Sadie and Otis' love story in Beyond Ivy Walls is absolutely wonderful! Rachel Fordham always writes sweet historical Christian fiction which is a favorite genre of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed reading/listening to it...the narrators did a great job. You'll find yourself rooting for these main characters and enjoying the side characters as well. I even loved Blue...I mean Wolf!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 13 August 2024

Rachel Fordham is an auto buy author for me and this latest one is fantastic! I loved the dynamic between Otis and Sadie!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

This story! I’m at a loss for words, friends. If you’re looking for a comfort read that wraps around you like a warm embrace, Beyond Ivy Walls is your next must-read. 📚💕

This is the second book by Rachel Fordham that I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and once again, I was completely captivated by her writing. I adored the letters between Otis and Sadie. 💌

With a nod to Beauty and the Beast, yet uniquely its own, this novel feels like coming home. I couldn’t help but think of Little Women as Sadie reunites with her family. Otis, with his unfortunate childhood illness and the scars left behind by torturous treatments, is determined to hide away from the world. Sadie, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine, brimming with positivity and dreams of adventure.

Set in Monticello, IA, in the early 1900s—a setting you don’t often come across—this story warmed my heart with its themes of love, grace, and acceptance. It’s a slow-burn romance, but that’s what makes it perfect for these characters who are finding their way home to each other. 🏡💖

What made me swoon 🫠:

Their letters 💌
The elderly caretakers of the estate
Beastly Otis 🦁
Dreamer Sadie 🌼
Roller skating 🛼
Family ties 🤍
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy and audiobook to review. This book is not just on my TBR—it’s one I’ll be revisiting time and time again. 🌟

#BookRevew : BEYOND IVY WALLS by Rachel Fordham

I thoroughly enjoyed Beyond the Ivy Walls. The pacing is good and the cover is lovely. Set in 1903 Iowa, this Beauty and the Beast retelling offers readers a captivating blend of history, family loyalty, friendship, mystery, romance, and themes of forgiveness and letting go of the past. The Hoag turkey feather duster factory adds an interesting element to the story.

Sadie arrived in Monticello to support her family through work. Otis, a recluse, returned to town following his father's passing. While Sadie felt apprehensive during their initial encounter, I found their interaction quite charming. Blue-Wolf served as an endearing connection between them. Both characters struggle with personal challenges, but their growing friendship was enjoyable to read. Their chemistry and witty banter were delightful.

This heartwarming story of love and hope was a delight to read. The secondary characters, including Leon, Mildred, and the other West girls, were wonderful additions. The "dramatic reading" scenes were particularly enjoyable. I also appreciated the subtle inclusion of faith, which serves as a reminder of God's enduring grace in the face of life's challenges. I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 5 ⭐
Pub date: Aug 13 2024

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a delightfully charming novel. The plot was similar to Beauty and the Beast. Rachel Fordham did a great job in making Beyond Ivy Walls into a believable version of this classic tale. The characters were easy to love. Beyond Ivy Walls was a such an enjoyable book to read and completely captivated my attention. The fact that it was set in Iowa was a plus for me and I loved some of the history included in the novel.
Included is a strong lesson on seeing beyond outward appearance to the heart. And it was a reminder that many of us have scars- but not all are visible. I loved following Otis’ transformation as he for the first time in his life received acceptance and love. The fact that this came from someone who had seen his physical appearance made an impact on his own acceptance of himself. This was such a heartwarming novel. Beyond Ivy Walls will be enjoyed by those who like historical fiction with great life lessons intermixed in the pages.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. But I liked it so much that I also purchased a paperback copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

OH. MY. WORD!! This book was amazing!!! I loved the setting, the characters, everything! I love seeing how everything unfolded!

** Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy, all opinions are my own! **

This is a new classic that I will read again and again. A unique and realistic story with hints of both Beauty and the Beast and Jane Austen. The story unfolds as slowly and well, each character is developed and I grew to love each one. There are multiple storylines but each one is woven into the overall plot and I was able to follow it well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advance copy in exchange for my review. My opinions are my own.

#netgalley #netgalleyreads #newrelease #beyondivywalls #whattoreadnext #rachelfordham

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical fiction story. The story takes place in Iowa in 1903 and shows the differences of family dynamics and how they affect the family members. For Otis, he was sent away and didn’t have any interaction with the family. Yet when his father and brother were gone, he was left to tend to the remaining affairs. For Sadie, when her father became unable to work, her sisters took care the farm while she moved away and took a job to help the family. Her love for them was so strong she found herself living in an abandoned building to be able to send more money home to them.

This is an enjoyable heartwarming story to read. I enjoyed reading of how the family issues in the past formed Otis into who he became. I especially enjoyed the love Sadie and her family had for each other and the length they went to help the family. This is a well written inspirational story that is easy to read and imagine.

I voluntarily received a copy of this story, this is my honest review.

I thought this was a very intriguing book. It has the vibe of Jane Eyre, and also Beauty and the Beast. I love both of those stories. I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the characters of Sadie and Otis. They were well defined and had many deep and unusual characteristics. The accompanying characters were also enjoyable. The story has so many wonderful essential principles that we need to implement and practice in our daily lives. It is told in a beautiful and endearing way. The romance is sweet and charming, There may be only a brief kiss, but the caring and tender moments give you all the warm fuzzies. The unconditional love is something we all need to remember and strive to have in our hearts. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In a Nutshell: A sweet historical romance that lives up to the promise. Likeable main characters. Straightforward plot. A dash of mystery and a load of banter. Mildly Christian in content. A bit anachronous in its dialogues. Recommended to readers of wholesome historical romances. This is NOT a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ retelling, so don’t go in expecting one.

Plot Preview:
1903. Iowa.
After Sadie’s father sustains an injury and cannot work on their family farm anymore, twenty-three-year old Sadie finds a job at the Hoag feather duster factory. It’s not what she enjoys, but with little money in hand and her romantic interest away for studies, it’s the best she can do to save her family from ruin. Desperate to save money, she takes refuge in an abandoned building after her work hours, but soon the owner discovers her trespassing.
Everyone thought that the rich Otis Taylor had been sent away to hone his musical talent. But in reality, he had been exiled by his father for his appearance. Now that Otis has returned home to settle his family affairs, his only desire is to sell off everything and close the doors to his past. But he soon discovers that he isn’t the last Taylor alive. And of course, he finds a mysterious trespasser in his father’s old factory.
Sadie and Otis begin a professional relationship, but soon their bond grows into a caring friendship. Can Sadie and Otis help each other settle the demons of their past, the mysteries of the present, and the worries of the future? (You know they can!)
The story comes to us in the third-person perspectives of Sadie and Otis.

First things first. The blurb only calls this "reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast", so it is obviously not a retelling of the fairy tale. There are a few shades of B&tB herein, (and a few shades of Jane Eyre as well), but not enough to justify a ‘retelling’ tag. You will enjoy it better if you treat it as a typical historical romance.

Bookish Yays:
🌿 I liked the lead characters and the depiction of their personal problems. Both of them are shown as being somewhat judgemental at the start, but slowly, they learn to open up and trust each other.
🌿 This is mainly a historical romance, and romances are not about the destination (as we already know that in advance) but about the journey. The romantic relationship in this book is just the kind I like to read: not insta, not lustful, not based on frivolous reasons. It is a slow-burn friends-to-lovers connection.
🌿 Otis’ physical appearance, the reason for the same, and his insecurity about his looks is handled well. Though he considers himself a ‘beast’, he is not like the fairy tale ‘Beast’. This is the first time I am reading a book with a character having this medical condition, and I love how the author focusses more on the character’s feelings and traumatic memories than the medical details.
🌿 Another first-time experience is the mention of a feather duster factory. I loved this unique setting, and the details incorporated.
🌿 There are many letters in this book, and most of them are so sweet and well written! They were filled with a good old-worldly charm.
🌿 The story covers quite a few themes such as parental abuse, trauma, mental health, medical issues, and more. All are handled well without going overboard.
🌿 This is Christian fiction, but not of the type filled with biblical quotes and preachy attitudes. There is a regular mention of praying and keeping faith, but no long-winded prayers or sermons. This approach might not make everyone happy, but it works perfectly for this Christian. The characters lead by example in the action of living the Word. There are many beautiful values of love, patience, faith, forgiveness, acceptance, and sacrifice.
🌿 There is a minor mystery track in the book, and I loved how it was approached and resolved.
🌿 The author’s note is the icing on the cake, revealing her research and how she intends the plot to highlight sacrificial love.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
☘️ While there are many excellent secondary characters in the book, they are somewhat one-noted. Otis’ house employees Leon and his wife Mildred are fabulous, as are Sadie’s family (her parents and her sisters.) But Sadie’s colleague Alta’s negative role is too hackneyed.
☘️ There is excellent banter between the characters, especially the lead pair. However, the conversations don’t sound true to the era, not in terms of vocabulary but in terms of the manner. It is tough to accept a farm girl talking with the wealthiest young bachelor in town with barely any hesitation or self-doubt. On a related note, it was also odd to see commoner Alta barging into a rich man’s home without any uncertainty. Perhaps this aspect of the story went more fantastical than intended.

Bookish Nays:
🍃 The final quarter went a bit over the top in terms of its melodrama quotient. This might not bother frequent readers of this genre, but it was a bit too soppy for my reading preferences.
🍃 A couple of the plot points needed some more detailing, though these were pretty trivial on the whole. Like, how did Otis’ brother die? How old is Otis? I even wanted a better resolution of the Marvin track. After the regular mention he gets, he needed a better and longer on-page appearance.


On the whole, this isn’t the kind of book you would pick up when you want something twisty or spicy or surprising or didactic. It is straightforward to the point of being predictable, and hence works as a great read when you want something soothing, emotional, and heartwarming without taxing your brain too much.

I first came across this author through the beautiful novel, ‘The Letter Tree.’ ‘Beyond Ivy Walls’ may not have matched up to that experience, because the standards and my expectations were too high. But this was a satisfying read nonetheless. If you enjoy books with lovable, a-bit-too-perfect characters you want to root for, this book ought to work for you.

Much recommended to readers of clean historical romances.

I thought this was a beautiful story with a beautiful ending. I’m a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast themed story and this was just that. Sadie and Otis had a heartfelt romance and I fell hard. The friendship and support they shared was touching and I really enjoyed the side characters. Sadie was a strong female character that made me smile.
If you’re looking for a clean, sincere historical fiction then I suggest this.
I did also listen to as an audiobook and Em Eldridge and Jason Keller did a good job if you want to listen to it.
Thanks Thomas Nelson and Harper Collins via NetGalley.

I wanted to love this more than I did after having really enjoyed The Letter Tree! The idea of a beauty and the beast retelling had me so excited. Unfortunately, the execution wasn't as strong as the idea. The story itself was average (maybe a little bland?). It was entertaining in the moment but I don't think I will give it much thought after writing my review. I listened to it via audiobook and enjoyed the format for this story!

Synopsis: Otis Taylor, a musician and recluse, has been away from his hometown for most of his life after exile by his own father. Now, as the last living Taylor, he has returned to take care of matters left in the passing of his brother. Sadie West is a strong and hardworking woman who has found work in town to help provide for her family, but is without a place to stay. She desperately stows herself away in what seems to be an abandoned factory only to be discovered by none other than Otis Taylor. Together they strike a deal to try and locate Otis' long lost niece.

I decided to give it 3 stars! Thank you to @uplitreads and the author for an advanced copy.

Seeing Beauty and the Beast in the description of this book was all I needed to pick this title up! I’m a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings. I’ve read one other historical romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This one was widely different, but no less beautifully written. It was so heartwarming and tender. While this may not be magical, the romance definitely feels that way between our main characters, Sadie and Otis.

It was definitely an interesting reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, there were subtle details that gave off the fairytale vibes throughout the storyline. Our beast and his appearance gave me vibes of the beast we meet in the retelling, Beastly, a retelling created by Alex Flinn, but its his appearance in the movie and the relationship he had with his father that I’m referring to.

But I devoured this read. I was entranced right from the start. It flowed so well, I simply did not want to put it down. I read this before going to bed, and found myself staying up so late, continuing to say “just one more chapter.” I adored Sadie, her love for her family was so humbling. She also had such cute humor! The way she would banter with Otis was simply adorable. And speaking of Otis, my heart ached for him and the way his father exiled him.

If you enjoy historical romances and Beauty and the Beast this is definitely one to check out!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham transports readers to small Iowa town in 1903 with a plot partially inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Rather than feature an amazing library, the story uses piano music and roller skating as connecting points for the hero and heroine.

As the oldest daughter, Sadie must leave the family farm and seek employment after her father is severely injured. She's hired at a feather duster factory in Monticello, Iowa, but lodging is a challenge. While staying in an abandoned building, she's discovered by its owner and his response surprises her with its generosity.

The Taylor family is a pillar of the Monticello community, but son Otis was sent away as a child and recently only returned after the death of his father and brother. As is slowly revealed, he has reasons for leading a solitary life and wants no one in town to know he's temporarily back. When he finds Sadie on his property, his life begins to change in ways he never could have imagined.

This is a sweet story that's a quick read. I anticipated where the plot was going but still enjoyed the journey. Themes include forgiveness, sacrificial love, and valuing character over physical appearance. The author is a strong advocate for foster care and incorporated it into the novel. I love reading books set in the Midwest, but this didn't have a strong sense of place.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the review copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.

“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?”

Oh, Rachel Fordham! I don’t know which of your characters in Beyond Ivy Walls I love most!!

I love Sadie because she refuses to gossip meanly, works hard, and is determined to support her family, no matter the cost to herself. She is always putting others first. Whether she is in the feather duster factory or in the big house, she is looking out for others and has a strong sense of duty. Plus, she knows that people are more than meets the eye. “People are much like plants. There is so much more to them that cannot be seen. Ambitions and dreams. Fears and hopes. Buried beneath the soil, overlooked, but vital . . .”

For Otis’s part, I love him for the horrors he endured as a boy, the actions and attitudes that he should have been safe from, occurring in his own home. Yet, he returned. He struggles with staying, but who wouldn’t? And he discovers as he opens up to Sadie and their friendship develops, that he can challenge her in her weak spots, too. And what he does for Sadie!

Leon and Mildred- I love them because they are like catalysts in a slow chemical reaction. Loving Otis, seeing the real man, encouraging both Otis and Sadie as they learn to tolerate each other, making the big house a pleasant place to be.

The mystery is well-played and adds a beautiful counterpoint to the storyline. All in all, I am just plain in love with this Beauty and the Beast retelling. *Sigh*

I highly recommend this Christian historical romance novel. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy!

I received a copy of the book from Just Read Tours via NetGalley. I also purchased my own Kindle copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

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

“Just remember there is more to you than what happened in the past. I’ve seen pieces of your heart—others will too. Come and meet my family and you can see pieces of mine.”

“beside the grief was happiness. Somehow, pain and joy were walking side by side. He did not understand it, but he felt it.”

“Love, acceptance, abandonment, trust. He wanted to run from it all and in the same breath to make sense of the scattered pieces and find peace.”

“It’s a shame, the way we shun when we should rally around those who struggle. And no matter how others behave, in the pit of their stomachs, I think they know it too.”

Beyond Ivy Walls is the first book I have read written by Rachel Fordham, and it will not be my last. Beyond Ivy Walls is an easy read, rich in vocabulary. It is a reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, and it did not disappoint. This is no Disney recreation but is a story rich in character and history. The perfect blend to make this recreation unique and worthy of a read.

The character development is powerful. I could not put the book down as I dove into the lives of Sadie and Otis. Peeling back each layer to learn even more from each character. The characters were truly multi-dimensional.

The storyline was great. It really was a great recreation. I really appreciated the setting. I could really visualize the characters. The factory that Sadie worked in, and the Taylor home was the perfect setting.

The relationship between Sadie and Otis is sweet. A slow moving first romance, it was the perfect balance and just like the classic fairytale romance we all love.

The historical element was great. I appreciated that the author used an actual place that existed.

Rachel Fordham did a good job intertwining faith in the book. Though a little on the light side, it did add to the story. I always appreciate when the author does a good job on intertwining faith.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Otis has returned to Monticello, Iowa. He is only going to stay long enough to sell his family home. He wants nothing to do with it. As he struggles through his memories and his past, he realizes someone is living in his family’s closed factory. He uncovers a stowaway! A young girl named Sadie is living there. These two slowly develop a unique friendship. Both soon discover love is in the air.

Now, this is classified as Christian fiction. As most of you know, this is not my favorite genre. I did find this tale a bit predictable in places but it is just an all around good read.

I love a story that has me researching. I was researching right off the bat. I had to know about the feather duster factory. And yes it did exist!

The characters, Sadie and Otis are great together! I enjoy their banter and the stories surrounding their situations. Sadie is struggling to keep her family from losing their farm. This is why she is working at the feather duster factory. And Otis, he is broken in so many ways…you will need to read this to find out!

Need a sweet, good, historical fiction…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel for a honest review.

Otis is a recluse as his father sent him away to hide him due to the way he looks. Sadie has been sleeping in his family’s abandoned factory to save money while she works at another factory in the daytime.

One day, thanks to his dog, he meets Sadie and realises her situation. The kind but gruff Otis decides to hire her as staff while giving her free board. Their friendship soon grows beyond their employer-employee status.

I enjoyed the Jane Eyre mentions which are hilarious and wittily included in their letters. Sadie is also a beautifully written character who, though not perfect, slowly but surely captures Otis’ heart. Leon and Mildred, caretakers to the Taylor home, are important side characters who also help Otis to escape the “prison” that his father initially enforced but which he kept to over the years.

Thanks @rachel_fordham and @netgalley for the ARC! It was a beautiful journey of love which we can all learn from.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a wonderful romance reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. I truly enjoyed reading this book! Otis returns to his childhood home in the cloak of darkness, hiding from the world. That is until he meets Sadie who is struggling to provide for her family. Their friendship was beautifully written as well as their deepening affections. I really loved how the author wrote the twist that made the story similar to the classic tale. Highly recommend this book! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
YouTube Review: 08/21/24
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

Rachel Fordham can do no wrong! Absolutely beautiful. 5 stars. A new favorite historical romance with beauty and the beast vibes!

Set in the early 1900s, Sadie West's family is in dire financial need so she leaves to go work in the Hoag duster factory. She has nowhere to live so she stays in an abandoned building. This throws her right in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor - Otis Taylor. Otis hires Sadie - with the condition that she tells no one he has returned.

Sadie and Otis get to know each other and they start to care for one another as she shows him how much he truly matters, regardless of his scars that have left him feeling less than desirable. Otis has been a recluse for so long, embarrassed of his appearance and Sadie coming in truly opens him up and is the bright light he needs to bring him back to the public. He has kept so much in for so long and the way this ended was beautiful as he was able to deal with the past of his family and what he had endured.

Sadie was a great character who truly showed how much she cared for others and her family. Sadie's encouragement for Otis to be his true self was the best to see throughout the story. There is a bit of grumpy/sunshine between them that I loved seeing.

My favorite parts of this were the letters, music and interactions between Sadie and Otis. Every time they were together on page was perfection. I loved them so much I wanted even more of them together! :) I also loved the little bits of Beauty and the Beast elements we got in this! It was also nice to have light faith elements included.

Highly recommend for a great historical romance! Must finish reading the rest of Rachel's books now! Thank you to Rachel Fordham & the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.