I loved this charming retelling of Beauty and the Beast! It had a touch of Cinderella and Phantom of the Opera vibes as well. I found it interesting that the author chose the 1920s in Iowa for the setting instead of France. I also thought the Skating Masquerade Ball was very creative and clever. I didn’t realize roller skating was popular in the 1920s! It added another layer of whimsy and romance to the story. I loved the characters! They were charming, spunky, full of life, and willing to help each other out. My favorite characters were the caretakers. They had a solution for every problem and gave wise advice. I also loved the banter between Otis and Sadie. It had a mix of feistiness with a bit of mystery in it. The letters they wrote to each other made me giggle. The reading of Daphne’s story also had me laughing uncontrollably. There were also tender moments in the story where I had tears in my eyes. The audiobook was wonderful to listen to. Since the book alternates between Otis and Sadie’s points of view, it was helpful to have two narrators. It made it easy to know whose point of view you were listening to. I highly recommend reading and/or listening to this book!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first introduction to author Rachel Fordham. I will definitely be looking for another of her books. I enjoyed both the story and the audiobook performance.

Beyond Ivy Walls is not a typical cliche story so commonly written about this era of American history. Ms. Fordham has created two unique characters. Sadie West is working in a factory that makes feather dusters in order to support her family after her father’s illness. When the rent is raised at her boarding house, she becomes homeless and begins living in an abandoned factory in town, setting her on a path to meeting Otis Taylor.

Otis Taylor could be the traditional wealthy, handsome hero to sweep Sadie off her feet and save her. Certainly, the people of Monticello expect him to be. But the truth is far more complicated. That is what makes for a deep, moving story. As Sadie’s and Otis’ worlds collide and intertwine, they both must face their troubles and their past and learn to trust each other and the life God intended for them.

Ms. Fordham creates a town you want to spend time in and a cast of characters worth getting to know. The dual narration of Em Eldridge and Jason Keller bring the story to life in an engaging way that will leave listeners wanting to know all about what lies ahead.

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 also loved the dual narrators and thought that added to the storytelling. 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.

Everybody knows the story of The Beauty and the Beast. Bookworm, angry man, talking candlestick…you know what I’m talking about, right? Well reimagine that in Illinois in 1903. Now instead of a beast it’s a man who would be mocked for deformities if he went out in public. Rachel Fordham did a wonderful job of reweaving this story.

A few of my favorite things…
-Sadie’s sweet relationship with her family.
-Otis’s longing to be the father he didn’t have.
-The little bit of a mystery surrounding a missing child.

Know that…
-It is a romance so there’s some kissing.

Perfect for…
Anyone looking for a sweet, clean historical romance!

I really enjoy listening to clean historical fiction stories and this one fit the bill! It includes engaging characters and a good story line set in 1903 Iowa, including a bit of a mystery in what happened to a long-lost niece. It also emphasizes that there is more to a person than looks alone. The dual narrators did an admirable job and expressed feelings in all the right places. If you enjoy early Americana, and clean romance, this book is for you!

I was HIGHLY anticipating Beyond Ivy Walls, as in my top three most highly anticipated reads of the year level anticipation. I absolutely fell in love with The Letter Tree last year (which if you haven't read that, go read that too- it was a top favorite in 2023) and have read more since. AAdd ot Did it live up to the hype I had created? Oh you bet it did.

I listened to this one on audio (which btw has dual narrators- yes please!) and immediately knew I needed to get a copy for my physical bookshelf. That's what happened to me last year with The Letter Tree and as readers you know that is a big sign of a well loved book. We only have so much shelf space and owning a book in one format and loving it so much you want to get it in a different one in addition to that? That itself speaks volumes. Rachel is that kind of writer.

Rachel does such a wonderful job at crafting characters and giving them lots of personality and depth. I loved how our main character Sadie truly had a heart for others, her family in particular. She saw the best in them, encouraged them, and was willing to do anything for those she cared for. She also continued to foster friendships with others she came in contact with. There were many times I could relate to her. Then we have Otis, who I also found relatable in some ways. He's struggling with feeling like he has value or showing himself due to health related things and that is something I also have struggled with. But I love seeing him break out of his shell with the help of Ellie and see them grow from friends to more with patience, encouragement and true care. It was lovely.

We also have a little bit of a mystery going on and some family issues and Rachel just adds them in a great way that keeps you wanting to know whats going on while still caring so much about everyone involved. Her descriptions get you really there feelings and seeing what the characters might be dealing with and it's wonderful. Oh, and if that's not enough for you yes, there are indeed letters (which is a buzzword for me. I am a sucker for letters) and also music (which, as a gal who was involved in instrumental music/bands since the fourth grade, choir, dance, writing, etc. I was THRILLED to see added in)...and the addition of the music was so heart warming and the perfect way to bring people together. Some day this has beauty and the beast elements to it and I think there's a smidgeeee of that in here, but I personally wouldn't go in thinking it is highly in that realm.

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend you pick it up in whatever way is your favorite way to consume a story- or if you're like me- pick up multiple formats. Definitely a book and author worth your time. I cannot wait to see what Rachel puts out next and highly recommend you check out this and her other works.

I read the ebook version of this earlier this year, and loved it! When I saw an audiobook was available, I knew I had to listen to it 😍

I love the dual narrators chosen to voice Otis and Sadie. I think they suit the characters perfectly!!

All my thoughts for this story remain consistent to what they were with my previous read 😁

What a wonderful story! There is a nod to Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed every little twist. The narration was absolutely engaging and bring Otis and Sadie to life. I was there for every heart when hung moment and basically moved to tears. A perfect classic about loving one’s self and then having the capacity’ to love others. Highly recommend.

Life has been hard on Sadie West and her family in 1903 Iowa. An accident left her father, the family bread-winner, bed-ridden and unable to work, so Sadie, the oldest daughter, leaves home to find employment. Taking a job at the Hoag feather duster factory isn't very glamorous but it helps with the doctor bills and the farm mortgage. Losing her lodging, which was already the cheapest she could find, to someone who was willing to pay the proprietor more, is yet another blow. Wanting to send all she can to her family, she trespasses in an abandoned factory for a place to stay. Can she stay, undetected, long enough to get her family's finances on a stronger footing?

Everyone in Monticello, Iowa believes that Otis Taylor has been away learning to use his musical genius. The truth, that his father was embarrassed by his appearance, is far more heart-wrenching. Otis began losing his hair in high school, to the point where he no longer has any hair on his body. His father tried many "remedies", some that caused severe scarring, but none worked. Otis has always felt "less than" but since the deaths of both his father and younger brother, he's the only Taylor left to continue the family legacy in Monticello. He wants nothing more than to remain in the shadows, away from prying eyes, and horrified glances. Then, he finds Sadie hiding in the abandoned family factory building. Giving her a job in his home, and a place to stay, will help her, but will her friendship also help heal his emotional scars? When Otis discovers that his brother left behind an illegitimate daughter, he is determined to find the girl and give her the loving home that he, himself, was denied. As he and Sadie search, will they also find something stronger than friendship ties their hearts together?

This was such a sweet story! I was so sad for Otis and the way his father treated him. Losing his mother to death was hard, but losing both father and brother soon after just because of something he had no control over was devastating to both his heart and his self-esteem. Yes, he's a gifted musician, and has composed music that received critical acclaim, but he's not comfortable being seen in public, even in his home town. Unfortunately, his wealth and the air of mystery, make him a target for every matchmaking mama, or greedy woman the town has. Sadie was a perfect match for him. Her only goal was friendship and she had no problem looking past the outward appearance to the heart that Otis kept hidden.

I listened to this on my NetGalley Shelf app, and can highly recommend the narration. I loved the story, but I was pretty sure I would as I am a fan of Rachel Fordham's. I also loved the gentle romance between Otis and Sadie. They both had huge servant's hearts, and were willing to step in to help wherever and however they were needed. I gave this one ALL the stars!

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.

Iowa, 1903. Otis Taylor's 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.
Sadie West employment at feather duster factory to support her family financial issues . She trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.
This is a historical romance with Christian elements., the story looks like the beauty and the beast retelling, also had a little bit of Jane Eyer. I loved both of them. unfortunately, though the story is interesting, both of the characters are not stood up.
audio book is great. if you like this kind of story, I recommended the audio version

How about a merge between Beauty and the Beast and historical fiction? I know I couldn’t say no! This was a great read with some really important things to take to heart. The most beautiful quote in the whole book is:

"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 love this. It is really true and yet so hard to practice. People naturally don’t want to be different or stand out for the wrong reasons. This book illustrates some important life lessons we all should take to hearts such as forgiveness, loving one another and how to see what’s on the inside and not the outside of a person.

There is more to this read than just historical fiction, it also is a mystery, romance and twists to discover. This book is told from dual points of view and a different narrator read for each part. It was well done and very pleasant to listen too. I enjoyed the narrators Em Eldridge and Jason Keller.

Thank you to the author Rachel Fordham and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy of the book. Thank you to @austenprose and the author for the physical giveaway copy.

Beyond Ivy Walls is Beauty and the Beast reimagined. Sadie West is working hard to provide for her family, especially her sick father. Otis Taylor is returning home to Monticello, after his father and brother have passed away. Otis is left to deal with family business and his own personal childhood trauma. Sadie and Otis find themselves crossing paths. Sadie is the breath of fresh air that Otis needs to pull him up from the depths of his trauma. But are things too good to be true? Are they ready to allow themselves to be vulnerable and let go of the past?

I was kindly gifted the audio version of this novel thanks to #netgalley and the publisher #harpercollins. The narrators do a wonderful job of expressing the emotions of the characters and play both male and female roles. The listener can feel the emotions in their performances.

A very promising storyline but unfortunately I was unable to enjoy the book. It was just not for me. One of the main factors maybe the way the narration was done.

I had to DNF at 62%. I think I would have loved this story if I read it but I couldn't handle the narration. It felt like a children's novel. The premise of the book was great but honestly, I couldn't get into it which is really sad.
I don't feel like I can honestly review the book as my issue was with the narration.

I am not giving this book a star rating as I did not finish it. I didn't enjoy the audiobook version (its was totally a narrator issue for me) but I was so excited to read this that I am going to pick up the print copy from my library to try to finish it. The cover is beautiful and the concept or hints of Beauty and the Beast, it very intriguing to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to try this one out!

**Update - I have to give it a rating so I am going to rate it a 1 for now but will return to update it once I finish the paper copy.

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.

Family drama and romance come together in this very special book.

This book is about people that have wealth and those that do not. We always image that people that have wealth have it all - but that is usually not the case. In this book Otis has lots of wealth but a sad family story and issues from a young age with his health. His family owns the biggest and most beautiful home in town.

Sadie and her family are having hard times and they are short on money. But her family loves and cares for each other. They have a small home that is warm and friendly. Their land that has to be farmed while her dad is ill and cannot work.

Otis and Sadie meet and find they can help each other. Each of them have something that the other person needs. Can they come together and each make their life more complete???

I enjoyed the story. Though some of the authors choices for details, settings, etc seemed far fetched and just too odd for me (the rollerskating rink, working at a feather duster factory) But overall, enjoyed the story. I was not a fan of the male narrator and how the audiobook bopped back and forth between the male and female narrators doing voices for both characters. It was distracting and hard to follow. I would have probably enjoyed the story more, in written form, rather than audio.