Reviews

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

deeelbeee's review against another edition

4.0

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is, at it's core, a feminist tale. A woman inherit's her husband's failing inn, and even though she has not been involved in the management of the Inn until we meet her in chapter one, she takes on this role, with its challenges, pitfalls, and rewards. There is some romance, but the story really revolves around female relationships, and how the women navigate supporting eachother in a world that thinks women should be either ladies, or ladies' maids.

The only reason I give it 4 starts, instead of 5, is that I did have to push myself to continue reading it a few times. It is very meandering, and I tend to like faster-paced books. At 445 pages, this book took its time! Not to say there was NO intrigue- there is. A few mysteries sprinkled in. But nothing that makes you NEED to keep reading in order to find out the answer. But I DID finish it, and I'm glad I did. Maybe I would give it 4.5 stars since I was quite absorbed through the last few chapters.

If you like sweet, (and somewhat slow) Victorian village stories, with dashes of romance and intrigue, that focuses on relationships and character, this book is for you.

kmdahlgran's review against another edition

3.0

I found this book to be pleasant. I’m not sure it was quite my style, but the story and characters were engaging enough that I finished it.

lordlorcanlochanreads's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jessajam's review against another edition

4.0

It's a slow paced book so it took a while for me to get into it, but by the end I really enjoyed it.

lordlorcanlochanreads's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

deonva's review

4.0

This series should be read in order.

maloryjkennedy10's review against another edition

5.0

Another excellent read from Julie Klassen. I can always rely on her quirky cast of characters and feeling of community. However, different then her normal books, this a series that isn't completely wrapped up in the end. I thought Jane would have found her man by the end and then the next book would feature Mercy or Rachel. But Jane's story as well as the other ladies and Thora will continue on to the next book. This is both a little disappointing and yet refreshing because it portrays a more realistic view of life. A person's life isn't wrapped up neatly in one book.

Great read and I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a mystery and emotional drama.

melovell's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

insanely_divergent's review against another edition

5.0

I love this whole series! Well developed characters and a wonderful story line.

rlbb2023's review against another edition

3.0

I have read a few books by Julie Klassen and this one I just couldn't get into. I finished it, but it was not great. The characters that were intertwined with the story didn't really follow a steady path. Someone would be introduced with a long back story only to have them fall by the way side. As this is going to be a series, it will be interesting to see what becomes of them.