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.

I have been anticipating reading this book ever since the author announced it. Beauty and the Beast vibes...YES Please!!!! And just reading the synopsis had me drawn to it. Let me tell you that it was everything I had hoped for and much, much more!

Sadie is trying to help her family make ends meet after her father has an accident. She moves to the city and starts working in a factory then looses her place at the boarding home and in an effort to save money takes up residence in an abandoned factory.

Add Otis to the story, the sort of prodigal son (you'll understand when you read the book why I say 'sort of'), who returns to the empty family home. He and Sadie cross paths, unintentionally, and from there builds a beautiful friendship. One that teaches us of the power of looking at a person's heart and character and truly coming to know them.

I loved these two together so much! They both have hurts, scars and sorrows. Some of which are deeper and more seen for one than the other. But regardless of that, they have both experienced life and its ups and downs and are still trying to navigate it all. But together, they are so much stronger. Helping to lift and teach and comfort each other. It was a beautiful aspect of this story!

I laughed and I cried. Definitely my favorite book by this author. It is worth every moment of your reading time!

I read and listened to the audiobook and loved both. Highly recommend either way to enjoy this beautiful story of healing, family and love!

Content: Clean.

I received an ebook from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and an audiobook arc from the producer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴛᴏᴜʀ || BEYOND IVY WALLS [thank you to @thomasnelson and @austenprosepr for my #gifted copy!]

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls
Author: Rachel Fordham
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
In the early 1900s, Sadie West takes a job at the Hoag duster factory to support her family. With no place to stay, she ends up hiding in an abandoned building, where she meets the mysterious Otis Taylor. Recently back from exile and desperate to keep his return a secret, Otis hires Sadie on the spot. As they work together, Sadie's optimism starts to break through Otis's guarded heart, but long-hidden family secrets threaten to keep them apart.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
This was a really fun mix of a retelling, mystery, and a romance! It had all of the fun elements of Beauty and the Beast - but with enough unique elements added in that you didn’t really feel like you were reading a Disney story.

Otis and Sadie both had their own storylines to contend with, but they also came together and helped each other forward quite nicely! This was truly a slow burn, and I think I fell in love with the romance a little bit more for that.

If you’re looking for an easy, historical romance that also dabbles in solving a mystery, then you’re in for a treat and you should definitely add this to your TBR ASAP!

ᴛʜᴇ ᴠɪʙᴇꜱ:
Beauty & the Beast
Cinnamon Roll Hero
Beastly
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn Romance

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 4.47 ⭐️
# of Pages: 336
Pub Date: August 13, 2024

This is a poignant and moving tale about the value of one's soul, which I found deeply enjoyable. The story captured my attention from the start with Otis, a boy whose affluent and influential father sends him away upon discovering his skin condition, fearing he would shame the family. The author conveys beautifully the boy's terror and distress, with only his music for comfort under the care of an elderly guardian. After the death of his entire family, Otis must return to sell the ancestral home. Leon and Mildred, the elderly couple who have maintained the mansion, are wonderfully crafted characters. Otis meets Sadie, a homeless woman living in a nearby derelict factory, and offers her a job at his mansion. Her other job at a turkey feather duster factory adds a fascinating layer to the story. Sadie, having left home to support her family after her father's accident, brings a great contrast to Otis's gruffness with her optimism and familial devotion. I enjoyed their relationship as it continues to grow, and they share ways to help each other. As Otis uncovers a niece left behind by his brother, a mystery unfolds. The story is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. I found the entire book and its characters to be exceptionally crafted and endearing.

What a fantastic story! This was my first book by Rachel Fordham and I will definitely be checking out her backlist. Sadie and Otis did not get off on the right foot…at all. It took them a while to tear down each other’s walls and really begin to know each other. Their romance was really sweet and I loved every bit of it. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales and I try to read every retelling I can. I love how Beyond Ivy Walls puts its own unique spin on such a beloved story. If you love your historical romance with faith, humor, and depth you should check out Beyond Ivy Walls.

Thank you @rachel_fordham, @uplitreads, and @thomasnelson for my complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautiful story. It had me sobbing at a couple spots which I loved. It moved me so much. Otis returns to the home he was banished from with every intent to settle matters and leave. He doesn't count on meeting a young woman who could change everything he's believed about himself.

Sadie is a wonderful woman. She works hard to provide for her family while her dad recovers even if she has to sleep in an abandoned building. She sees people for who they really are. It's sweet watching her interact with Otis and watching her kindness have an effect on him. Otis is a little rusty at interacting with people. I appreciated his wit whether in writing or speech. I felt for him and the trauma he endured.

This is a quick read because you just want to know more about them. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Sing it with me now: Tale as old as time // True as it can be // Barely even friends // Then somebody bends // Unexpectedly! Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham is a Beauty And The Beast re-imagining and was a beautiful-as-can-be fairy tale!

Otis Taylor returns to his family home after being cast aside and shunned by his father; Sadie sends money home to her own family as her father's health is failing. A mystery over Otis's missing niece provides both a way to push the two characters together while also creating a slight conflict, understood through their dual perspectives. This is a classic story that is well deserving of its ever-present yet nuanced theme!

With Fordham's unpretentious and approachable writing, this book had such a dreamy feel to it! There's a gentle, languid pace to this historical romance, like the muted colours of a harvest sunset or the ease of a meandering brook.

Leon and Mildred who have worked for the Taylor family for years represented all the meddling characters in Beast's home, pushing the two love interests gently together. I loved that Sadie worked in a feather duster factory, providing another subtle nod to a Beauty And The Beast character.

Em Eldridge and Jason Keller narrated this audiobook, their voices lending perfectly to their respective characters. Eldridge had a warm and friendly voice, airing on the side of innocent and playful. Keller was the opposite in contrast: gruff and powerful, demanding attention while still sounding introspective when called for. Keller, in particular, did an amazing job creating distinct voices for those characters he narrated.

Sweet, wistful and full of nostalgia - this was an easy five-star experience!

Thank you NetGalley, UpLit Reads, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Last year I first read Rachel Fordham's The Letter Tree, which I consider to be the definition of a cozy historical romance.

So when I heard she would be publishing a new story and that it also had Beauty and the Beast vibes, I said obviously I'd be reading it, and here I am.

Here we meet Otis Taylor who was cast out many years ago by his family because of a defect, which is why he has always been wary of other people seeing his scars and why he refuses to leave his mansion, which is how he meets our main character Sadie West who does everything she can to help her family, After the shock of their first meeting, we see how a peculiar friendship is forming between these two personalities who are guided by the search for a shared goal, and the more time they spend together, the more tense and romantic things become.

I've stumbled upon another enjoyable read by Rachel that I've had a great time with, so highly recommended.

And this continues to leave Rachel on my radar to keep reading her books in the future.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with the opportunity to be able to read this wonderful story in exchange for my honest opinions. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Beyond Ivy Walls is a sweet historical romance, reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast.

Our main character, Sadie West, comes to be hired by recluse, Otis Taylor, and the two strike up an unexpected friendship. Will Sadie be able to help Otis find peace with his past and with a medical condition that has left him scarred and believing he isn't worthy of love or friendship. Will their friendship evolve into something more?

I liked that this book had disability representation. It presented a picture of what it might be like to be deemed "different" in 1903. And I particularly liked how Sadie reached Otis, by telling him she didn't see his flaws, that it was just a different kind of normal.

But this didn't take up the entire story. There was also an element of mystery to the story, as Otis tried to find something terribly important left behind by his recently deceased brother. This part of the storyline left me incredibly sad at first, but in the end, I shed some happy tears.

I enjoyed the romance that developed between Sadie and Otis. It was slow and careful because Otis had been hid away from the world since he was young, and he was made to feel unlovable and abandoned by those who should have loved him. So, with that, there was a lot of miscommunication, which I can normally do without, but in the context of this story, it made sense.

Overall, this was a wonderful story full of acceptance, forgiveness, found family, love, and happily ever afters. I particularly loved the epilogue for this story. It's definitely a good one for historical romance fans.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced digital copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a lovely and interesting historical story with wonderful characters, a unique storyline, romance, and a great ending. Otis is the only surviving member of his family, one of wealth; he was sent away by his father as a boy because of a physical flaw. Sadie is the oldest of four daughters of a farmer who is injured and not able to work. She moves to town to work in a duster factory to help keep the family farm. She and Otis meet on his property where she is staying in an abandoned bicycle factory. Theirs is a sweet and unlikely romance that begins slowly and blossoms into an unlikely romance. It is a story of hope, love, forgiveness, unselfish love, and overcoming past hurts, seeing beyond the outer shell of a person and what is inside and worthy. I enjoyed the sense of family and community that came together to heal broken relationships and welcome home a long missing hometown son.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts. and opinions only.

Loved this clever, heartwarming twist on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale! Rachel Fordham delivers a new favorite historical romance in this touching story of a grumpy, scarred hero & sunny, endearing heroine. I loved being transported to early 1900’s Iowa when roller skating was all the rage. The lovely, sweet opposites attract romance kept me thoroughly enthralled as did the charming characters & inspirational story.

Sadie West left her family’s farm to work at the Hoag Duster Factory in Monticello, Iowa to help make ends meet after her father’s injury. To save money, she sleeps in an old abandoned building. Unusual circumstances in the form of a dog cause her to meet her wealthy, reclusive neighbor who offers her a position in exchange for her silence in regard to his return to Monticello.

Otis Taylor was forced to leave home at a young age & hasn’t returned since. When the death of his brother compels him to return, he’s reluctant to let the town know he’s back. When a young woman upends all his plans, he offers her a job in exchange for her silence. But, he soon finds her irresistible charm getting under his skin. As he shares his talents and deepest feelings with Sadie, she offers him the acceptance he’s always craved. But, his brother had a secret and Otis and Sadie must work to unravel the mystery.

I adored Beyond Ivy Walls! Otis was such a tender, sweet teddy bear of a guy whom you just want to hug. His unfortunate diagnosis at a young age and subsequent treatments were horrible and I mourned for his lost childhood & connection to his family. Sadie is such a ray of sunshine who completely changes his life and I loved her bubbly enthusiasm and desire to do the right thing. She’s faced with a difficult choice and I admired the way she handled everything. I loved the letters they exchanged and Sadie’s stories. I also enjoyed Mildred, Leon, & Sadie’s family.

I loved the themes of looking on the heart, acceptance, sacrifice, and the meaning of family & true friendship. I also appreciated the way the author brought the setting and time period to life. It was such a fantastic story and I found myself shedding a tear or two at the end.

Highly recommend this heartfelt, inspiring fairytale retelling! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

“This house is not only mysterious, it is magical.”

This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story. I absolutely love Rachel’s books and this one is another excellent offering. There were so many amazing quotes, I was highlighting on every page.

I adored Sadie. Her perseverance and her desire to help her family was inspiring. Otis is back home from years away, his brother and father now dead.I appreciated his need to hide, but also in wanting to make things right with his family. I loved the Beauty and the Beast feel to the story. The development of Sadie and Otis characters and relationships were so well done. Sadie’s love and acceptance was a pleasure to read. I loved Leon and Mildred. And Sadie’s family! All were wonderful additions to the story. Some of my favorite things were letters, Leon and Mildred, rollerskating, and so many more. One of my favorite things was the epilogue.

There were so many quotes and beautiful words I highlighted. I also listened to some of the audio. The narrators were excellent.

I received a paperback from the publisher. I also received an ebook NetGalley link and an audio approval from NetGalley.