This was an entertaining story set in early 1900s Monticello, Iowa. The Beauty and the Beast themes such as Otis's disfigurement and reclusiveness, the townspeople's prejudice, and Sadie's kindness were all well done. I felt like the story ended a bit abruptly but that could have been because of breaks I took in reading it. Other than the romance, I enjoyed Sadie's family, the feather duster factory, the skating, and Wolf.

Rachel Fordham's books always hit the right spot for me, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no different!

The heartfelt Beauty and the Beast inspired retelling is set in the early 1900s Midwest, and futures a cast of unique and fresh characters. I loved Otis and Sadie, obviously, but Leon and Mildred were just as sweet a couple!

There are some deeper themes touched on during the story, but they are all handled with tact and thoughtfulness, as I've come to expect from Fordham.

This is a book that will touch readers hearts—speaking from experience 🥰💕

This was such a beautiful book. I loved both Otis' and Sadie's characters. The deep pain both physically and emotionally that Otis had to go through was enough to break anyone's heart and to watch Sadie try to help him through it was simply beautiful. Leon and Mildred were just perfect supporting characters. The love and laughter they bring to the story add so much and they are just the cutest little fill in grandparents. Definitely book a greatly enjoyed.

In "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, sacrificial love is honored to the utmost, to the point where it hurts the most, when life leaves you with excruciatingly painful experiences that leave permanent scars upon your heart. This poignant, deeply moving book is about healing, acceptance and forgiveness. Rachel Fordham dives deep into the human experience to write heartmoving stories with warmth and grace, involving memorable, unforgettable characters, who become an integral part of our hearts and lives, appealing to our intellects and emotions in a way that causes us to think about everything that is praiseworthy, honorable and good. "Beyond Ivy Walls" has a compelling, captivating title that captured my attention instantly, making me want to know urgently what went on behind the scenes. When I received a complimentary review copy from the publishers, I excitedly hung onto every single word and I could not put it down. Readers, you won't be disappointed. Get your own copy right away and step into a fascinating world that will keep you there forever!

I breezed through this book in just one day. It's far from your typical Beauty and the Beast tale. The banter between Sadie and Otis, or should I say Jane the Squatter and Mr. Rochester (an inside joke; if you want to know more, read the book 😉). I also loved the secondary characters, Leon and Mildred, and the family dynamic between Sadie and her family. I really hope there'll be a sequel, as I would love to read more about the West sisters and the loving town of Monticello.

It's a great book and I look forward to reading more words by Rachel Fordham.

When Otis Taylor returns to his family mansion after being banished since a teen, his lonely life and medical condition collide to a depth of hurt and anger. Sadie West comes from a loving family that has fallen on hard times and she is only in his area in order to help provide for her family. I loved how two such lonely souls connect in friendship but are left wanting for more. The community likely won’t be kind to these two, as they are oceans apart in societal status. There is a tender depth of emotion in both characters that comes shining through. I follow the Ms. Fordham pretty closely and can clearly see how her experience with fostering and adoption surfaces with another cute little character. She always puts a little bit of her experiences into her novels. The warmth and compassion of her characters is something that really attracts me to her writing. I have no qualms about highly recommending this newest offering!
Rachel Fordham is an auto buy for me and I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything she has published. My favorite was The Hope of Azure Springs, but I think this newest release has eclipsed even that. She has a five more books to catch up on, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of her titles.
I received an early e -copy of this book from Net Galley and 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This was a lovely read, full of deep love, This was my first Christian Fiction book and I'm glad that it had some good spiritual elements to it without showing Bible related things at you all over the place. I felt pain for Otis, pride for Sadie's choices, and SO much anger at Otis' father. I really enjoy books that capture all of those bigger emotions throughout.

Oh, my, what a touching story! A profound story. I loved it and captivated me from the very beginning. Amazing, as always, Ms. Rachel!
I love Otis and Sadie. The author created beautiful characters. Very relatable characters facing fear and struggles, but also success as they overcome their own monsters within.
A story of love for the best of a child triumphing in spite of life long dreams and desires. How true love is sacrificial for the good of others, putting aside our own wants. This story truly touched my heart. I love how the author put it, “a different right way to love a child.”
Perhaps this excerpt will say it better than my own words…
“It would take time to grieve what might have been, but beside the grief was happiness. Somehow, pain and joy were walking side by side. He did not understand it, but he felt it.”

And oh, how much I enjoyed the West family home with all the sisters having fun and standing for each other. It gave me some LW vibes and some of my own family since we’re three sisters, and are the best of friends besides being sisters.

I love all the Jane Eyre references, it had me chuckling more than once…
“I wouldn’t want to be in company with a vagrant, but a man who has read Charlotte Brontë cannot be all bad.” 😀

Leon and Mildred are the best friends anyone could ask for, loved them!

And as always, I love sharing excerpts and quotes that find touching in the story, so here are some…

“Unwanted. It was a label no child, no person, should have.”

“It’s a shame, the way we shun when we should rally around those who struggle.”

“One cannot understand sorrow if one has no heart.”

“…sometimes we only have to go to the edge of our fear… if you could only take a step toward being braver.”

“The world needs both the timid and the bold.”

“What is normal?”
“Why can’t it be normal to be varied and different? In a world full of colors and shapes and backgrounds, who decided we were all supposed to be the same?”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Beyond Ivy Walls is a cosy historical fiction and a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Sadie is bereft, working in a factory by day, and sleeping rough at time as she saves money for her farming family. She is taken in by Otis, a reclusive wealthy gentleman who has returned to his family estate after being abandoned by his father as a child, due to his appearance. This is a slow burn romance with a gentle mystery woven through.

I really enjoyed the light pacing of this story, and the growth of Sadie and Otis. I loved Sadie’s spark and integrity, and the way that she helped Otis to work through his trauma. I liked Otis’ forthright character and willingness to step into discomfort. I loved Otis and Sadie’s meet-cute, and the beautiful messages throughout the story about acceptance, judgement, facing fears, family and love. The authors note at the end of the book about her research and personal experiences was really interesting and gave me a greater appreciation of the story.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

This story is a wonderful, gentle style historical tale. I enjoyed the characters and the historical setting. I have read many of Rachel Fordham's other stories, and I always appreciate the details she adds on the historical setting.

Beyond Ivy Walls by author Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical romance. It reminded me of an interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. It was a beautiful story.

Set in early 1900s Monticello, Iowa this is the story of Sadie West. Due to a family tragedy, she has left her home and gone to work in a feather duster factory. It is also the story of Otis Taylor. He is returning home to handle the estate after the death of his brother. The way the two meet is so imaginative.

The author has such an inviting style of writing. I became invested in the lives of the characters as well as the book. The characters were crafted with great care. They had depth, issues, and were believable. Some of them were absolutely lovable while others were despicable. The secondary characters were lovely, too. There were a few twists, a sweet romance, and history that provided knowledge on feather dusters.

I highly recommend this exquisite tale. It will give you all kinds of feels. This would make a nice choice for a reading group to dissect. I plan on buying a few copies as gifts. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest thoughts.

Beyond Ivy Walls
by Rachel Fordham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Series: None
Rated: 4
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.
At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.
Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.”

Impressions: This was an enjoyable book with moments where I felt like I was in another story. For example, there were Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast vibes. The characters were playful and had engaging banter but felt pretend. Sadie was a hard worker but had a fairytale imagination that led to a whimsical, airy disposition; while Otis was struggling and had a heaviness to his character. I felt like Otis too easily overcame his past and Sadie faced her situation with too much optimism. I did however, like the moral lessons that were woven into the characters lives. I would recommend this for being an easy read with a clean romance. I also love this cover!

Quotes: “‘You are on the edge of your fear. That makes you strong, not weak.’” – I loved this line as it is a good rule of thumb when facing fears. We can ease into fearful situations sometimes to help us with being courageous. Getting close is scary but when we do get there it is an accomplishment that can propel us forward.

“‘You are the only person who makes me forget my scars.’ ‘You don’t have to forget them,’she whispered, their hands still touching. ‘Just remember there is more to you than what happened in the past. I’ve seen pieces of your heart- others will too.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Rachel Fordham delivers a poignant story with "Beyond Ivy Walls". Set in 1903 Iowa, this book chronicles the emotional journey of Otis Taylor, whose alopecia was unsuccessfully "treated" by his cruel father, resulting in further disfigurement. Sadie West sees beyond his physical appearance to the person he really is.

While there is a decided "Beauty and the Beast" theme, this read is not a fairytale. It is not a Disney movie. In a way, this book reminded me of Fordham's first novel, "The Hope of Azure Springs". The heroine Em was unkindly rejected due to her appearance, as is Otis and to a lesser extent, Sadie (due to her living conditions). Human nature being what it is, sadly some people judge others by the figurative book cover, and a few are featured here. Our protagonists conclude there are "different kinds of normal".

The fate of niece Elisabeth provides an interesting and unexpected twist. This heartwarming side plot is thought-provoking. Is family defined solely by blood, or by those who raised you? As an adopted child myself, I'm of the firm belief that blood does not determine family.

I greatly enjoy Rachel Fordham's lovely prose. Her characters are wonderfully rendered. This novel is clean. I've read all of her novels, and they are all incredibly appealing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this compelling read.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC version of Beyond my Walls.

I enjoyed this book of about a man scarred as a child who comes back to his home after his family has passed away. He had been hidden from people and planned to come to sell the home then leave.

The process was slowed down when he met Sadie and also realized he had a niece.

It’s a nice story and not too dramatic.

I just reviewed Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham. #BeyondIvyWalls #NetGalley

I have mixed feelings about this book. it was reminiscent of beauty and the beast, in a very basic, very tame way.

It is a clean book, but in no way could this be considered a romance. There is a male character mentioned an alarming number of ties by the lead female character, yet he never once appears in the book.

This is the first time trying this author, I’m not sure if I would read another book by her, I found her writing style to be a bit too juvenile for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

3.5 stars

This is a clean reads, sweet romance with a Beauty and the Beast, and even Phantom of the Opera, feel. I was expecting a bit more depth, but it was still an enjoyable read. The pace was a bit slow, which made it hard to stay engaged at time, but this improved as the story unfolded. The faith element is present, but minimal. There are a number of prominent themes, including friendship, the transformative power of love, and acceptance. I really enjoyed Leon and Mildred. The epilogue was my favorite part of the story.

This was a beautiful Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired story. I loved spunky, hard-working Sadie, and her relationship with her sisters and parents. And poor tortured Otis was so well crafted. I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and their characters develop. Books like these make me wish they came with a soundtrack. I'd love to hear Otis pour his heart into the piano!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a sweet read by Rachel Fordham! I really enjoyed the relationship between Sadie and her sisters as it reminded me of my own sisters. This book was a twist on Beauty and the Beast and it was neat to see how Sadies and Otis' relationship grew throughout the story as well as their character. They had strong points as well as weak and I feel like Sadie was just the encouragement that Otis needed to heal from his past hurts. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I feel like there was a lot to apply to my own life.

Thank you Rachel Fordham, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read this ARC!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a super sweet historical fiction novel. In some ways, it is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. Although I have wanted to read Rachel Fordham's other works for a while, <i>Beyond Ivy Walls</i> is the first that I have had the opportunity to read. I will certainly be seeking out the rest of her books!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ebook ARC of this lovely story of hope and forgiveness.

"Beyond Ivy Walls" is a sweet romance set in 1903 in Monticello, Iowa. Otis has no hair and has scars on his scalp from his father's attempts to make his hair regrow. Sent away from his family to live in an isolated cottage, he feels deeply rejected by his family. He's convinced his former friends will view him as a beast, a monster to be rejected. He returns after his father and brother died and discovers that his brother had a child out of wedlock. He's determine to find her and give her all of the love and acceptance he lacked. Sadie sees his scars and doesn't reject him. She's hired to help clean up the house and teach him social skills. She helps him find the courage to face the community.

Sadie and Otis became friends as they spent time together. They learned to work through misunderstanding and conflict. The historical details were woven into the story and didn't slow the pacing. Sadie prays for her father's healing and trusts that God will see her family through this hard time. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.