellas. I especially love Richard, our main character. I appreciated his transformation from a bit of a “bad boy” bachelor to a sweet and caring man. Of course, there is romance and a bit of a love triangle as well. I honestly went back and forth on who I wanted Richard to end up with.

I invite you to grab some mulled cider, your favorite blanket, start a warm fire and cozy up with this book. You will be transported to an idyllic country village during a 19th century Christmas.

Happy Christmas!

Content: This book is pretty much a clean read. Some examples of the content are: people drink alcohol and smoke pipes; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of a woman’s bosom; a man had a mistress; a person has a past of sleeping with women before marriage; a boy is physically abused.

Rating: I give this book 5 Christmas bells.

I want to thank Julie Klassen, Bethany House, NetGalley and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

This book was charming and sweet.

The plot is not thick, there are no complex twists and turns, but it does not set out to be a thriller. Instead, it is a relaxing book full of good cheer and clean Christmas enjoyment.

I am a new reader of Julie Klassen's work; I understand there are other books about the town of Ivy Hill that she has written. I didn't realize that until after I had finished this book, and it did not impact my ability to read and enjoy it.

If you go into this book expecting a sweet story, lovely descriptions, and simple characters, you will not be disappointed. There is a slight Christian theme to the book as well as a few of the characters mention their dependence on God. I enjoyed this as a Christmas read.

I received a free ARC as a reviewer for NetGalley. I review many books, and would consider this one worthwhile if you know what you are reading it for. It is solidly 3 - 3 1/2 stars. It does not receive 4 or 5 stars not because it is not good, but because I reserve those for truly outstanding, singular books.

This book has wonderful themes that show up all throughout this story: Forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of serving others. Richard Brockwell’s Christmas will be different than any he’s experienced before. Because of past hurts, he’s developed a cynical, self-serving point of view. But as he returns to Ivy Hill for Christmas with his family, the well-constructed walls he’s built around his heart start to fall as he gets to know the beautiful Arabella Awdry. Through her love and concern for her family and her strong faith, Richard begins to see that God might truly care for him and even extends forgiveness to him. Although Arabella begins to care for Richard, his past stands in the way of her fully giving her heart to him. Their story is a compelling one, and I think it’s a perfect story to read during the Christmas season.

I saw subtle shades of both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in this story. I loved the conversations between Richard and Arabella. There’s one scene between them where Arabella puts Richard in his place in a surprising, well-deserved way. Even though this is a novella-length book, Julie Klassen gives us a complete love story that encompasses everything we love most about the Christmas season.

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

This was the first book I’ve read by Julie Klasson and I did wonder if it would be ultra religious. I enjoyed it very much as it was a good storyline with strong characters and a thin thread of spiritual commentary in places. A very good read and a pleasant change from the normal regency romances.

I just reviewed An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. #AnIvyHillChristmas #NetGalley

I am thrilled that I got to read such a wonderful book and that too in the festive month of December.

The book is a real Christmas read that explores old Christmas traditions of the 19th century England. The characters are beautiful and strong.

There is wonderful development in the plot and the characters. I really recommend this book to everyone. It is a beauty.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a captivating addition to the Tales from Ivy Hill series written by Julie Klassen. Having read this author before, I was hoping for a good holiday read and I was not disappointed. The characters were great--evocative, vibrant, and likable. The story gripped me right from the start and just got better and better as the characters interacted and, of course, with a delightful romance set in a beautiful English village setting. I loved the depiction of a Regency-era Christmas and all the English traditions. The author has deftly woven a message of grace and forgiveness throughout the story. An Ivy Hill Christmas is a delightful Regency romance and readers who enjoy sweet Christmas romances won't want to miss this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

A great read for this time of the year. This beautiful story is about redemption, charity, and second chances. Richard Brockwell a playboy content to live off of his family’s money in London, just doing the clubs and the leisurely life. It is the Christmas season of 1882 and his Mother has demanded he come home or his funds will be cut off. He goes home very reluctantly not knowing that there is going to be a great change in his life. He meets a beautiful woman, a small boy and a dog and somehow they all speaks to his heart and his aimless life. Klassen has written a touching novella and the characters are well written and memorable, especially Richard, Arabella, and the boy Jamie. You will certainly enjoy this one…….I was given an ecopy via Netgalley and this review is in my own words.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella. At just over 200 pages, it's a shorter read but by no means a less-than experience. The author includes deep messages of faith and Richard is such a remarkable character. I loved seeing him grow and change throughout the book.
The misconceptions about him, something he used to his advantage, also played a part in his downfall and the prodigal son redemption thread rounded out the story with a nice finish.
And who wouldn't love the setting. Excellent detail keeps the reader in the story and allows them to experience a historical Christmas from the comfort of their own home.
I do wish the ending had been longer. I know, it's a personal opinion, and An Ivy Hill Christmas is a novella so I had to give them up before I was prepared.
Can you believe this is my first Julie Klassen read? It definitely won't be my last. Historical fans, you'll want this one.

I didn’t engage with this story.
This is the first book I have read by this author and whilst I enjoyed the descriptions of old country customs, I did find the story slow going which I found surprising as if was designated a novella. I am sure that readers who have read other books within this series will enjoy revisiting characters that they already know but sadly I am not one of them. Despite the fact that the story involves a gentleman improving their character, this felt very goody two shoes to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautiful romantic Christmas story set in Victorian times. Just the perfect uplifting read to escape to and get in the mood for Christmas.

This book was pretty interesting, to a point. I didn’t love it but wanted to see how Richard, the central character of the story, would turn out. Seems he was quite marvelously transformed during his Christmas at home! And I was glad for the way it all turned out. 3-1/2 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

An Ivy Hill Christmas – Was enchanting and totally helped me get in the mood of Christmas. While I have not read any of Julie Klassen books before I knew I wanted to start reading her books as she is known for her fantastic characters, settings, and regency era fiction, which are some of my favorite bookish things when combined.

This book was like being transported back in time and immersed in a magical Christmas wonderland. Richard and Arabella had great chemistry right from the beginning and I loved their banter with each other. They had meaningful interactions and portrayed some realistic truths. The story was filled with some interesting twists, old secrets, lost love, and an interesting plot that kept me heavily engaged with the characters. An Ivy Hill Christmas Made me cozy inside, I highly recommend this sweet Christmas story and I am excited to have found a new author to read 😊. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Who needs a time machine when a good author can take you anywhere! Ms. Klassen takes the reader by the hand and whishes you straight back to Regency England.
Not only is she well familiar with the era, but Ms. Klassen is well versed in human nature.
Richard, self-centered and self-indulgent didn’t go home for Christmas for any nostalgic reasons. In fact, it seems to this reader that he stayed away for exactly those nostalgic reasons. Well, that and [SPOILER.]
Arabella was about as opposite to Richard as a person can be—giving and self-sacrificing, her deepest heart desire to serve others. And she knew Richard’s reputation, and had no more desire to spend time with him that he with her.
But as the holiday progressed, and as human nature tends to do, and with situation and circumstances Ms. Klassen skillfully unfolded—and as iron sharpens iron—Richard and Arabella discovered truth beneath the layers of sludge that life had cocooned around both of them.
Oh! How I wish I could have been there! The dances, the sleigh rides, the gowns—the food! I felt the biting chill in the air, I smelled the pine of the boughs, the smoke from the fireplaces, the tantalizing aromas of dinner. I heard the pianoforte, the jingle of the sleigh bells, the whisper of the harp.
Such a beautiful story of transformation, tugging heart strings, tenderness and compassion.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, An Ivy Hill Christmas, Julie Klassen, Tales from Ivy Hill, Celebrate Lit Publicity

For fans of the Ivy Hill series, this is no doubt going to please the readers. The village in Wiltshire no doubt is well loved, and you’ll be happy to spend time with the characters once more.

This really wasn’t for me, I haven’t found this series to be overly consistent and the writing tends to be choppy and halts the dialogue to info dump, which isn’t enjoyable to me. I also took issue with some of the irregularities that are not accurate for the south east. Most won’t know or care, but I’m from the UK and I found it irritating. I skim read most of the book. The ending was rushed and could have spared the epilogue the way it was handled.

Overall I’m giving this three stars because for those that liked this series, they’ll be happy for a Christmas edition.

I received a complimentary eARC from Netgalley. This is my honest review.

Award-winning author Julie Klassen pens a Christmas novella that ties in with her Regency series set in the English village of Ivy Hill.

In An Ivy Hill Christmas, carefree, fun-loving bachelor Richard Brockwell lives a life of ease in London until his mother threatens to cut off his funds unless he comes home for Christmas. Just before that, Richard turned over a new leaf. He wants his earlier exploits to be forgotten, and for others to recognize the changes in his life. Unfortunately others don’t easily forgive and forget. Can he right the wrongs of his past, especially when he meets Arabella Awdry whom he overlooked years ago?

Richard stayed away from his family due to his father’s secrets and past indiscretions, earning a reputation of his own as a black sheep. So his return to Ivy Hill is not welcomed by many. Yet he displays a better character when he becomes more aware of the needs of others instead of his own, like the orphaned apprentice, and the tenants on the family estate.

Klassen’s fans will delight to return to Ivy Hill and to the characters introduced in her earlier books. Known for her excellent character development, Klassen’s books are filled with forgiveness, second chances, and redemption. The faith elements are light-handed. Readers will appreciate the nod to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Recommended for public and high school libraries. Her novels should appeal to adults and high school readers alike. Fans of Sarah E. Ladd, Carrie Turansky, and other historical fiction fans will be delighted to read this series.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

It’s Christmastime 1822 in the grand place of Ivy Hill. The festivities are starting and for our entertainment we have the dashing Richard and the allusive Arabella . Richard is coming home only because his mother has summoned him. He must appease her or he may find himself penniless. I really did like Richard and his charm that captured women’s attention. Well not everyone admired him. That is what makes this story so fun.

Arabella is not pleased to see Richard and doesn’t even want to speak to him. I loved how the author has them pushed together in different places and is forced to be civil to each other. Richard does come off as a well let’s say an uncharitable person. All that is about to change when his path crosses with someone in dire need. I enjoyed watching Richard show that his heart can be touched by others. If only his family can get over the past and he can learn how to forgive and be forgiven. He is not a complicated man, merely someone who wants to be accepted and to find true love.

Arabella won my heart by her strength and ability to stand up for herself . I know I The banter between Richard and Arabella is funny at times and I wasn’t sure if they would ever see eye to eye on anything. The author brings this time period to life with vivid descriptions. I wanted to join the group as they caroled and celebrated a special holiday.

The best part of the book is how God was the center of the story with illustrations of kindness to others, forgiveness and being able to accept who you are. “Do you think a man can change his nature?” “With God’s help, yes.” We can’t change people but we can pray for them. Arabella realizes that God is in control . I love happy endings and was pleased with how the author demonstrated God’s unconditional love as two people find their way back to each other.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is part of the Tales from Ivy Hill series by Julie Klassen. I have enjoyed the other books in the series and I believe this one is among my favorites. I adored this story. It is a quick read that includes a lot I enjoy in a book. Which includes: mystery, suspense, history and romance. It is one of those books that I can sit down for a few minutes to start. Then wound up still sitting in the same chair a few hours later and reading the very last page. It is so very good.

An Ivy Hill Christmas will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction, clean romance, and those that are set during the magical time of Christmas.

I received An Ivy Hill Christmas from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This was delightful. The story had overtones of a Dickensian Christmas! The characters were likeable and the story well-paced and satisfying! I loved the setting of Ivy Hill and am now intrigued to read other books in this world.

Richard is a soft-hearted dreamer who tries to pretend he is a rogue and a Scrooge. He finds himself strong-armed into returning home for Christmas at Ivy Hill where his family are hosting many guests, including Arabella. He remembered her as an awkward, unappealing girl - apparently his memory isn't that good, because she's beautiful and intriguing and a huge temptation to settle down. Arabella wants an independent life in London where she can perform charitable works with her Aunt so she's not interested in getting to know Richard (or maybe she is).

This book was a charming, heartwarming tale of redemption and change. I enjoyed the characters, though it was my first visit to Ivy Hill- a problem I plan to remedy soon!

An Ivy Hill Christmas is such a Christmas treat! Richard Brockwell is a marvelous character! Humorous in his frippery and even his less-than-kind observations. But what really grabbed me is the depth of his character and his gradually change of heart amid family Christmas activities. By the end, he's gone from stingy to generous, superficial to deep, indifferent to compassionate, and resentful to forgiving, all without giving the reader whiplash.

Arabella is a lovely foil to him. Independent and strong-willed but with a heart for charity, she is a perfect complement to Richard. My favorite Christmas book of the season thus far!