An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a delightful Christmas read. I loved every minute spent in this story. The pacing is perfect. The plot is highly engaging — so much so I could not put this book down. The characters are lovely. They are unique, endearing, and very, very memorable. I enjoyed following Richard as he navigates being with his family, dealing with his past, and reconciling his future. I also really enjoyed the sweet romances. They left me smiling from ear to ear. My most favorite aspect though is the witty dialogue. This story had me chuckling often because the subtle verbal jabs and the imagery conveyed through the diction is just excellent. An Ivy Hill Christmas is a joy to read and I’m so glad I took the time to escape into this story!
Richard’s character really pulled at my heart strings. He hasn’t been the rake he once was for a very long time, but his reputation won’t stop preceding him. Everyone keeps treating him as he once was, refusing to believe or acknowledge that he is a changed man. Several times in this story a character will say something like, “I know who you [Richard] are … you are X.” But they say this after he just showed them he is no longer X anymore. It was so frustrating to me. No wonder Richard believes he is never deserving of forgiveness — no one ever lets anything go! It doesn’t help that Richard hides behind sarcasm and dry wit, but still, give the guy a break already. I thoroughly enjoyed Richard and Arabella’s journey to romance, but often she is the worst offender. She constantly judges Richard by what she thinks she knows even though his actions prove otherwise. There is a really good reality check in all this for me. Am I judging a loved one in my life by his or her past? Am I so comfortable keeping that person trapped in the persona they used to have I refuse to see the progress they’ve made even when it’s right in front of my face? And, worse of all, am I the reason why someone believes he/she can’t ever be forgiven for a past deed? This is some serious food for thought!
An Ivy Hill Christmas is a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. If you are a fan of Christmas lit, Historical Romances, or just plain superior storytelling, then this is the book for you!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Julie Klassen, via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I also purchased a copy of this story in eBook form from Amazon.com on September 8, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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From the Publisher
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| The Bridge to Belle Island | An Ivy Hill Christmas | A Castaway in Cornwall | Shadows of Swanford Abbey | The Sisters of Sea View | A Winter by the Sea | |
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Entertaining Christmassy plot, great characters old and new, enjoyable mystery element
When Richard Brockwell arrives in Ivy Hill for a Christmas visit, he is unprepared to meet childhood friend Arabella Awdry . She is familiar with his reputation as a rake and a libertine and she avoids him like the plague, while he keeps staying away from all eligible ladies.An Ivy Hill Christmas is the Christmas historical romance novella by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in fictional village Ivy Hill 1822 and we follow younger son Richard Brockwell as he comes to spend Christmas with his family. His mother wants to cut him off financially if he doesn’t make an effort to find a suitable lady to marry. Richard tries to scare off every eligible lady and continue his care-free life in London. His childhood friend Arabella Awdry also has no plans to marry and wants to spend her time doing charity work in London. They come to have a nice and relaxing time together, but Arabella is convinced Richard cannot be trusted.Main character is budding, yet unpublished author, Richard Brockwell who seems a seriously shallow and uncharitable man with a bad reputation in London. I loved to follow his journey as he stayed with family and friends in Ivy Hill.Supporting character is bluestocking philanthropist, Arabella Awdry. She is a strong and independent lady who is seriously unimpressed by Richard’s behavior around women; but has a secret wish for love and happiness. I liked her multilayered character a lot and she is my favorite of this story.This sweet story was such a pleasure to read. It gave me all the Christmassy feels with the decorating, carol singing and church going. Even the rare occasion of snow. I loved how the beautiful book cover also set the tone of what to expect.As always I loved Julie Klassen’s signature writing and the light and amusing dialogue. I particularly enjoyed the mystery element to do with a secret from Richard’ past.My favorite part of the story was descriptions of church on Christmas Day. The part I found less enjoyable was descriptions of how a printer’s apprentice was treated. But I felt it made an excellent dramatic element.When Richard scared Arabella off and she made her lack of interest in him blathantly clear, they both relaxed more which made room for feelings to grow. Richard seemed to go through a substantial change from his self serving life and become more aware of people around him.This story is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction and for fans of Julie Klassen. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Erica Vetsch.Thank you to publisher House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.Conclusion: This is the entertaining Christmas novella about confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell who pretends to be a rake and Arabella Awdry who pretends to be a spinster. A satisfying Christmas add-on to the Tales from Ivy Hill series and the perfect read on a quiet afternoon in front of the fire or while on a break from Christmas preparations.
Top reviews from other countries
Frances Wolf
An Ivy Hill Christmas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2021