Beyond Ivy Walls

We are always told to look beyond looks. Beyond Ivy Walls reminds us that beauty is within. It was a great listen.

Otis grew up feeling like he wasn't enough, that his scars and medical condition were something he had to hide and it left him grumpy and broken. He returns to his family estate after being sent away as a child and is only at the estate to sell it. But he runs into Sadie in one of his abandoned warehouses. Sadie is homeless and working away from her family to help provide after her father has an accident and can not work. Otis takes note of Sadies situation and offers her a job and a place to stay in his mansion. At first, they are at odds with each other, they are opposites... she's hiding her concerns, hes hiding his past. But with time the walls come down. But...Sadie has promised her heart to another before she ever met Otis, what happens when the first man in her life reappears? And Otis has no intention of sticking around, once the property sells, he's leaving!

This story is just so honest and so raw when it comes to the struggles of both characters. They both have what the other doesn't. He has wealth, status, and people throwing themselves at his feet unknowingly but no one will accept him as he is, and his own family sent him away as a child. She has a loving family, is a hard worker, and doesn't complain... but her days are filled in turkey filth, she has no money, no home, and the man she loved hasn't been returning her advances. They BOTH breathe life into each other. He steps up for her, and her for him and this story just shows how two people from two different lives somehow become interwoven with each other.

This story is not just romantic, its also hilarious at times as they pick on each other and make jokes at each others expense.


If you like tropes such as...
Forced proximity
Grumpy/Sunshine
Pen pals
Friends to more... THIS is your story!
Loved it!!! I need a physical copy of the book!

***Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. The review is my own opinion.

“This house is not only mysterious, it is magical.”

I listened to the audio of this book, as well as reading it. The audio narrators were excellent. Their tones and expression was spot on and they really helped me visualize the characters through their voices.

This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story. I absolutely love Rachel’s books and this one is another excellent offering. There were so many amazing quotes, I was highlighting on every page.

I adored Sadie. Her perseverance and her desire to help her family was inspiring. Otis is back home from years away, his brother and father now dead.I appreciated his need to hide, but also in wanting to make things right with his family. I loved the Beauty and the Beast feel to the story. The development of Sadie and Otis characters and relationships were so well done. Sadie’s love and acceptance was a pleasure to read. I loved Leon and Mildred. And Sadie’s family! All were wonderful additions to the story. Some of my favorite things were letters, Leon and Mildred, rollerskating, and so many more. One of my favorite things was the epilogue.

There were so many quotes and beautiful words I highlighted. .

I received a paperback from the publisher. I also received an ebook NetGalley link and an audio approval from NetGalley.

Sing it with me now: Tale as old as time // True as it can be // Barely even friends // Then somebody bends // Unexpectedly! Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham is a Beauty And The Beast re-imagining and was a beautiful-as-can-be fairy tale!

Otis Taylor returns to his family home after being cast aside and shunned by his father; Sadie sends money home to her own family as her father's health is failing. A mystery over Otis's missing niece provides both a way to push the two characters together while also creating a slight conflict, understood through their dual perspectives. This is a classic story that is well deserving of its ever-present yet nuanced theme!

With Fordham's unpretentious and approachable writing, this book had such a dreamy feel to it! There's a gentle, languid pace to this historical romance, like the muted colours of a harvest sunset or the ease of a meandering brook.

Leon and Mildred who have worked for the Taylor family for years represented all the meddling characters in Beast's home, pushing the two love interests gently together. I loved that Sadie worked in a feather duster factory, providing another subtle nod to a Beauty And The Beast character.

Em Eldridge and Jason Keller narrated this audiobook, their voices lending perfectly to their respective characters. Eldridge had a warm and friendly voice, airing on the side of innocent and playful. Keller was the opposite in contrast: gruff and powerful, demanding attention while still sounding introspective when called for. Keller, in particular, did an amazing job creating distinct voices for those characters he narrated.

Sweet, wistful, and full of nostalgia - this was an easy five-star experience!

Thank you NetGalley, UpLit Reads, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the complimentary copies to read and review.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 🌟

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Interesting look at how struggles such as alopecia were viewed at the turn of the century….loved the beauty and the beast undercurrent!
Otis and Sadie were fun, realistic characters and their storyline was an intriguing glimpse into the time period. I especially liked learning about the Hoag feather duster factory and the roller skating!
Loved the side story of Bessie and tracking down her whereabouts, and liked how Otis came to terms with his relationship with his brother.
Great supporting characters, fun read, and especially satisfying ending, as the different is ok theme came full circle.
I listened to this book on audio and it was well done. I always enjoy having both a male and female narrator- it makes it so much more enjoyable to listen to.

Beyond Ivy Walls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A super Beautiful story of a take away from a beauty & a beast. You will fall in love with Sadie & Otis. It's not your every day story. It is unique & great. I really enjoyed it! Sooo fun!!
Thank you NetGalley!

This was my first time to listen to a book by this author and it won't be the last. Her story is very engaging and will keep you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book and author.

My favorite novel by Rachel Fordham! With references to my favorite classic Jane Eyre, the main characters pulled me into their unconventional romance. A strong female doing all she could for her family and a castaway wealthy young man with imperfections and insecurities. Toss in family secrets and unknown child, the tension couldn't get tighter as these two fight their attraction and focus on their responsibilities. Full of humor and plot twists, I couldn't put it down until the very end.

Absolutely Loved this read! This did remind me of a mix between Beauty & the Beast and a 1991 Feature Family Films, Rigoletto. If you're not a fan of "sweet" historical fiction or sweet romance style fairy tales, then this would not be the read for you. BUT, if you do, or love a good "Hallmark" style story - you will love Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham.

From the very beginning, I was pulled into Sadie's & Otis' world. The author did a great job of bringing the visuals and with the narrator (audiobook) I was swept away and could not stop listening. I've often said to library patrons, a really good audiobook I have a hard time remembering - did I physically read it, listen to it or watch it - and this could be said for this read! Although, it really would make a great tv movie ;)

Sadie comes from humble beginnings and when an accident changes their family, as the oldest she heads to the city to work in a feather duster factory to send much needed money home. When circumstances cause her to stay in an abandoned factory, she meets a pup who gives her comfort.

Otis, the last of the prestigious Taylors, returns home to settle his family's accounts. Otis has his own issues that stem from his childhood and has lived in isolation most of his life. After having many nights of his pup leaving him at night, he goes in search of him and he stumbles across Sadie.

This is a wonderful story of healing, and the power of forgiving and trust. I can't wait to try another one of Rachel Fordham's books!

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???

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!

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.

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 😁

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.

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 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.

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.

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.