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sheilasamuelson's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you again to My Great-Aunt for lending me this book/series back in November after the unexpected passing of My Father.
Another Phenomenal Book in this series by Julie.
The Characters are still so interesting to read about. I loved that a few new characters were introduced in this book, i think it made the book more enjoyable.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Whiltshire England.
Overall a Phenoemnal Historical Fiction Book in this series about Family, Friends and Love helping 2 woman deal with losing loved ones over the course of 2 years!! Can't wait to read Book 3 in this series!!
Review:
Thank you again to My Great-Aunt for lending me this book/series back in November after the unexpected passing of My Father.
Another Phenomenal Book in this series by Julie.
The Characters are still so interesting to read about. I loved that a few new characters were introduced in this book, i think it made the book more enjoyable.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Whiltshire England.
Overall a Phenoemnal Historical Fiction Book in this series about Family, Friends and Love helping 2 woman deal with losing loved ones over the course of 2 years!! Can't wait to read Book 3 in this series!!
maddy_reads_writes_romance's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good compared to the first. I enjoyed the first, but this one had everything the first installment was missing. Romance, intrigue, second chances! Persuasion being my favorite Austen, I really enjoyed the Persuasionesque romance of Rachel and Sir Timothy. Sir Timothy definitely had his swoon worthy moments in this one. I was surprised to have liked Rachel so much since I wasn’t very fond of her in the first book. This time around the reader was given more insight to her and her past, which helped the reader to empathize with her and her plight more. I also loved the circulation library details. Who knew they were so very much like our modern libraries today. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
I’m still partial to Jane since she was our first heroine. I was happy to find out who her lead romance interest will be and approve since he was my favorite from the start. Just as swoon worthy as Timothy! Since we don’t exactly get a happy ending in this book I’m excited to see where their story will go in the last installment. I’m also happy to see that the inn is thriving and no longer in dire straits.
One aspect of the novel which wasn’t my favorite was Mercy’s. I appreciate her waiting out for true love but at some point security is far preferable to having your entire life being taken from you, by your own parents no less! I know who her love interest is meant to be so I wish they would have had a bit more interaction throughout, but I guess that’s what the last book is for. Also, having Alice taken from her tore at my heart strings. Mercy definitely deserves a happily ever after in the next book!
Lastly, the two mysteries were very well done and kept me engrossed to the end.
Overall, loved the book and can’t wait for the third and final in the series!
I’m still partial to Jane since she was our first heroine. I was happy to find out who her lead romance interest will be and approve since he was my favorite from the start. Just as swoon worthy as Timothy! Since we don’t exactly get a happy ending in this book I’m excited to see where their story will go in the last installment. I’m also happy to see that the inn is thriving and no longer in dire straits.
One aspect of the novel which wasn’t my favorite was Mercy’s. I appreciate her waiting out for true love but at some point security is far preferable to having your entire life being taken from you, by your own parents no less! I know who her love interest is meant to be so I wish they would have had a bit more interaction throughout, but I guess that’s what the last book is for. Also, having Alice taken from her tore at my heart strings. Mercy definitely deserves a happily ever after in the next book!
Lastly, the two mysteries were very well done and kept me engrossed to the end.
Overall, loved the book and can’t wait for the third and final in the series!
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
4.0
*Thank you Bethany House for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!*
This is not the first time I have read Julie Klassen. I have read several of her works including The Painter’s Daughter, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and Lady of Milkweed Manor. So when I received the email that I would get to review The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, I was ecstatic!
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen revolves around the community of Ivy Hill, specifically, Jane, Mercy, and Rachel. Jane is a young widow and runs an Inn called The Bell. Mercy lives at her parent’s cottage and runs a school for girls. Rachel lives with Mercy and at the beginning of the book is quite unsure of what to do. Rachel hates accepting help from others and is determined to pay for her keep at Ivy Cottage. Even though Rachel is a lady, her father had died amidst scandal and ruin. He did not leave her much, except for an entire library of books. Mercy and Jane and many in the community help Rachel start a circulating library. It becomes a success. However, there are mysteries among the books that affect not only their lives but others in the community.
It is safe to say that I adored this book. I loved the friendship between the main characters and their goodness. They are always the first to lend a helping hand instead of pass judgment. Despite enduring heartbreak, loss and societal rules they are determined to make their lives better and those around them. Although, there is one point at the beginning when Rachel declares that she has no appreciation for books and is not an avid reader. This was strange for me, but that is because I can’t live without books. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the book showed Rachel’s journey in becoming a book lover. What I thought was going to be a negative point turned out to be my favorite part of the novel!
Unfortunately, it did take awhile for me to pick up on the storyline because, it picks up where the first book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, left off. I have not read the first book, so there were parts where I was confused about the storyline and the characters. The pieces do come together beautifully. If you want to read this book, I HIGHLY suggest that you read the first book. After reading this book, I plan to go read the first one. This book does slightly end on a cliffhanger as well. There is quite a setup for book three! Overall, it was a beautiful story filled with romance, charity, mystery, and friendship!
This is not the first time I have read Julie Klassen. I have read several of her works including The Painter’s Daughter, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and Lady of Milkweed Manor. So when I received the email that I would get to review The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, I was ecstatic!
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen revolves around the community of Ivy Hill, specifically, Jane, Mercy, and Rachel. Jane is a young widow and runs an Inn called The Bell. Mercy lives at her parent’s cottage and runs a school for girls. Rachel lives with Mercy and at the beginning of the book is quite unsure of what to do. Rachel hates accepting help from others and is determined to pay for her keep at Ivy Cottage. Even though Rachel is a lady, her father had died amidst scandal and ruin. He did not leave her much, except for an entire library of books. Mercy and Jane and many in the community help Rachel start a circulating library. It becomes a success. However, there are mysteries among the books that affect not only their lives but others in the community.
It is safe to say that I adored this book. I loved the friendship between the main characters and their goodness. They are always the first to lend a helping hand instead of pass judgment. Despite enduring heartbreak, loss and societal rules they are determined to make their lives better and those around them. Although, there is one point at the beginning when Rachel declares that she has no appreciation for books and is not an avid reader. This was strange for me, but that is because I can’t live without books. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the book showed Rachel’s journey in becoming a book lover. What I thought was going to be a negative point turned out to be my favorite part of the novel!
Unfortunately, it did take awhile for me to pick up on the storyline because, it picks up where the first book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, left off. I have not read the first book, so there were parts where I was confused about the storyline and the characters. The pieces do come together beautifully. If you want to read this book, I HIGHLY suggest that you read the first book. After reading this book, I plan to go read the first one. This book does slightly end on a cliffhanger as well. There is quite a setup for book three! Overall, it was a beautiful story filled with romance, charity, mystery, and friendship!
books_n_blossoms's review against another edition
4.0
As a continuation of this series I really enjoyed book 2. I felt like this book was more like the author's writing that I'm used to. We get to know the characters more in-depth in this book. Book 2 is more focused on Mercy and Rachel's story, although Jane is in the story quite a bit as well. That's one of the elements I appreciate with this series, it still combines the pivotal characters.
This book took me longer to read than usual just because there are so many details. I don't say that in a negative way, but that you don't want to miss anything!
I enjoyed following Rachel and Mercy through their ups and downs in the story. Rachel lives my dream by opening a circulating library. Of course back then it's her only way to be able to survive with some sort of income. Mercy continues with her school for girls out of her home while allowing Rachel to open her library there.
Book 2 will leave you looking forward to book 3...which I sure am!
This book took me longer to read than usual just because there are so many details. I don't say that in a negative way, but that you don't want to miss anything!
I enjoyed following Rachel and Mercy through their ups and downs in the story. Rachel lives my dream by opening a circulating library. Of course back then it's her only way to be able to survive with some sort of income. Mercy continues with her school for girls out of her home while allowing Rachel to open her library there.
Book 2 will leave you looking forward to book 3...which I sure am!
kjulie's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐️
I have long enjoyed the charm of Jane Austen’s brilliant novels, and while this novel isn’t brilliant, it is lovely in a similar way. The women of Ivy Hill have endeared themselves to me over the course of these first two novels. Yes, there are predictable moments throughout, and if you’re a fan of Jane Austen you will recognize several significant nods to her novels, but there are a few genuinely touching moments that really shine.
We read romances for the happy conclusions (true love and, in this case, weddings), and I look forward to a fulfillment of that for all the characters in the third instalment of this series. (Though if there is an element of bittersweet, I wouldn’t mind!)
I have long enjoyed the charm of Jane Austen’s brilliant novels, and while this novel isn’t brilliant, it is lovely in a similar way. The women of Ivy Hill have endeared themselves to me over the course of these first two novels. Yes, there are predictable moments throughout, and if you’re a fan of Jane Austen you will recognize several significant nods to her novels, but there are a few genuinely touching moments that really shine.
We read romances for the happy conclusions (true love and, in this case, weddings), and I look forward to a fulfillment of that for all the characters in the third instalment of this series. (Though if there is an element of bittersweet, I wouldn’t mind!)
cctblog's review against another edition
5.0
If you enjoy historical British shows and movies like Cranford, Lark Rise to Candleford, or any of the Jane Austen adaptations, you'll love Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series. (You'll also enjoy it if you've read the books those shows and films are based on, I assume ... but, as I've only ever read Pride & Prejudice, I can't really speak to the books 😆.)
The Ladies of the Cottage continues many of the stories begun in The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. This novel focuses mainly on three characters: Rachel, disgraced by her father's financial ruin and evicted from their home upon his death; Mercy, who runs a girls' school out of her family home and offers Rachel a place to stay; and Jane, proprietress of the Bell Inn.
While Rachel mulls over a proposal from a distant relative, she still has feelings for Sir Timothy, who may be pursuing Jane. But widowed Jane has given her heart to someone else, though she's not sure she'll be able to face the pain that another marriage could bring. Mercy has long resigned herself to the childless life of a spinster, but suddenly she has the opportunity to become guardian to one of her dearest pupils, and two (or maybe three???) potential suitors emerge. As the women each try to navigate their love lives, they grow closer as friends and uncover some long-buried secrets while learning to trust God with their stories.
I am 100%, unequivocally in love with this series! It's gentle and sweet, yet also deeply compelling. The romance in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is kicked up a notch from what it was in book one, so it's a little more like a stand-alone Klassen romance in that regard. Jane and Rachel both have very romantic declaration scenes (Rachel's is tied to a book—fitting, as she runs the lending library—and is oh-so-swoony), and I have hope that Mercy's love life will really take off in the next novel! The three friends and their romances aren't the only highlights of the novel, though. The minor characters are well-drawn and interesting, and all of the plots and subplots kept me flying through the pages.
This is a series that should really be read in order, so if you haven't yet, pick up a copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, and then follow it up immediately with this novel! I'm eagerly anticipating the release of book three, The Bride of Ivy Green (who could it be???), in December.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
The Ladies of the Cottage continues many of the stories begun in The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. This novel focuses mainly on three characters: Rachel, disgraced by her father's financial ruin and evicted from their home upon his death; Mercy, who runs a girls' school out of her family home and offers Rachel a place to stay; and Jane, proprietress of the Bell Inn.
While Rachel mulls over a proposal from a distant relative, she still has feelings for Sir Timothy, who may be pursuing Jane. But widowed Jane has given her heart to someone else, though she's not sure she'll be able to face the pain that another marriage could bring. Mercy has long resigned herself to the childless life of a spinster, but suddenly she has the opportunity to become guardian to one of her dearest pupils, and two (or maybe three???) potential suitors emerge. As the women each try to navigate their love lives, they grow closer as friends and uncover some long-buried secrets while learning to trust God with their stories.
I am 100%, unequivocally in love with this series! It's gentle and sweet, yet also deeply compelling. The romance in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is kicked up a notch from what it was in book one, so it's a little more like a stand-alone Klassen romance in that regard. Jane and Rachel both have very romantic declaration scenes (Rachel's is tied to a book—fitting, as she runs the lending library—and is oh-so-swoony), and I have hope that Mercy's love life will really take off in the next novel! The three friends and their romances aren't the only highlights of the novel, though. The minor characters are well-drawn and interesting, and all of the plots and subplots kept me flying through the pages.
This is a series that should really be read in order, so if you haven't yet, pick up a copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, and then follow it up immediately with this novel! I'm eagerly anticipating the release of book three, The Bride of Ivy Green (who could it be???), in December.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
holtfan's review against another edition
3.0
About 3/4ths of the way through I realized this wasn't the book on my to-read shelf but its sequel.
Which explains a lot. I'm adding an extra star because I feel I should have noticed that earlier and it would have cleared up a lot of my frustration with this book. (So many characters! No real introductions! Random characters brought in half way through!)
Despite being thick, a fast read. Sets up for a third book in the series so I guess its main fault is simply feeling squashed. It ties up some loose ends but leaves several strands for the next one.
Which explains a lot. I'm adding an extra star because I feel I should have noticed that earlier and it would have cleared up a lot of my frustration with this book. (So many characters! No real introductions! Random characters brought in half way through!)
Despite being thick, a fast read. Sets up for a third book in the series so I guess its main fault is simply feeling squashed. It ties up some loose ends but leaves several strands for the next one.
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
I love books about books and libraries so when I came across this book and discovered one of the characters opens a circulating library I was giddy with excitement. But this book isn't just about Rachel Ashford and her library. It's about all the ladies we met in the first installment of the series and the men in their lives.
Even though I had read the first book in the series I found myself having to have a bit of time to reacquaint myself with the characters. There are several and I wish there was a "who's who" list at the front. I admit I had a bit of a hard time keeping them all sorted out at first but once I got into the book and my memory was jogged it was like revisiting old friends. My favorite character in this book is Rachel, and not just because she opens a library. Even though I did envy her a bit for that. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the relationship between Rachel and Sir Timothy. I appreciated the way the author kept me guessing as to what was going to happen with these two characters. The way she built up the uncertainty of their relationship made it that much more enjoyable to read.
The pace of this story is steady which I found to be nice. This book isn't just about Rachel and her library and relationship with Sir Timothy but it also includes storylines of other characters. The author switches from character to character in a way that flows nicely and leaves you wondering what it going to happen next. The lives of all the characters intertwine in a way that is realistic to friendship and life in a small village. I think the author portrayed the life of women of various ages and stages of their lives in a way that fit the time period. Even though the women in this book are somewhat independent they still were under the watchful eyes of family and others.
If you like Regency-era romances that include a bit of a mystery with storyline twists and turns this book is one you will truly enjoy. There is a little something for everyone in this book including a swoon-worthy moment if you're into that kind of thing. Even though this is the second book in the series I think it could be read as a standalone. If you'd like to get to know the characters backstories then definitely read the first book before delving into this one. Happy reading!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
Even though I had read the first book in the series I found myself having to have a bit of time to reacquaint myself with the characters. There are several and I wish there was a "who's who" list at the front. I admit I had a bit of a hard time keeping them all sorted out at first but once I got into the book and my memory was jogged it was like revisiting old friends. My favorite character in this book is Rachel, and not just because she opens a library. Even though I did envy her a bit for that. I really enjoyed the dynamic of the relationship between Rachel and Sir Timothy. I appreciated the way the author kept me guessing as to what was going to happen with these two characters. The way she built up the uncertainty of their relationship made it that much more enjoyable to read.
The pace of this story is steady which I found to be nice. This book isn't just about Rachel and her library and relationship with Sir Timothy but it also includes storylines of other characters. The author switches from character to character in a way that flows nicely and leaves you wondering what it going to happen next. The lives of all the characters intertwine in a way that is realistic to friendship and life in a small village. I think the author portrayed the life of women of various ages and stages of their lives in a way that fit the time period. Even though the women in this book are somewhat independent they still were under the watchful eyes of family and others.
If you like Regency-era romances that include a bit of a mystery with storyline twists and turns this book is one you will truly enjoy. There is a little something for everyone in this book including a swoon-worthy moment if you're into that kind of thing. Even though this is the second book in the series I think it could be read as a standalone. If you'd like to get to know the characters backstories then definitely read the first book before delving into this one. Happy reading!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
brookepalmer796's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't anything special and sometimes the writing is clunky, but it does show how few options women had at the time and how they had to be resourceful to live even slightly outside the social norms.
kaitlin_dunford's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one more than the first book in the series, but it was flawed. Klassen got rid of the strange timing issues in the first book. However, this dragged. There were several scenes that seemed redundant. I think it could have benefited from more revision for conciseness. Even so, I enjoyed getting to know Mercy and Rachel better. Mercy might be my favorite character in this series.