The Bride of Ivy Green

There have been many changes in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months and, while several villagers have found new love and purpose, there are some questions that still remain. There are also a few dearly held dreams that haven't managed to come true yet. Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke has returned and made his intentions clear. But, Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and worries that she'd be trapping another man to a childless marriage. Then, someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. Mercy Grove has lost her school and has resigned herself to life as a spinster, especially when the man she's interested in seems to be completely out of reach. She decides to become a governess for one of her favorite former pupils. A secretive dressmaker arrives in the village but the ladies soon suspect that she isn't who she say she is. Will they trust the imposter or help rescue her from a terrible situation? Meanwhile, the people of Ivy Hill all expect Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even as her heart is drawn to another. And, everyone is expecting one wedding but an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Honestly, I enjoyed this entire series but this was the best book of the three. I loved getting to visit with my favorite characters from the series one more time and really enjoyed their story. It was so well written and such a sweet read. Mercy was such a sweetheart and I loved seeing how her story evolved. All questions were answered and every situation was resolved so things were left perfectly. It was such a wonderful resolution to the series.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley, this review is my honest and personal opinion.

Julie Klassen did it again!. This book is so good, this book for me it's a beautiful closure, I own and read the first book. But not the second one. Each story is united in a lovely way. We have a happy ending for Jane, Rachel, and Mercy. I feel if I say more about the book I would write a spoiler and I don't want that. So, If you like a good regency Christian romance, this book and the previous one are a wonderful choice.

When I agreed to review The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen, I assumed there would be adequate back story in this third book of the series. I was wrong. And I feel horrible giving a review at all because I am sure that this was, for many readers, a stirring ending to a lovely series. But when I requested the book, I was unaware it would completely jump from book two to book three without any character development or back story. I felt like I'd just walked into a movie that was almost done and had to figure out what was going on.

I did not begin to piece everything together until I was halfway through the book and this was because characters were still being introduced that were foreign to me. Just when I thought I'd got it figured out, another character would appear and I would have to search the book for backstory only to find it was the first appearance. Suffice it to say this constant questioning of who was who and where they belonged in the scheme of things, soured my appreciation of this book.

What I can say is that it had a lovely ending and it had a strong faith message. If you have been reading the series from the beginning I am positive you will like the book and the ending. If you have not read the series from the beginning, please don't start with the third one.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers through Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

It would be a good idea to review the first two books before reading this one. I started the series more than two years ago so it took me a while to remember who all the people were. Best idea would be to read all three back to back. This isn't just a romance about two people but a story about a whole village. We actually saw two weddings over the course of this book. Since the story follows so many villagers it is important to know all the characters.

This series kind of reminds me of the TV series Lark Rise to Candleford. It is a small village where everyone knows everyone and their business. The pace is slow and life is at least somewhat simple. It is definitely Christian Lit so if you don't like talk of God, His love for you, forgiveness etc in your reading then probably give the book a pass because it is pretty strong in the story.

When I reached the end of the book I was sad to have to say good-bye to Ivy Hill. One character in particular didn't get the ending that I hoped for him. So then I hoped he would get his own book but I don't believe there is meant to be another in the series. Perhaps he can be a part of a different series in the future. I kept thinking through out much of the book that I wanted two of the characters to be together even though I knew that wasn't how it would play out. Other characters didn't get what I would have wished for them either. It was more realistic that way but less happily ever after. Some of them I can make up my own epilogue though to give the ending I want in their future.

No sex, language, violence

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

"The Bride of Ivy Green" strongly reminded me of Jane Austen novels. I enjoyed the character development and descriptions. Discussion questions at the end help the reader dig more deeply into the events of the story. My main problem with this book was that I had not read the previous books in the series. As soon as I started to read this book, I felt as if I had walked into the middle of a performance or movie! What is going on here? A little synopsis at the start of the book would have helped me greatly.

I have read other books by this author, but this is the first one in which I experienced this disconnect. Readers should be warned to read the books in order so that they make sense.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

The Bride of Ivy Green Book 3 by Julie Klassen was a quaint read. What I thought: I loved the dress shop and various hats with all the frills made available by the shop owner. I thought this added a nice element to the read. I found the matchmaking to be funny. The mad dash of the dog at night for the horse ride was quite freaky. That she was able to keep her calm was amazing. I felt like the characters were believable and I really liked Jane.

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


****Also posted on Amazon, CBD, B&N

Christian Historical Romance, England 1821. As good as it gets! This is one of those books where you find the characters to be so dear, you don't want the book to end. If you're like me and read the previous books, you remember everything instantly and jump eagerly into this book, savoring every bit since this is the conclusion to the series. If you didn't read the previous books, do yourself a favor and do so. You can still enjoy this book if you don't but it's so nice to have "the rest of the story". Relationships are so important, and these characters have grown as the story has evolved. Love has grown, personal feelings and situations have been weighed, nothing is easy. Very satisfying story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
#TheBrideOfIvyGreen #NetGalley #JulieKlassen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Bethany HousePublishers

The third, and final, book lived up to my expectations! The Bride of Ivy Green ties up all of the loose ends of book one and two. While the books are realistic, they are not gritty, so you know like many other historical romances there will be a HEA ending. I was satisfied with the ending and am very happy I gave this author and series a chance. The characters in this book are endearing and it was hard to leave Ivy Hill. I would definitely read more by Klassen, and maybe even some day do a reread of this series.

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

Another enjoyable novel by Julie Klassen with engaging characters, a bit of romance and a mystery to draw you rapidly through the story.

I'm so glad this series is going to have another short novel because I am really not ready to leave Ivy Hill. I think I could listen to at least a dozen of these nice chunky novels and still not get tired of this quiet English town. I loved returning to the stories of Rachel, Mercy, Jane, and their friends.

It was fun seeing the number of brides in this story (there isn't just one!...that title should have been plural...) and the villagers who reunite or reconcile with family. A circus comes to town and a new seamstress. There's a small boy named Jack Avi, fresh from India, who quickly stole my interest and who soon plays a role in Jane's life.

The audiobook is well narrated and I enjoyed every minute of the listen.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. However, I listened to a final copy via my library's audiobook collection.

The Bride Of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen is a fabulous Christian historical novel set in 1821. It is the third book in the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones.
There is a wonderful community feel to the whole tale. The people pull together and offer their skills when needed. New people are welcomed and there is much rejoicing when fractured families are reunited.
All is not completely idyllic as there are some who believe they are above others. The class system was very much alive in nineteenth century Britain.
In contrast we see others who value all people regardless of their status or skin colour. We are all equal in the eyes of God and this is how it should always be.
Characters with philanthropic hearts believe in education for all, regardless of the ability to pay. This was very forward thinking for the time as compulsory education for all did not come in until the second half of the century.
We all have different skill sets. People should be encouraged in their own dreams and not pressured to fulfil the dreams of others.
There are always those who try to make not so much a marriage but a joining of wealth. It is delightful to witness the love matches develop as characters kick against the convention of the day and the expectations of others.
There is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans. There is also the theme of forgiveness. When characters forgive, new life springs up. God will restore the years the locusts have eaten.
I have adored this Ivy Hill series. It was a delightful peek into a bygone age of English village life. It has been a gentle series but with some serious themes. It is positively charming.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I love how Julie Klassen writes. When I here she has a new book I always want it. This is book 3 in this series. You can read them alone but it is better if you start from with book 1! This is a great regency romance.

Synopsis:
Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain--and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Don't miss this romantic, stirring conclusion to Tales from Ivy Hill.