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martyomenko's review against another edition
My Review:
I am sadly derelict in my reviewing this book. I will say that if you loved Cranford, Downton Abbey, or Wives and Daughters, this is a book you will enjoy. Don't pick it up looking for a lively romance. There are hints of romance, there throughout, but the the main characters are widows that were not considered young, marrying age anymore. I loved the history of Inns.
If you are looking for a book that you could read with your younger teenage daughter and both throughly enjoy it as fans of the regency era, this is the book. The sequel is coming out later this month, so it is a good time to pick up both for gifts. I can't wait for the sequel!
This book was given to me for review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I also purchased my own copy since I know I love her books and wanted it in print. I encourage you to do the same.
I am sadly derelict in my reviewing this book. I will say that if you loved Cranford, Downton Abbey, or Wives and Daughters, this is a book you will enjoy. Don't pick it up looking for a lively romance. There are hints of romance, there throughout, but the the main characters are widows that were not considered young, marrying age anymore. I loved the history of Inns.
If you are looking for a book that you could read with your younger teenage daughter and both throughly enjoy it as fans of the regency era, this is the book. The sequel is coming out later this month, so it is a good time to pick up both for gifts. I can't wait for the sequel!
This book was given to me for review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I also purchased my own copy since I know I love her books and wanted it in print. I encourage you to do the same.
ewhaverkamp's review against another edition
2.0
In all honesty I read this book after reading my new favorite of the year. This was a rebound book. I almost abandoned it 20% in to it. I finally got over some of the drier writing and got in to the Canford feel of the story.
erin753's review against another edition
2.0
Not what I had hoped the book would be. It seemed like it was a story that the reader was thrown into and it was rather confusing. You had to patiently wait until the details/backstories were revealed later on... sometimes too late in my opinion. A few key points were not revealed like the connection between one of the women and a man but maybe it will be in the sequels. I am unsure if I would read the rest of the books.
thevintagechronicles's review against another edition
3.0
sweet. a bit slower moving than I had hoped, at least in the romance department, but the little village and quirky characters all spun together charmingly. I look forward to the next book, and finding out what will become of this group of hardworking folks.
cindysbookcorner's review against another edition
5.0
I do not normally like historical fiction, but I loved this book. I loved that it was a longer book, that the characters were well thought out, that things were not perfect and that the story will continue on into another book. I love that Julie Klassen really put a lot of thought and effort until this book, making it an interesting, captivating read. I was hooked from the first scene and it is written in such a way that you do not get lost in a sea of characters, even though it follows several people. I think anyone who likes Christian fiction, regardless of what genre, would enjoy this book.
jbiscuit's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Infertility
jan1234's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book but found it was a bit slow for my liking - didn't keep my attention.
writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
4.0
On a rise overlooking the Wiltshire countryside stands the village of Ivy Hill. Its coaching inn, The Bell, is its lifeblood--along with the coach lines that stop there daily, bringing news, mail, travelers, and much-needed trade.
Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.
The innkeeper of Ivy Hill is the first series Julie Klassen has written and so far I like it. I was expecting this to have more romance in it since Klassen is known for writing historical Christian romances, but the focus here is more on other types of relationships, with the main focus being on telling Jane's story, while touching on other characters in the town of Ivy Hill as well. There is also very little focus on religion in the book, making this a straight up historical fiction. The author mentioned classics like Cranford as inspiration for the series. The author also said she used the cute historic town of Lacock as the layout for the town of Ivy Hill. That was helpful to me when it came to picturing the town since I've actually been there.
Except for a few details that I would have liked to have been included in the book, one being why and how Jane fell in love with John - an innkeeper-to begin with, I think the author has done a good job. I look forward to reading more.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Jane Bell lives on the edge of the inn property. She had been a genteel lady until she married the charming innkeeper who promised she would never have to work in his family's inn. But when he dies, Jane finds herself The Bell's owner, and worse, she has three months to pay a large loan or lose the place.
The innkeeper of Ivy Hill is the first series Julie Klassen has written and so far I like it. I was expecting this to have more romance in it since Klassen is known for writing historical Christian romances, but the focus here is more on other types of relationships, with the main focus being on telling Jane's story, while touching on other characters in the town of Ivy Hill as well. There is also very little focus on religion in the book, making this a straight up historical fiction. The author mentioned classics like Cranford as inspiration for the series. The author also said she used the cute historic town of Lacock as the layout for the town of Ivy Hill. That was helpful to me when it came to picturing the town since I've actually been there.
Except for a few details that I would have liked to have been included in the book, one being why and how Jane fell in love with John - an innkeeper-to begin with, I think the author has done a good job. I look forward to reading more.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader