An Ivy Hill Christmas

This is one of THE BEST novellas I've ever read. Novella implies a short story to familiarize yourself with the series. This was great all on its own but I will read more. The characters, though there were many, had depth and feeling. It starts slow but quickly the London fog clears and you will love what you read. 💖 ( )

Title: An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales from Ivy Hill Novella
Author: Julie Klassen
Pages: 224
Year: 2020
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Arabella Awdry is the vicar’s daughter and has had a crush on Richard Brockwell for years until one fateful day when she overhears a conversation between some young men and discovers what Richard really thinks of her. She now wants nothing to do with him. Ten years later when he returns to Ivy Hill in much reduced circumstances and no longer a member of the aristocracy, she keeps her distance. She knows he is looking for a rich woman to wed. She deems it her job to protect these women from his conniving ways. She won’t allow them to be used for their money, so she sets out to ruin his reputation.
Richard Brockwell is still reeling from his removal from the aristocracy. He was forced to move from his home and move in with his mother. He has no source of income, except what his mother gives him. No woman of the aristocracy wants to marry him, and he has no skills to earn an income. So, he sees his only option is to marry one of the local women who has money of her own. He is met with fierce opposition in the form of Arabella Awdry. Why does she dislike him so much? Thank goodness she doesn’t have any money, or he might be forced to consider her as a future bride.
I have not read any of the other books in this series, but this novella was certainly enjoyable. I loved the rumors Arabella created about Richard; they were hilarious! I liked looking underneath the layer of an aloof man displayed to the world to find the generous one. The romance is fairly predictable but still very entertaining. I hope to read more books in this series as this one piqued my curiosity.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

I was going to read this a few months ago, but then I realized there were three books that came before it. I read those and loved them and loved this book, too. I don't really mind reading about Christmas a couple of months later. All the previous readers described the plot well, so I'll just say I hope Julie Klassen decides to return to Ivy Hill in another book. ( )

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a novella included as part of the Tales from Ivy Hill series by Julie Klassen. While I had a hard time liking Richard Brockwell for the first part of the book, he slowly redeemed himself through his actions later on. I found myself wondering if someone could change their nature that way, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Arabella Awdry, on the other hand, seemed to be generous and charitable from the start. It was interesting to see their relationship change and grow.
I thought the epilogue was a little strange and that it would have been better to include it in the main part of the book instead. 3.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

This lovely tale transports readers back to a time quite different from today. Every age has a unique set of challenges, and it was enlightening as well as entertaining to get a peek into the lives of these characters. Richard is coming home for Christmas, bringing his friend, a publisher, with him. Both are skating on the edge of financial difficulties, hoping for time to regroup. The old homestead has other guests who add to the merriment of the season. Richard also makes the acquaintance of an orphan, a printer’s apprentice, whose young life is about to take a turn for the worse. Love is in the air for more than one couple, but it is challenged by mistakes in judgments and lack of communication. The novel is well written, both in plot and character development as well as setting the scene. I would be hard pressed to select a favorite character, but the young apprentice is likely to touch your heart. This is a charming story, for Christmas or really, anytime. ( )