Such a great book! And I loved the narrators. Rachel Fordham's Beyond Ivy Walls will keep you wishing you had time to do nothing but listen to a book and ignore the rest of the world. Highly recommend. It is actually my first book by her, but I will look for more. This story focuses on Sadie, a country girl working in town to help her family when her father is injured. Otis, the town's reclusive bachelor, finds her sleeping on the floor of his abandoned factory. In a beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the two will discover more than they imagined. You should definitely check it out!

This was just the book for a girl whose heart is drawn to classic lit and modern fairytales…that girl being me!
In a way, it’s a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It depicts a story of two people falling in love based on character and personality, and not based upon outward looks or physical attractiveness.

I found it refreshing to read about a male lead who isn’t attractive because of his looks, but because of his care, integrity, and compassion. But he’s not wholly perfect, and made him a well-rounded character.
I just loved getting to know Otis & Sadie and I enjoyed all the time the author spent on their growing relationship. It really helped me to feel connected to them and want to root for them. It was touching to read of the power of music to foster connections, bring healing, and inspire freedom.

The tension of miscommunication and running away from a problem shows up, which isn’t my favorite device. Also, there would’ve been a really good opportunity to share the clear gospel. But those things didn’t take away from the enjoyment as a whole.

🎧: I listened to the audiobook, which was fun because there were two narrators!
😇: Christian publisher (ThomasNelson); only light faith & a few general Christian statements; not evangelical
😍: only sweet kisses
🤐: no language!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

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

I *gasp* fell asleep while listening to this audiobook!! Wait that’s not a bad thing! I was so relaxed while listening and enjoying the story that I took a little snooze! As soon as I awoke I went back and listening to the chapter again for I didn’t want to miss a thing! The dual narration is wonderful and I feel the narrator’s captured the characters beautifully.
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. 🌟

Rachel Fordham did not disappoint with this book!! It was everything sweet and beautiful. The rich history of Monticello and the Hoag Duster Factory really immersed you in the time period. The beauty and the beast retelling aspects of the story were unique and expertly woven into the plot. An absolutely brilliant read!
I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narration was was spectacular and well done. Having two narrators for Sadie and Otis’s perspectives was a nice touch.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Sadie feels like your typical old school Disney princess character - a good, kind person just trying to help her family. Otis is not really a beast, at least not to me so I don’t know if I would call this a beauty & the beast retelling. Towards the end, I felt like Sadie acted out of character. She and Otis had had such a nice dynamic up until that point that it didn’t really feel like it fit. I do wish we got more into Otis’s mental health. We saw a resolution of the physical aspect of his “beastness” but not really the mental side. I really loved the last chapter.

One note on this being shelved a “Christian fiction” is that it’s very mild. Basically Sadie believes in God and prays, and that feels very true to the time and location setting. If you want more than that, this might not be the book for you, and on the opposite end, if you are wary about it being “too religious”, I think you have nothing to fear.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy of this audiobook!

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.


🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at almost 11 hours, is narrated by Em Eldridge and Jason Keller. Both narrators handled their own characters (Sadie and Otis respectively) well, but their voices for the other characters were somewhat less satisfying. I have a feeling I might have liked this book better had I read it. That said, there are perspective jumps in between chapters, and sometimes, just for a small section. So having two narrators helps tremendously.

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.

This book kept me interested from the beginning. I had many questions I wanted to see answered, including the mystery. I loved the characters, or I was at least curious about them. Then the romance. Swoon. You know how most romances have another "issue" that interrupts the HEA? Sometimes those annoy me, but in Beyond Ivy Walls, it was a natural miscommunication and totally believable! There are definitely teary moments, and I ended with a happy sigh.

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 love fairytale retellings and this is one of the best.

There is enough of Beauty and the Beast to notice and enjoy it, but Beyond Ivy Walls has its own identity too.

I love that it has deeper themes tied into the story. Disfigurement, abandonment, adoption, and anxiety are all touched on with grace and respect.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio. This was a delightful and original story. The voice actors did very well.

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.

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.

Picture me happy dancing all around my bookshelves in a bibliophile victory dance because…..Squuuueeealllll!!!!!….This book! These characters! Their story! The fairy tale connections! The swoon factor! My brain is in an overdrive kafuffle of post readerly daze so excuse me if this review resembles a jumble of disjointed thoughts. Here we go!

Fairy tale retellings are a favourite, especially when an author can spin new in with the old like Fordham did with ‘Beyond Ivy Walls‘. This is very much an original story, but there are nods to the familiar ‘Beauty and the Beast’ tale as well and it was so much fun making those connections! Beautifully and imaginatively done.

Love the ‘real life’ historical midwest setting – such a juxtaposition from the classic fairy tale.

And the grumpy/sunshine romance (eeeeeepppp!!! one of my favourite tropes) is written so well. Nothing keeps our sunshiney heroine down for long. Love Sadie’s persistence in helping her family and in making the most out of a desperate situation. She’s not perfect by any means, but she tries. And her intentions are always good…though sometimes the execution leaves something to be desired which just makes things all the more interesting.

I’m still swooning over our beastly hero! Otis has reasons for being a brooding grump and he is splendid at wallowing…until Sadie begins to work her magic. The romance develops in true fairy tale fashion, with humour and banter and annoying misunderstandings to overcome.

I listened to the audio edition which has dual narrators which is always fun. I enjoyed Em Eldridge’s and Jason Keller’s interpretation of these characters. Their performance helped bring this story to life and made for a memorable listening experience.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

4 Stars ✨

Historical Fiction Retelling

Audio Version 🎧
Narrator 5/5

Iowa Early 1900s

This was my first book by this author, and will not be my last. Beyond Ivy Walls was a heartfelt beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was very unique. I read a lot of retellings and this one was set apart in its own way. It didn’t feel like a story I have read a hundred times before- and I liked that about it. I really enjoyed this authors writing, everything seemed to flow effortlessly and at the perfect pace. This book is ultimately a sweet romance that takes you along on a journey of healing, acceptance, friendship, loyalty and love. Would recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of Beyond Ivy Walls, in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls
By: Rachel Fordham

Genre:
Fiction, Historical Romance, Retelling, Christian

Red Flags:
Hints of Child Abandonment, Emotional Abuse, Illegitimate Child

Overall Very Clean Novel

Summary:
In the Early 1900’s Sadie West had no other choice than to work in the Hoag duster factory. Her dad has been in a terrible accident, he is now bedridden and Sadie finds herself the only one available to financially support her family. Sadie knows all the money she earns needs to be sent home, and therefore has no extra income to board. She sleeps in an old abandoned factory, washes in the river in the wee hours of the morning, and anxiously watches her back praying no one will notice her.


Embarrassed by his son, the late Mr. Taylor sent Otis Taylor away to reside elsewhere out of the public eye. Otis must return home as he is known to be the last Taylor alive and someone needs to settle the estate. With his temporary return, Otis brings all the emotional and physical scars of his past. He plans to get in and get out quickly, until a family secret is revealed and Otis is committed to do the right thing. Will Otis be able to let go of the past to look forward to a bright future?

Review:
This is my first novel by Rachel Fordham. It is a work of Christian Fiction. In the beginning, I felt like it was a retelling of the “Prodigal Son”. As the storyline continued, I fell in love with the deeply dedicated and driven characters of Sadie and Otis. I really loved the retelling of the “Beauty and the Beast” told in Fordham original writing style. Sadie’s character is relatable as she strives to bring out the best in others, and always sees the good in every situation, a perfect compliment to the character of Otis, who feels so flawed. I loved the overall elements and themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, family unity, and most of all love in Beyond Ivy Walls. The storyline is easy to follow, warm and cozy. Perfect for a reader who has just read something heavy prior to this novel. The content itself is fast paced, quick, easy read/listen. I listened to the audio version in one sitting. The narrator did a fantastic job!

Thank you Rachel Fordham, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#Beyondivywalls
#rachelfordham
#Harprecollinschristianpublishing
#ThomasNelsonfiction
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#netgalleyreviews

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.

Rachel has such a beautiful way of weaving a story that it tugs on your heartstrings. This one is no exception. I really was drawn right in from the beginning. Sadie’s determination and bravery were very impressive. Working in the city to help her family stay afloat and keep their farm after her father’s accident, she has no money for extras. When she loses her lodgings she takes up residence in an abandoned factory.

When the factory owner discovers her he decides to hire her instead of run her off. He’s been a lonely recluse his whole life. Sadie’s presence begins to fill his soul with light. With the beginnings of friendship he becomes hopeful once more.

I read the book and also listened to the audio. Both were excellent. The audio narrators did a wonderful job.

I loved the dialogue between the two MCs, especially the letters. This is an uplifting and sweet story of loss and love. It is kisses only with no spice, but lots of tension. I highly recommend it.

Contains an audiobook review...


Rachel Fordham is one of the very first authors that I picked up when I started reading a couple of years ago. I was excited to get a chance to read this upcoming release. I will say that the beginning was a bit difficult for me. That was definitely impacted by a different book that I was reading. It was set during a war and was very heavy and rather depressing. This one started out with some heavier moments, and I was a little concerned. Never fear! Ms. Fordham came to the rescue and provided just what I needed.

There was humor sprinkled in with the romance. I appreciated other aspects of the story as well. Family relationships take centerstage throughout the book, in several ways. That was heartwarming as well. Having followed the author on some of her social media platforms, I could see how some real life events were being introduced in the story. Members of my family are embarking on similar journeys, and that drew me to this story as well.

I also appreciated that the main characters had flaws, both visible and invisible that were addressed in a tasteful manner.

I thought that the audiobook was well done. I really enjoyed the male narrator. He did a nice job with voices for other characters, especially the male characters. His female character voice took a little getting used to, but once I did, I didn't mind them. The female did a nice job too.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley. I received a complementary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely 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!!!