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/

This book was everything I wanted. A wonderful mix of my favorite things: Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera and Rigoletto. When a character reminds me of my three favorite tortured heroes in stories, then it is bound to be a new favorite.

I read this book so fast and yet didn't want it to ever end, seriously one of the best romances I have ever read. Right from the beginning when we find Sadie struggling to make ends meet to support her family, to her finding solace in an abandoned factory owned by a mysterious recluse she deems to call Mr. Rochester. I loved these two characters and only wanted the very best for them. I love the way the story wrapped up and I had one of those "I'm not crying, you're crying" moments. OK maybe two of those moments.

Thank you Rachel Fordham for making me cry, laugh and be emotionally connected to our beloved Otis and Sadie. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and #netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I thought this was a cute, sweet read. While I enjoyed some of the aspects (like the nods to Beauty and the Beast), overall, it was just missing something for me.

The very first sentence draws the reader in, to what proves a most unexpected story as it unfolds.
I learned a lot...about the making of feather dusters...!
Likeable characters & knowledgable scene-setting made this the sort of book that compels one to keep on reading, not wanting to put it down.
I wish I could have heard the music, (& I do like the trails of ivy which decorate the opening pages...)
The writer has mastered a good style of imparting information, whereby we just seem to learn various things incidentally – when of course it is no such thing.
Beyond Ivy Walls is well worth reading, just like any of this author’s books : I can recommend it!

Beyond Ivy Walls
Author Rachel Fordham
Available now!

Thank you, @uplitreads, @thomasnelson, and @rachel_forham, for my #gifted copy of this beautiful novel and the opportunity to be on another tour with this author! I loved The Letter Tree, so I was thrilled to read Beyond Ivy Walls.

Set in Iowa in 1903, Sadie West leaves home determined to make enough money to support her ailing father and siblings. She finds work at the Hoag feather duster factory but can't afford room and board anywhere. Instead, she secretly squats in a nearby abandoned building, bathes in a river, and befriends a dog.

Meanwhile, exiled from his home by his own father years ago due to his physical deformities, Otis Taylor, who believes to be the last in his family, painstakingly returns home to wrap up family affairs. He will do anything in his power to keep his return silent as he does not want the town to know of his return. Except, he soon learns that his brother had a daughter that he never acknowledged and this his dog is mysteriously not coming home at night.

Told from both Sadie's and Otis's points of view, Beyond Ivy Walls is a beautiful story of their growing friendship, acceptance, love, and hope. I loved Sadie's strong and determined character, the patience and kindness she showed to Otis, and her unwavering motivation to care and support her family. She is a brilliant leading lady in a captivating and heartwarming read reminiscent of a Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

I have been sleeping on Fordham's books. This was such a good beauty and the beast retelling. It retells the story, without copying it exactly and gives it a great twist. The romance was there but not in your face and the plot and emotion of the characters was so good, especially for a story we pretty well know the ending of!

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 abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler 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. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

Another wonderful story from Miss Fordham! Beyond Ivy Walls reminds me of a Beauty and the Beast telling! It gives a powerful message that love goes beyond mere attraction, but rather to the heart within.
This sweet story will stay with you for a long time!

This was a great story. This story takes place in 1903. Otis was sent away by his father for having scars on his face. He returns after his brother dies and finds out his brother has a young daughter somewhere that Otis wants to track down. He discovers a woman, Sadie, living on his property and offers her a job in his home. She isn’t thrown off by his scars and the two get to know one another. I love how much they helped each other. I liked that there were some similarities to Beauty and the beast. And the mystery of where the little girl was, was a great part of the story. Overall, I thought this a cute story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I'm a little late to the party because my computer died. But I just finished reading Beyond Ivy Walls. It was a great read! Rachel Fordham just keeps churning out good books!

Beyond Ivy Walls begins with Sadie West missing her family. She has had to leave the family farm to find a job after her father had an accident and is bedridden. After being forced out of her boarding house, she takes refuge in an abandoned outbuilding on a massive estate. The owner of the estate, Otis Taylor, has just returned to the family home after the deaths of his father and older brother. He has been a recluse because he has a medical condition we know today as alopecia. His bald head is covered with scars from his father's failed experiments during childhood. He feels like a monster and is tired of people's reactions and remarks. While going through his brother's affairs, Otis finds a missing niece born out of wedlock. The book has an added mystery of where is little Elizabeth?

Reminiscent of the Beauty and the Beast story, Sadie learns to see past his gruff exterior to his value on the inside.
This is a clean romance that is light on Christianity and high on drama. My seventeen-year-old daughter also enjoyed this book.

tory: 5/5
Worldview: 5/5

The story absolutely blew me away, 5/5. This is one of my new favorite books. I read it in literally one night, it just took me a while to get around to writing the review. The beginning had me hooked. Not only was it an interesting premise, what with Sadie West struggling with homelessness while taking care of her family and Otis Taylor trying to sneak in and out of his hometown before anyone notices he’s here, but it was the storytelling. Fordham is a master of throwing us directly into the characters’ worlds and conflicts without including big exposition dumps or explanatory scenes. The thoughtful/reflective nature of the first few chapters, paired with the tension, was phenomenal and it really set the tone for something special.

Sadie West was a great protagonist. She’s human and makes mistakes, but she stands by her principles, and she’s honest. I loved that she made sacrifices to take care of her family. Meanwhile, Otis Taylor was a grump but, as Sadie put it, complicated—and he really earned that adjective for sure. He had so many layers to his personality and his motives for doing what he does.

Also, did I mention this had elements of beauty and the beast? I know it’s in the synopsis, but it had been such a long time since I requested the book that I totally forgot. By the time I figured it out (about 50% of the way through the book), I was in love. All the side characters were great additions and I love that they were flawed as well as kind. :)

Worldview is 5/5. Even though we don’t get an explicit thread of salvation or faith, there are some mentions of God. Sadie learns about what it really means to love, but Otis was so much more interesting (which is to be expected). He struggled with understanding what family and acceptance. He had to trust God and learn how to trust people again.

There was a miscommunication issue, but it was handled really well. The character really owned up to their actions, and admitted they had acted in a self-righteous attitude. They had made the wrong decision, but there was humility and reconciliation.

Overall, I loved this book by Rachel Fordham and I’m going to be checking out her other books too!
Random note: this book made me laugh so hard. There was a section of the book that I was in tears, and I love that the jokes weren’t at the expense of other people but situational instead.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable book. It held my attention from the very first page.

A lovely and heartwarming historical fiction reimagining of one of my favorite fairytales, Beauty and the Beast, with a mix of Little Women.Sadie, a young woman trying to help her family, ventures out on her own and finds a job but no place to live. Otis, a young musician with a literal and figurative scarred past, is now the owner of his family’s estate. They happen upon each other, finding themselves both equally awed and flawed, and develop a friendship with hints at love. The story is told in third person in a dual point of view. The vivid setting of the estate in the early 1900s, the addition of epistolary fiction with letter writing between the main characters, and the lively side characters captured the essence of those in the beloved animated version of the fairytale and brought to life significance of found family. The epilogue was very satisfactory! It was a pleasure to read a historical fiction/romance again, this book helped me remember why I enjoy the genre so much.
I was able to have an immersive experience with both a physical copy and audio version, I thought the narrators did a great job portraying the main characters.

BEYOND IVY WALLS is a story about a man with severe childhood trauma and the farmgirl who brings light back into his life. It's about assumptions, prejudice, loss and heartache. It's also about second chances, family, acceptance and love. An overall heartwarming twist on Beauty and the Beast!

I liked both these characters from the start. Both were easy to relate to and cheer on. Otis's life has been hard, and he holds that pain inside as well as it being apparent physically. It was horrifying to think of the things he endured, particularly at the hand of his own parent. He very much reminded me of the beast from Beauty and the Beast. Sadie is carrying the burden of trying to help provide for her family after her father was injured. It isn't easy and she is living basically like she is destitute until she meets Otis. She brings so much joy and lightness into the lives around her even though her family's situation is bleak. She works her way slowly into Otis's frigid heart and both don't realize how much their hearts change as time passes and they bare each other's burdens. It's not all easy. They face challenges and have to face their fears to find their own happy ending. I through the author allowed her characters to struggle while also balancing that with sweet and tender moments where they learn and grow. I loved the references to Jane Eyre with the letters these two wrote. I also loved the couple who care for Otis and his home and Sadie's family.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartwarming story and one that kept me turning the pages to find out how it would all work out. I could see the nods to Beauty and the Beast, but found this author made this story completely her own.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Not my favorite of Rachel Fordham. This book is definitely worth a read. A very well thought out plot. I was invested from start to finish.

This was my first novel by Rachael Fordham. I like the fact that though it was a romance it also was historical, and a mystery. I enjoyed the main characters of Sadie and Otis. I appreciated that they each had a challenge to overcome. I liked the setting in Iowa, and the inclusion of feather duster industry in 1905. It was satisfying to read a romance where physical appearance was not what drew the characters together. I will read this author again.

'Beyond Ivy Walls' is one of the best novels I have ever read! I've always loved the movie 'Beauty and the Beast'. Rachel Fordham has written a wonderfully complex novel that both expands upon the beloved tale and adds an interesting new setting, gripping adversity, and heart-warming relationships!

The majority of the time, I was reading this with either a huge grin from the wholesome romance or brought to tears by the rich emotional depth of the story. This book is everything I never knew I needed. I could not recommend it enough!

Special thanks to the Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

dnf / I really wanted to enjoy this one but I could not get into the plot and characters as I had hoped! It's just not my cup of tea. But I appreciate the chance to read it and thank you to the author and publisher for the arc.