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A review by english_lady03
The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
4.0
What a satisfying conclusion the the series, especially for the leading ladies.
This was, admittedly, not as compelling as the previous books in the series or others by this author and there is no real mystery or intrigue.
This series is not really meant to be like that though. Its more reminiscent of Cranford, and the trilogy has focused on the lives of three female friends in a small Berkshire village Jane Bell, Mercy Grove and Rachel, as their neighbours.
Its much more a light read with a gentle pace, which focuses a lot more on relationships between families and friends, as well as the village community. Mercy Grove, the former schoolteacher apparently destined to be a lifelong spinster is the focus of this story, although the other characters come into it as well.
Really its just a very gentle and heartwarming story with themes about love, forgiveness and the important of family, especially reconnecting with unknown or long lost family. The faith elements are not preachy or overwhelming, but instead inform the character's attitudes and ideas in a way that's realistic for the time. 1821 to be precise.
I will say that its not advisable to jump straight in with this story. Its the third in a trilogy, and there is a lot of backstory that underpins the interactions and relationships between the characters. Its easy to get lost otherwise.
Others have remarked that some situations felt a little forced towards the end to bring about a happy ending. That was the case, and a couple of things came across as predictable, but that was true to the spirit of the story (this is not meant to be a thriller after all), and its very satisfying for the reader.
I will say that I loved the way Mrs Klassen worked some real and unusual historical events into the story. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction at times. She also uses details about everyday lives and events that might traditionally be considered mundane to weave a realistic and historically authentic story.
No wonder she's my favourite author of Regency fiction. Or one of them anyway.
This was, admittedly, not as compelling as the previous books in the series or others by this author and there is no real mystery or intrigue.
This series is not really meant to be like that though. Its more reminiscent of Cranford, and the trilogy has focused on the lives of three female friends in a small Berkshire village Jane Bell, Mercy Grove and Rachel, as their neighbours.
Its much more a light read with a gentle pace, which focuses a lot more on relationships between families and friends, as well as the village community. Mercy Grove, the former schoolteacher apparently destined to be a lifelong spinster is the focus of this story, although the other characters come into it as well.
Really its just a very gentle and heartwarming story with themes about love, forgiveness and the important of family, especially reconnecting with unknown or long lost family. The faith elements are not preachy or overwhelming, but instead inform the character's attitudes and ideas in a way that's realistic for the time. 1821 to be precise.
I will say that its not advisable to jump straight in with this story. Its the third in a trilogy, and there is a lot of backstory that underpins the interactions and relationships between the characters. Its easy to get lost otherwise.
Others have remarked that some situations felt a little forced towards the end to bring about a happy ending. That was the case, and a couple of things came across as predictable, but that was true to the spirit of the story (this is not meant to be a thriller after all), and its very satisfying for the reader.
I will say that I loved the way Mrs Klassen worked some real and unusual historical events into the story. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction at times. She also uses details about everyday lives and events that might traditionally be considered mundane to weave a realistic and historically authentic story.
No wonder she's my favourite author of Regency fiction. Or one of them anyway.