NOTE: This is the same review I submitted for the audiobook. I just removed the part where I mentioned the narrators.

4.75 stars rounded up to 5! This is my second book by Rachel Fordham and I enjoyed it very much, just as I did the previous one. This is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I’m not typically one for fairytales but this was so well done. I grew very fond of Sadie, Otis, and the minor characters, too.

The characters illustrated that we all have scars of some sort. Not all of them are visible. There was so much raw honesty and it was beautiful. We all must see each other without judgment.

My favourite quote is: “The world needs both the timid and the bold.” I highly recommend this novel.

*** My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, #ThomasNelson, for an advance copy of this audiobook. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words. #BeyondIvyWalls #RachelFordham

Romance and mystery. Heartwarming and beautifully written and captures the early 20th century. The writing is rich and atmospheric transporting the reader to a different time and place. There are several twists, making it an engaging read.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sadie West's father has long been ill, and her family is struggling to pay for his care as well as other costs of living. She takes a feather duster factory job in a nearby town to help keep them afloat and sleeps in an abandoned factory. Only, that factory belongs to the elusive and reclusive bachelor Otis Taylor, who is both emotionally and physically scarred. When he catches Sadie and she starts working in his mansion, he is amazed that she sees past his appearance and shows him kindness. He starts to rely on her, but she is waiting for a man to return from college and court her. Plus, he has life-changing family secrets and an inquisitive town to deal with.
I love this book! One of my absolute favorites. The notes between Otis and Sadie are hilarious. He is very intriguing (though his name made it hard to not picture the drunk guy on The Andy Griffith Show for a while), and her affection toward him and her family is beautiful. He did think that their relationship stitched their souls together "beyond mere friendship," but that statement reflects our cultural undervalue of friendship. Remember, Jonathan's and David's souls were knit together in Kings. Love the family (mostly) and friend relationships. The towns seem charming, too. Cannot recommend this enough! Sweet, beautiful story. You should read it.

I would sing Beyond Ivy Walls's praises from the rooftops if I could! This is an absolutely beautiful read and in fact I can't say I've read a book quite like it, so unique was it in its storyline and the mysterious romantic adventure that ensued through the pages. It was perfectly delightful to come alongside these characters in this unique take on Beauty and the Beast. I really appreciated both perspectives and found the whole thing to be believable and realistic. I think this book has enough to offer for any reader regardless of preferred genre and is a book not to miss. I just can't belief everyone isn't talking about it! The characters and story touched my heart and made me fall in love with it all! A truly memorable story! I cannot wait to see what Rachel Fordham writes next!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the gifted e-copy!

Last night, I finished reading this beautifully written book. I already miss the characters and I can’t stop thinking about them. I loved spending time in Monticello, Iowa in 1903.

In Monticello, wounds were healed and pain was relieved. Secrets were revealed and burdens were shared. Grace was extended and forgiveness was received. Fresh starts were available to those who needed them most. I was refreshed by the many intentional acts of kindness.

I loved when the characters shared moments of fun. My two personal favorites were a dramatic reading of a story and some ongoing roller skating lessons. So much fun!

I loved the romance between Otis and Sadie. It was filled with humor and tenderness and so much more.

This book will warm your heart, cause you to shed a few tears and it will give you food for thought for many meals. I loved it!

I received complimentary copies of this most enjoyable book from Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley through UpLit Reads. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A wonderful, unique, mysterious romantic adventure. Everyone will enjoy this story that has a little something for every reader.

This different take on the Beauty and the beast plot was refreshing, captivating and realistic.

I loved the time the author took to develop the relationship between Otis and Sadie. It was not insta love, but a civil acquaintance relationship, helping each other out, turning to friendship, growing into love.

Sadie had such a pure heart, and I enjoyed the influence she had on the grumpy, reclusive Otis and how she showed him beauty is far more than how someone looks.

I loved all the scenes between Sadie and her family, they were quite a loud lively bunch, and the old couple managing Otis’s estate was a perfect support couple who was almost like grandparents to Otis and Sadie.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

I loved this story. I loved how it had a little bit of “Beauty and the Beast” vibes while being set in a setting that seemed real. I also liked that the main male character was dealing with a health issue that I also have dealt with most of my life. I felt like I could relate to the characters. I loved how the main characters fell in love and that they helped each other find joy in life. I loved how they were there for each other even when things were tough. I would highly recommend this story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I was hearing about this book all over Instagram before I read it and it did not disappoint!!!! I loved the reimagining of Beauty and the Best with a heroine who was brave, kind and strong in her own right. The hero was battling his own problems, but once he allowed his personality to shine, the banter was soooo good. I loved the easy romance that budded from friendship. The side characters in the meddling housekeepers and her family really made this book a stunner for me. Plus, a book without a "real" 3rd act breakup??? Love it! My only criticism is that the book is marketed as Christian fiction, but is very lacking in shining the light back to God. I really enjoyed it otherwise.

This is my first book by Rachel Fordham and it will not be my last. I enjoyed this beauty and the beast retelling that was faith filled. And the "beast" part was written in a way I never thought about. In Beyond Ivy Walls the story touches on the question no one's thought to ask or answer before, why did the beast come the way he is. Beyond Ivy Walls actually looks at it from the Beast's back story. Otis is now the only living heir to his father's estate. And Sadie just wants to help her family. You get the story from both their point of views unlike previous Beauty and the Beast retellings I've read before. And I loved that. I can't wait to read more of the author's books.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Otis returns home to sell the place. He faces memories and new friendship with a squatter who lives on his land. Absolutely wonderful story with Beauty and the Beast vibes. A twist that was enchanting. The storytelling perfectly engaged me to love Otis unconditionally and want him to find a happily ever after.

The town and friendships are heart wrenching and I was actually moved to tears. The entire ending is just so heartwarming and I loved it. There is roller skating was completely romantic. This is my second book by this author and I am a big fan!

I loved Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham so much. I loved that it is a retelling of one of my favorite princess movies, Beauty and the Beast. I loved noticing the parallels as I read. However, there are plenty of differences to make this it's own story.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a historical romance that takes place in 1903 Iowa. Sadie has left her home on the farm to take a job in the city to help support her family. She ends up meeting Otis Taylor, the remaining heir of an important family in town. However, he's only just returned himself and is staying hidden away because of scars that have left him looking disfigured.

I loved seeing Sadie and Otis's relationship evolve, going through ups and downs and twists and turns.
Forgiveness plays an important roll in the story for more than one reason. As does self sacrificial love and faith. There's even a mystery of a missing child.

Definitely a book I highly recommend.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Great historical romance novel with likable lead characters. The story is sweet and with a well written and heartwoarming story. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I knew it! I just knew it!

Started on page one and now it’s the wee hours of the morning and I’m done. Finished. Best reading marathon I’ve had in some time.

Fordham treats us to a stellar and unique reimagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast. It’s fresh, engaging and captivating.

Every time I tried to put the book down and get some sleep I would wonder how Sadie and Otis were doing. How was her job going? Was she safe? How badly are the memories for Otis?

And will they ever find…oops! Almost spoilered it for you! Blame it on book hangover!

I loved everything about Fordham’s newest book. I felt the feathers Sadie worked with. When she sneezed my nose would tickle. While I couldn’t hear Otis’ music, I could feel it in my heart.

And then Leon, Mildred, Wolf, Peter, Nina, plus so many more burrowed deep down in my heart to stay. Well, pretty much everyone except Alta. Her I wanted to pop in the nose!

Can you tell I adore this story? Because I do. I really do. I’m eager for more from Rachel Fordham. I’ll just have to reread Beyond Ivy Walls again while I’m waiting.

Which will be no problem at all!

I enjoyed this story, very much. it was something like Beauty and the Beast. good characters, I read in two afternoons.

Otis Taylor is not too happy to return to the town of Monticello and to his family's home surrounded by all of the memories. He just wants to quietly sneak in, clean up the place, and sell it before anyone knows that he is there. While trying to settle his brother's affairs, Otis discovers that his brother may have left an heir. Sadie is just trying to do her part to help her family by working at the duster factory while her father is injured. After loosing her place to stay, Sadie finds an abandoned factory in which she decides to take up residence. Sadie just wants to provide for her family, but ends up with an offer that she can't refuse and becomes employed at the Taylor residence. Will Otis be able to trust Sadie? Beyond Ivy Walls is a great book filled with romance, mystery, and overcoming personal barriers. I recommend this book for those who enjoy historical romantic fiction.

Such a great book! It’s a good reminder to always look at a person’s heart and not just at their outward appearance.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC copy. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and complex. They worked through real traumas and difficulties, and the author took them through real transformation, rather than offering easy answers. It was a solid 4 stars through the book, but the ending bumped it right up to 5 stars and had me weeping. This sweet, clean story is about much more than romance. It is about belonging, family, and how love is both healing and at times painful. Will be looking for more books by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and Harpercollins and the author for this eARC. This review reflects my honest opinion of this book.

I liked the characters and the dialogue specially the humor between Sadie and Otis. I felt Sadie's love and hard work for her family and the pain of returning home for Otis, who I admired for being kind despite all he's been through and I wish there has been more about his condition. One thing that bothered me when I finished this was that there was no appearances for Marvin. I get that it can be all the reason why we reached the conclusion but I wanted to see Sadie around him and their relationship rather than being told about it. I received both the e-book and the audiobook, the audiobook was clear and I could tell the characters apart, the narrators did a great job each with their own character. I listened to the audiobook until about 25% through then switched to the e-book cause it was easier and more convenient for me but I'd say I enjoyed both. Overall, it was a wholesome read that made me smile and cry and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and listen to the advanced audio recording of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoy the author's stories. This one's no exception. Readers first meet Sadie West, a strong and brave lady who works hard at the mill and is looking for another job to support her family while her father is ill. Sadie would send home her weekly earnings, as well as encouraging and hilarious comments for her sisters to read. I especially enjoy Sadie's mother's words and the other noteworthy statements at the start of each chapter. The opening sentence contains the words of Sadie's mother: "Mama always said eavesdropping was the surest way to stir trouble and make enemies out of perfectly good neighbors."

Sadie worked at a factory where gossip and bullying were commonplace. Ringleader, Alta had her sights set on the mysterious, Otis Taylor, the wealthiest man in town. He reportedly went to perform his music when he was young, and now is anticipated to return. Every lady wanted to catch Otis's eye. Alta would do almost anything to spend time with Otis.

However, as the reader soon discovers, Otis is an emotionally damaged guy, with wounds on his face and heart. He returned to town to prepare his family's home for sale. Then he meets Sadie, and his world has gotten a little brighter.
This is a fun escape that has a Beauty and the Beast vibe I enjoyed. Would work well for your book club meeting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/