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A review by cctblog
The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
4.0
I've said this before, but it bears repeating: the Tales from Ivy Hill series is perfect for fans of gentle period pieces like Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford. This series, which focuses on several woman living in Ivy Hill, is sweet, gentle, and completely addicting.
The Bride of Ivy Green is the third and final book in the series (and you really do need to read the series in order, as each novel builds on the last). It's told from the perspectives of four women: Mercy Grove, whose life is turned upside-down by the arrival of her brother and his wife (think Austen's John & Fanny Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility); Jane Bell, owner of The Bell Inn, who is in love with Gabriel Locke but not sure if she is strong enough for another marriage; Rachel, Lady Brockwell after finally marrying Sir Timothy, who is now intent on seeing her sister-in-law Justina marry for love, not duty; and newcomer Victorine, the dressmaker with a mysterious past who opens a shop in Ivy Hill.
The women experience unexpected joys and sorrows as they continue living their lives in Ivy Hill. Of all the stories, Mercy's was the one that most interested me; she broke off a relationship in the second book and seemed to be building something with Joseph Kingsley, though he considered himself to be below her station. But then another suitor entered the mix, once who could give Mercy's nearly all of her dreams. The trajectory of Mercy's life drastically changed throughout the novel, and I loved watching her navigate everything.
I also enjoyed continuing Jane's story, and I loved how Mercy's Aunt Matty's life intertwined with Jane's in an unexpected way.
The one aspect I didn't totally love about this novel was Victorine. She was fine, but her story didn't interest me nearly as much as Justina's story did, yet Victorine got much more page time.
Overall, this is a wonderful conclusion to the series; while "Happily Ever Afters" abound, not every story is tied up with a neat bow, and I appreciated that real-life feeling. Honestly, I'm a little bit jealous of readers who haven't begun the series yet, as I think reading the three novels back-to-back would be an even more enjoyable experience! 4-1/2 stars.
Note: If you've read Klassen's The Dancing Master, look for a fun cameo by Alec and Julia!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
The Bride of Ivy Green is the third and final book in the series (and you really do need to read the series in order, as each novel builds on the last). It's told from the perspectives of four women: Mercy Grove, whose life is turned upside-down by the arrival of her brother and his wife (think Austen's John & Fanny Dashwood from Sense & Sensibility); Jane Bell, owner of The Bell Inn, who is in love with Gabriel Locke but not sure if she is strong enough for another marriage; Rachel, Lady Brockwell after finally marrying Sir Timothy, who is now intent on seeing her sister-in-law Justina marry for love, not duty; and newcomer Victorine, the dressmaker with a mysterious past who opens a shop in Ivy Hill.
The women experience unexpected joys and sorrows as they continue living their lives in Ivy Hill. Of all the stories, Mercy's was the one that most interested me; she broke off a relationship in the second book and seemed to be building something with Joseph Kingsley, though he considered himself to be below her station. But then another suitor entered the mix, once who could give Mercy's nearly all of her dreams. The trajectory of Mercy's life drastically changed throughout the novel, and I loved watching her navigate everything.
I also enjoyed continuing Jane's story, and I loved how Mercy's Aunt Matty's life intertwined with Jane's in an unexpected way.
The one aspect I didn't totally love about this novel was Victorine. She was fine, but her story didn't interest me nearly as much as Justina's story did, yet Victorine got much more page time.
Overall, this is a wonderful conclusion to the series; while "Happily Ever Afters" abound, not every story is tied up with a neat bow, and I appreciated that real-life feeling. Honestly, I'm a little bit jealous of readers who haven't begun the series yet, as I think reading the three novels back-to-back would be an even more enjoyable experience! 4-1/2 stars.
Note: If you've read Klassen's The Dancing Master, look for a fun cameo by Alec and Julia!
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.