Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham is one of those books that just pulls you in from the get-go. Set in small-town Iowa in 1903, the story centers on Otis Taylor, a guy with a lot of baggage. The town thinks he’s been off mastering his music, but the truth is, he’s been hiding out, dealing with some serious scars—inside and out—after his father cast him aside. He’s back in Monticello now, not to reconnect, but to wrap up his family’s affairs and hopefully find his missing niece.

Then there’s Sadie West, a tough, hardworking woman who’s left her family farm and is trying to make ends meet at a feather duster factory. Life hasn’t been easy for her, but she’s not one to back down. When she stumbles across Otis while looking for a place to crash, she’s intrigued by this mysterious guy. As they get to know each other, their friendship blossoms into something more, and Sadie ends up right in the middle of Otis’s search for his niece.

Fordham does an awesome job mixing the mystery of Otis’s past with the slow-burn romance between him and Sadie. The characters are real, their struggles hit home, and watching them heal is so satisfying. The faith elements are there but super subtle—just enough to add depth without feeling preachy, which makes it a great pick for anyone who enjoys a clean, heartfelt story.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators totally nailed it. They brought the characters to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there in Monticello with them.

If you’re into historical romance with a bit of mystery and characters you can really root for, Beyond Ivy Walls is a winner. This was my first Rachel Fordham book, but it definitely won’t be my last. Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley. I received a complementary copy of this audiobook.. All opinions are my own.

This was another great read from Rachel Fordham. She is able to weave a sweet clean romance into an actually engaging historical fiction and make it seem almost effortless. Sadie and Otis are both lovable characters that you want to succeed, and yes, their story is definitely a bit Beauty and the Beast meets Jane Eyre, but not too much. As a audiobook is was an easy enjoyable listen. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, with a nod to Jane Eyre, Beyond the Ivy Walls was a very lovable read! The story is in Iowa 1903 in a small town of Monticello, where Sadie West has moved to, to get a job in a feather duster factory to help support her family’s farm. Also where Otis Taylor’s childhood home is located and visits after being exiled many years ago. There is a mystery, a slow-burn clean romance, light faith content, and wholesome values. The make narrator was not my favorite.

Set in Iowa in 1903, Rachel Fordham's "Behind Ivy Walls" is a touching story about love and redemption. The narrative, reminiscent of "Beauty and the Beast," centers on Otis Taylor, a scarred recluse, and Sadie West, a young woman searching for refuge and purpose.

Otis returns to Monticello to settle family matters and find his missing niece after being exiled by his father due to his appearance. Meanwhile, Sadie, who works at a feather duster factory and struggles financially, stumbles upon what she thinks is an abandoned building, only to meet Otis.

As their friendship grows, they reveal their true selves, showing that there's more to people than meets the eye. The novel's foundation in the classic fairy tale adds a familiar yet fresh twist, making the characters both endearing and relatable.

Being a Christian Romance, the book weaves faith into the story subtly, enhancing it without overwhelming the reader. The audiobook narrators do a fantastic job of bringing the emotional landscape to life, adding a layer of intimacy to the experience.

Fordham strikes a balance between light-hearted moments and thoughtful, emotional scenes, creating a story that's both enjoyable and meaningful. The satisfying ending brings closure and reinforces the belief that love can conquer all.

In summary, "Behind Ivy Walls" is a delightful read that combines classic storytelling with heartfelt themes. Rachel Fordham's novel is a treasure for anyone seeking hope, healing, and the transformative power of compassion.

4.75 stars
[AUDIOBOOK NARRATION: Em Eldridge is a fabulous narrator. She could have narrated the book in its entirety. She’ was a delight to listen to. I wasn’t a fan of the male narrator because of his female voices. Very off-putting.]

REVIEW: This is my second book by Rachel Fordham and I enjoyed it very much. This is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I’m not one for fairytales but this was well done. I grew very fond of Sadie, Otis, and the minor characters, too.

The characters illustrated that we all have scars of some sort. Not all of them are visible. There was so much raw honesty and it was beautiful. We all must see each other without judgment.

My favourite quote is: “The world needs both the timid and the bold.” I highly recommend this novel.

*** My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, #ThomasNelson, for an advance copy of this audiobook. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words. #BeyondIvyWalls #RachelFordham

Jane Eyre vibes, wrapped in a storyline remeniscient of Beauty and the Beast, with a dash of epistolary, this book had so many things to draw me in. I was also pleasantly surprised to read the author's note at the end of the story and learn that it was written by a foster mom.
I was interested in the story from start to finish. It also had many literary references; which I cannot help but love. I will say, that the lower star rating is simply because I typically do not read stories where the main focus is on the romance.
I would definitely recommend this title. I plan to read the backtitle The Letter Tree and will look forward to additonal new releases by Rachel Fordham.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to preview this book.

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.

I adore Beauty and the Beast retellings and this one has me all in my feels comparing the book with the Disney movie. The author did a great job reminding the reader about the classic childhood movie while also creating a new, fresh storyline. I was also reminded of The Phantom of the Opera, which is one of my favorite retellings of all time.

I did not like the male narrator, however. He tried to do a female voice which was super distracting and took away from my enjoyment of the book.

I loved the themes of self sacrifice and second chances. This was a unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
The pacing of the first half of the story felt very slow to me, but I enjoyed the second half much more and especially loved the ending.
I didn't particularly care for the male narrator's voice and especially his female voices.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook preview. This is my honest review.

Contains Beauty and the Beast vibes, many life lessons and has a sacrificial love storyline as well. It was a deep and emotional read and one that will stay with you for a long time.

You can’t help but love Sadie and once you get past Otis’s exterior he was someone who just needed unconditional love.

This was my first time reading a book by this author and it won’t be the last.

I enjoyed this sweet story, with elements of Beauty and the Beast. That is my favorite fairytale, so I love books that have similarities. There was love, heartache, drama, friendship, a sort of mystery...plenty going on to keep a person satisfied while reading. Rachel Fordham's books are very heartwarming and inspiring. They have a calming sense to them, which I appreciate.

What a beautiful story! What a beautiful book!

I don't believe I have read this author before, but I will be looking for her in the future!

As the description says, this is somewhat reminiscent of Beauty and The Beast, in that we have two people who form a bond, and one of them is disfigured...

**** 🛑🛑 I am going to give a bit of an outline here, so if you do not want to know anything else about the book, STOP 🛑🛑 here!! ****

Sadie is a young woman who grew up on the family farm. When her Dad is injured, she takes it upon herself to leave the home and go get work elsewhere, in order to help with the bills. She is the oldest of 4 girls. She desperately misses her Mom, Dad and sisters, but knows that she is doing the right thing. She writes to her sisters frequently to let them know what's going on in her life. She also writes to Martin, a love interest, who went away to college a few years back.
She is working in a feather duster factory, and sending her pay home.
When she must leave her lodgings, she finds shelter in an abandoned building. She knows in her heart that she will be fine, as she knows she is doing the right thing for her family!
And, she meets a wonderful dog!

Otis is a young man who was born into a very affluent family. BUT, as he grew, he had a ? birth defect ? that presented. His father was horrified, and tried to take things into his own hands to correct this...he only made things worse. And so, he finally ended up sending Otis away, under the pretense that he was working on building his music.
After his father and brother die, Otis is called home to settle affairs. It's probably the last thing that he actually wants to do...

He never expected to cross paths with a young woman who grew up on a farm, and came from nothing...except LOVE....

As we watch the two of them grow up and spread their wings, you are filled with so much love, trepidation, strength and weariness...that you feel as if you are right there with them!

Again, beautiful story, beautifully told!
If you love historical fiction, romance, and somewhat of 'underdogs' coming out on top, then please consider giving this one a read! It is truly a very special book!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsChristianPublishing and #ThomasNelsonFiction for the opportunity to read this one, and an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The release date has passed, so you should be able to find it on shelves already!

#BeyondIvyWalls by #RachelFordham and narrated nicely by #EmEldridge and #JasonKeller.

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, and click ‘LIKE’ below!! 📚⭐️

As I delved into "Beyond Ivy Walls," I found myself transported to early 1900s Iowa, where the intertwining lives of Otis Taylor and Sadie West unfolded against the backdrop of a quaint yet complex society. This story struck me deeply with its echoes of "Beauty and the Beast," showcasing how compassion and love can transcend even the most painful scars of life.
Otis, hidden away from the world due to his appearance and the emotional scars left by his family's rejection, was a character I instantly felt for. Returning to settle family affairs, Otis was not just fighting the ghosts of his past but also seeking redemption and a fresh start. His struggles resonated with me, reminding me of the inner battles many faces when judged by their exterior rather than their heart. The depth of his character was beautifully revealed during his encounters with Sadie.
Sadie is an earnest young woman who leaves her family farm seeking a better life, only to find herself in dire circumstances. Her resolve to support her family, despite the muddy realities of her factory job, showcased a strength that was both admirable and heart-wrenching. When her paths crossed with that of the reclusive Otis, I could sense the tension between them—a clash of their differences, yet an undeniable pull toward one another.
The premise of two starkly different lives meshing together felt fresh and realistic. Sadie's kindness and nurturing nature began to chip away at Otis's hardened exterior, while Otis, in turn, provided Sadie with a glimpse of hope and the possibility of a different future. Their relationship was a testament to the idea that love often comes in unexpected forms, and it reminded me that sometimes the people we need most are those we least expect.
What I loved most about this story was its raw honesty. Fordham depicted the struggles of both characters with heart, providing an authentic glimpse into their insecurities and desires. I appreciated how they both challenged each other to look beyond their hardships, eventually growing together through their trials and triumphs.
The interplay between humour and romance was delightful. I found myself chuckling at their playful banter and the way they teased each other. It brought a lightness to the narrative, balancing the heavier themes of loneliness and longing.
Listening to the audiobook was a wonderful experience, thanks to the talented narrators, Em Eldridge and Jason Keller. Their performances brought the characters to life so vividly that it felt as though I were witnessing their story unfold in real time. Eldridge's warm, playful tone perfectly embodied Sadie's spirit, while Keller's gruff yet introspective delivery gave weight to Otis’s emotional turmoil. The distinct voices they created for each character helped me visualize them in my mind, enhancing my connection to the narrative.
As I concluded "Beyond Ivy Walls," I was left with a warm sense of fulfilment. This tale of love, resilience, and self-discovery is not just a romantic story; it encapsulates the transformative power of connection and the beauty that comes from understanding and accepting one another's scars.

This was my first novel by Rachael Fordham. I listened to the audio version. 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 was not impressed by the audio aspect of this story, the voices seemed artificial. I will read this author again, but perhaps not an audio version.

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls
Author: Rachel Fordham
Narrated by: Em Eldridge, Jason Keller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes
Source: Thank you @bibliolifestyle @tnzfiction @rachel_fordham for the physical review copy , @netgalley audiobook review copy, and @austenprose for the digital review copy.

If you could jump into any fairytale, which one would you pick? I’ve always thought of Beauty and the Beast mainly because I want the library that is in the Disney cartoon.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a Beauty and the Beast type story. Sadie West’s father has been in an accident, and her family desperately needs money. Sadie goes to work in Monticello Iowa at a feather duster factory to earn money to help her family. While there through a series of unfortunate events, she found herself homeless and living in an abandoned factory. One day she befriends a dog only to discover that he belongs to a mysterious man who has just returned to his family estate. Otis Taylor was sent away by his father years before and has only recently returned after the death of his brother to settle the estate. He discovers that his brother may have had a secret child and that he may still have family in this world. He also discovers Sadie living in his abandoned factory. Will Otis find his brother’s daughter? Will Sadie be able to help her family? Will these two find love?

My thoughts on the novel:

• Poor Otis has alopecia and loses his hair as a child. His father tries many “cures” such as pouring boiling oil on top of his head, which scarred Otis for life. His father never had him come home again and Otis spent his life alone. He longs to feel loved and to have a family.

• The one good thing Otis’s father did was to send him to a place where he can practice his beautiful music and become a great musician.

• Sadie is ridiculed at the factory for being dirty and smelly. There is a pretty viscous “mean girl” in this novel. Luckily, the kind servants who live in the Taylor mansion offer her a part time job which includes board.

• The story was told through the alternating viewpoints of Otis and Sadie. On audiobook, each has their own narrator. It was pleasant to listen to.

• I especially enjoyed that there were many mentions of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester throughout the novel.

• This was a clean read.

• I really enjoyed the author’s note. Author Rachel Fordham described her research including a real feather duster company and skating rinks in early twentieth century Monticello Iowa. She also included a picture of the historical factory and the patent of the “featherless” duster. It was interesting and made for a very unique setting and story.

• I enjoyed the mystery of trying to find Otis’s niece. That story had many twists and turns.

• This novel really made me ponder what is “normal?” There is a beautiful scene in the epilogue where a doctor has “horrible” news about a facial birthmark of a child, but the mother only sees the child as beautiful.

• As it is a Beauty and the Beast type story, I did enjoy the overall theme of looking beyond appearance and looking at the character and personality of the person.

• There are also great discussion questions at the end of this novel for a book club.

Overall, Beyond Ivy Walls is a lovely historical romance novel with a unique setting, and thoughtful story.

I liked the story itself but the narration was not my favorite. The male narrator doing female voices was annoying to listen to. Otherwise it was fine.

This one is being described as a Historical Fiction retelling of Beauty and the Beast; and to me I think that’s a pretty spot on comparison.

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.

This is a beautiful story of friendship and a perfect reminder that beauty is often found within. That being a good person trumps anything superficial. While not exactly a new story, it is a very well done retelling. There’s no talking inanimate objects or any magical elements in that sense but you still get the overall impression of beauty of the beast.

The narration was okay, I didn’t love the female voices the male narrator did and one of them sounded like Winnie the Pooh which was incredibly distracting.

Overall, it’s an easy listen and I do recommend

4.5/5 stars

I really liked the story, but the audio was not my favorite. The Male narrator talking in female voices was cringy and not a fan of the narrators chosen.

This is my second book by Rachel Fordham, and I really really enjoyed Beyond Ivy Walls. I didn't know what to expect in this Beauty and the Beast-esq retelling but I grew to enjoy this story as it unfolded. There are tender, heartwarming moments, a bit of mystery, well written characters and a beautiful setting. If you enjoy a wholesome, historical fiction book, this one is for you. I can't wait to read more by this author.

Sadie and Otis' characters were so fun to see together and how they grew to be more outgoing and challenge each other was great! The epilogue was amazing, and I loved these characters.

You'd like this book if you like:
-slow burn, clean romance stories
-Historical Fiction
-A bit of mystery
-Letter elements
-big family dynamics

How have I gone this long without trying a Rachel Fordham novel!? HOW?!?! 😫 I’m appalled and dismayed that I've suffered my bookish heart to be deprived thusly! My only consolation is that I can now make up for lost time by binge-reading her back-list. Honestly, truly, if her other books are half as good as this delicious narrative, Lady Fordham may well find herself on my auto-buy authors list. But, now, I'm getting ahead of myself! 😅

Dear reader, this story has me positively smitten! 🥰

Romantic. Heart-warming. And supremely cozy! "Beyond Ivy Walls" is a wonderfully wholesome comfort read set in the Edwardian Era. This novel features a cast of endearing characters, that soon feel like dear friends, and the absolute sweetest Grumpy / Sunshine romance with all the witty banter and happy le sighs.

Oh my heart, and the Beauty & the Beast vibes, dearies!!! 😍 Just...chef’s kiss! Five BIG blooming enchanted roses!!!🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 As much as I longed for the happily ever after— which was sheer perfection, by the by—this story is one I didn’t want to end!

If you’re in the mood for a charming tale as old as time, be Rachel Fordham’s guest "Beyond Ivy Walls!"

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book. I definitely felt the Beauty and the Beast vibes. Poor Otis, he grew up in a time where people didn’t understand his condition, alopecia. His father thought he was to blame for his illness, and forced numerous treatments on him before he gave up and sent him away. Otis spent years away, so long that by the time he returned, his family was all dead. Until he meets Sadie, he doesn’t believe he’s worth anything. She made him see himself beyond his illness. I both read and listened to this one. I liked the multiple narrators on the audio, the male and female voices made me really connect with Otis and Sadie’s characters.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for my audio copy of this book.