Village life is like an ivy vine climbing a great oak. You cut off the vine at the root, and all the way up the tree, the leaves wither. We're all connected.


It has been awhile since I read this but it had stayed with me. There was an redemption. Jane Bell finds herself the Inn Keeper of her late husband's inn. Her mother-in-law comes back to help her along with her brother n law. Jane's parents are no longer living so she working out many high stress issues herself. She finds out that her husband had a lien on the Inn and the bank is now demanding payment. Jane goes thru who she can trust and making hard decisions. I felt that this was empowering read and I truly enjoyed getting to know Jane Bell.

A special thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

The lifeblood of the Wiltshire Village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genttel wife, Jane Bell becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. when she encounters two men from her past, she sees them, and her future, in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles of the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell. Will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My Thoughts:

Have you ever read a book, completely bored with it, but keep reading in hopes that something will change. Hoping there will be a twist or turn of events. That's where I found myself with this book. I have read previous books by Julie Klassen that I really liked, but this book didn't seem to have the same intrigue that I usually find within her books. The romance was lacking. The main character Jane seemed to take a backseat to Thora and the book ended rather abruptly.

I am assuming with the way it ended that the story will pick up where this one left off in the next book. I think I'll pass on the next one though. If it is anything like this one I would much rather spend my time reading something with a little more appeal.

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks for sending me an arc, I do appreciate it. I wasn't able to get into this one and haven't been able to get back to it so I won't be leaving an official review at this time.

I enjoyed getting to know the people of Ivy Hill and am so happy that there will be more books with them! The characters of Ivy Hill have become like friends that I care about, much like Jan Karon's Mitford series. I enjoyed the character development begun in this book and look forward to it continuing. Off to find book two!

Another great book!! You will not be disappointed in this novel! Julie Klassen is one of today's top authors that you will enjoy.

Title: The Innkeeper at Ivy Hill

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Community, Drama,

Plot: The young widow Jane Bell spends her days in a solitary haze, overlooking her inn with mild interest, still wondering why her husband left it to her in the first place. She was born a gentlewoman and doesn't feel cut out for the hard work of landlady. She's nothing like her fierce mother-in-law Thora, whose unexpected arrival coincides with the announcement of bad news from the banker.

Now Jane and Thora must work through their differences and combine their strengths to save their beloved inn in three months or watch it - and their futures - crumble under the weight of secrets and debt.

Likes/dislikes: a wonderful book and an excellent start to a series, though I was a bit distracted by trying to figure out which minor characters will show up in following books. I really hope we learn more about Gabriel, he was intriguing, and Rachel seemed very interesting. All of the cleaning done by the characters was very inspiring and I felt so sorry for Jane when we learned the heartbreaking extent of her losses. Overall a great book.

Rating: PG-16 and up mainly for reading level and content (one bloody miscarriage scene and some suggestions but nothing graphic)

Date Review Written: Dec 23rd 2016

I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publishers. I wasn't required a write a positive review and the opinions expressed in the above review are my own.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill was a fine read, although I found it a bit slow. I liked the story and the characters, but wish it would have held my attention more. I found myself easily distracted from the novel and could set the book aside and forget about it easily...this made the read take much longer than it should have to finish.

I like that this is a series -- a first for the author -- and I am excited to continue on to the next book to see where things go.

All in all, I liked this book. It wasn't my favorite Klassen story, but I still enjoyed the read.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

My Thoughts:

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. She could have her own sub category on this blog because of how many of her books I have read. This start of a series - a first for her. Unlike a majority of Christian writers seem to crank out trilogies like there is no tomorrow, capitalizing on their characters to keep us coming back for more - Klassen usually ties everything up in one book. I'm not complaining about this series approach. There are stories at in Ivy Hill and I'm excited to see how they fold out.



This approach also allows for the slow and steady pace which fits in perfectly with the setting. I didn't feel like it was dragging, it was merely taking its time and letting us enjoy the journey of Jane and Thora. The story unfolds gently, but with twists that I wasn't expecting, but with character growth that felt real. No one changed with a single revelation, they grow and change with minor set back the way we all do on our own little journeys. (I hate it when books try to have someone change like a switch going off. Yes, I have those sparks of inspiration where I'm going to be a better person and make my bed every day, meal prep and go to the gym 3 times a week. But we all know that within a week I'm back to where I was but perhaps with the bed made 2 times a week)



As usual, I fell in love with the characters - not all of them, I still don't know how I feel about Patrick and I don't think I would mind if he fell off the map. But Jane and Thora, Mercy and Rachel are all women I wanted to spend more time with. Each woman is strong in her own right and are all showing different facets of femininity. That perhaps is one of the greatest strengths of Klassen's characters I don't feel like these women are overly stereotyped or one dimensional. They are human and we get to see their strengths and weaknesses and grow closer to all of them.



Overall if you like Christian Fiction that isn't too preachy, gentle stories that are reminiscent of Gaskell and Austen this is one I would recommend. I'm very excited to read the next book in the series.



Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:
I am sadly derelict in my reviewing this book. I will say that if you loved Cranford, Downton Abbey, or Wives and Daughters, this is a book you will enjoy. Don't pick it up looking for a lively romance. There are hints of romance, there throughout, but the the  main characters are widows that were not considered young, marrying age anymore. I loved the history of Inns. 

If you are looking for a book that you could read with your younger teenage daughter and both throughly enjoy it as fans of the regency era, this is the book. The sequel is coming out later this month, so it is a good time to pick up both for gifts. I can't wait for the sequel! 


This book was given to me for review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I also purchased my own copy since I know I love her books and wanted it in print. I encourage you to do the same.

The Innkeeper Of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen is the most charming Christian historical novel and I adored it. Set in Wiltshire in 1820 the reader is indeed transported to another era with Julie Klassen's delightful descriptions. As an English woman, it was wonderful to read a novel set in England. I found it easy to picture the Bell Inn, farm and village - a little like a Constable painting in my head.
The village community was perfectly captured. I 'walked' through the novel, alongside the characters. It was a quintessential English village, with all the various characters one finds in there.
The inn is at the heart of the village. If that dies, the infrastructure around will crumble and the community perish. Old enmity must be put aside as people work together to revive the flagging inn.
The novel has the theme of education and taking care of the widows and orphans. "Every child... should be educated, regardless of family or financial circumstances." This is very forward thinking for 1820 as compulsory education did not come into force until the 1870's.
Life is not so much about what we can get out, as to what we can put in. Wealth should never be the focus. We should use the talents God has given us. "Discover that work worth doing is about more than profits and toil. It's about using the gifts and ability you have been given."
We all make snap judgments and have our prejudices. The novel shows that we need to put these aside and treat people fairly or we may act in ways we regret. "Shame and guilt washed over her suspicions and humiliating accusations."
The novel was reminiscent of Pride And Prejudice at times. I was reminded of Mr Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth Bennett where he loved her inspite of her odious mother and lowly connections!
The Innkeeper Of Ivy Hill is a novel of a bygone era. It is charming. It is welcoming and it will sink into your soul as you read.
A wonderful escape from modern life.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Unable to read and review in a timely manner - my apologies.

And so begins Julie Klassen's first series. I've only known of her to write enriching stand-alone novels, so this -- this -- is a whole new animal. Inspired by English novelists such as Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell, the reader is taken to a quaint village, Ivy Hill. Wherein we learn of its inhabitants, and whereupon the individual stories of the people who live there come to life.

Isn't the painted scene on the cover just refreshing? I would sooo love to visit Ivy Hill. What a delightful and decidedly British vacation from our modern world that would be.

I certainly enjoyed some of the subjects that the author reigned into the plot. I was rather fascinated with every mention of the Royal Mail, and most impressed with how much knowledge the author infused into the story about the hospitality of coaching inns (so many fine details are added to the story, it seems real!). I would certainly expect to visit The Bell if ever I were in the area.

Some of the topics that come up include healing from within, helping your neighbors, grief, faith, and even prejudice against business women. It covers a lot, and you learn to love each of the characters as you get to know them better.

If you're looking for the next, new series about a close-knit village, with a few secrets, some intrigue, some victories and misfortunes... and a dash of romance... then you should definitely try Tales from Ivy Hill. Even the church mice are charming.

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"Dash it, woman. You know how to confound a man."

"And you know how to astound a woman."

I just could not get into this book. I really tried to finish it. I may go back and try to read it again. I did like the setting and the back and forth. I will not publish a review as I do not post negative reviews. I am sure others will like it.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is the first book in a new series by Julie Klassen. This is the first book I have read by her, and have seen rave reviews from other readers of her other novels. This book is set in a quaint area, focused on a well-known inn that travelers have enjoyed for generations. Jane is a newly widowed young woman, who has inherited the pleasure (and burden) of owning and operating this inn.

Jane and her mother-in-law have a strained relationship. While her mother-in-law ran the inn successfully, Jane is caught off guard when she suddenly takes on this intimidating responsibility.

Some financial secrets of her husband's come to light when Jane received a visit from the bank, to collect payment on a significant loan he had taken out. Jane was unaware of this transaction, and is stunned to learn she must turn things around quickly or lose this inn that had been in her husband's family.

This novel follows Jane and Thora, her mother-in-law, as they must join forces to save the inn. There are other undertones to the story, which require Jane to face her own personal issues in the midst of this new crisis.

The ending does seem a bit abrupt, and interrupts the story line just when you expect to turn the page to read more. It leaves you looking ahead to the release of the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking forward to this book. I usually love historical Christian fiction and when I saw this title and the premise, I was excited. However, for me, this book really dragged and it took me way too long to finish it. I thought the story had good potential, but I couldn't connect with any of the characters and I couldn't get engaged. However, I saw a few more people say the same thing and that they were surprised by this, because they loved other books by the same author. Also, I see that this book is a start of a series. I will not be reading the next one, but my experience will not deter me from looking into the author's other books.

Jane Bell is just starting to feel ready to face life again after her husband died about a year ago. To everyone's surprise, John had willed the inn to her, and so far Jane has left the running of it to the staff. Jane is still quite young, and was a gentlewoman before her marriage, so she knows very little about running the establishment, which is now suffering decline and neglect. Jane's mother-in-law, Thora Bell, receives word about the problems at The Bell, and since it belonged to her family, she returns to the village to see for herself, adding to Jane's anxiety and insecurities.

Almost immediately, they receive the shocking news that John had borrowed a significant amount of money for improvements to The Bell - improvements that had never been made - and the loan is overdue. Jane has struck up a friendship with an experienced hotelier who has moved to the area and plans to open a competing inn, and gets some sound advice from him, so she takes the lead on making the improvements to The Bell that it will need to be profitable enough to earn an extension on the loan and be able to pay it back. She faces some opposition from some of her staff, and skepticism from Thora, but since they share the goal of saving The Bell, they begin to work together. And as they do, Jane and Thora find a new respect for each other and the beginnings of a warmer friendship. And both widows find that they have the regard of more than one eligible suitor each!

In addition to her concerns with the inn and with her own relationships, Jane maintains friendships with two dear friends, both spinsters, and their stories unfold along with Jane's. I realized as I was about in the middle of the book that I had no idea which of the men pursuing Jane and Thora had the advantage; or how the challenges faced by The Bell would be met. By the end of the book, Thora had made her choice, and some of the situations had been resolved, but not all. I think the book ends in a satisfactory way, so that readers are not left on the edge of a cliff waiting for the next installment of the series; but with enough questions left unanswered that they will definitely want to read the next novel. I certainly know that I do, and warmly recommend The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill to all who enjoy Regency setting novels.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is a cozy book to sink into and enjoy at an unrushed pace. Before reading it I had heard that it was different from Klassen's other books, and I agree- but definitely not in a bad way. There is less suspense, but still a good amount of intrigue. The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Jane, the innkeeper; Thora, her mother-in-law; and Rachel, Jane's estranged childhood friend. There is a wide cast of community members that interact with the ladies, but not too many to keep track of, especially since they are introduced gradually and each is so individual. I loved the steady weaving in and out of the story and relationships and how each flawed character grew and progressed through the challenges they faced. The workings of the countryside inn reminded me of other favorite books with a similar setting (Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly and Jackaroo by Cynthia Voigt) and it was so skillfully represented that I was fascinated by the historical details without being overwhelmed by them. The romance and potential for romance is subtle but definitely an undercurrent. I am so glad I gave this book a chance and am looking forward to continuing the series! Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The Inn Keeper of Ivy Hill
Julie Klassen

Book Summary: The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

Review: For me I had a hard time getting through this book. I really did not like Jane in the beginning and found Thora to be an imitation of Dame Maggie Smith’s character from Downton Abbey which fell flat for me. I really like Julie Klassen’s books, but for me this was difficult to get through. Jane started out weak. There were way to many secondary characters introduced in a short period of time to keep up with. It took too long The fighting was more than I would like. I finally gave up trying to enjoy the book.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

In her latest novel, award-winning author Julie Klassen takes her readers to the charming English village of Ivy Hill. There we meet Jane Bell and a colorful cast of characters, all connected to a local inn called The Bell. The year is 1820, and coaching inns are still a staple of 19th century life, with their ability to care for overnight tenants as well as travelers stopping for a short respite on their journeys. This time period, setting, and set of characters are rife with opportunities for storytelling, and Julie Klassen has done a fabulous work in this initial offering in her Tales from Ivy Hill series.

While the number of individuals is plentiful throughout the story, Klassen’s writing is such that I was able to compartmentalize their narratives and grow to enjoy each storyline as it unfolded. Yes, Jane Bell is the main character here, but there is so much going on throughout the novel. There is drama, suspense, and a touch of romance. This is no edge-of-your-seat thriller, but a pleasant and captivating story, much along the lines of Cranford or North and South. Fans of Downton Abbey would also probably enjoy The Inkeeper of Ivy Hill, not because of any opulence (because there really isn’t much to speak of) or because of an upstairs/downstairs theme, but because of the rich nature of the relationship tales that are told and the multiple plotlines that are woven in this bit of historical fiction.

To quote the novel:

“All those employed by or benefited by the inn, in turn patronize the remaining businesses and give to the charity guild and poor fund. Village life is like an ivy vine climbing a great oak. You cut off the vine at the root, and all the way up the tree, the leaves wither. We’re all connected.”

This interconnectedness can be seen in most of the relationships in Ivy Hill, as Jane and her associates fight to keep the inn solvent, and other members of the community experience their own hardships as well. Although they are dealing with difficult issues, Ivy Hill is a sweet, pleasant, sometimes romantic tale that I found relaxing and a delight to read. The personalities are diverse, and some are not always what they seem. At times, there was an air of mystery to the plot, and there was one revelation near the end that took me by surprise. A character I thought to be a villain turned out to be a standup fellow after all. While The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is very family-friendly and written by a Christian author, it was not overly “religious” and simply was a charming, heartwarming story.

I’m so pleased to know that with The Inkeeper of Ivy Hill, Julie Klassen’s readers have only just begun their time with this new set of characters. The next book in the series, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is set for release in December of 2017, and I greatly look forward to that next release from such an entertaining author.