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Book Reviews of The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2)

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2)
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage - Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2
Author: Julie Klassen
ISBN-13: 9780764218156
ISBN-10: 0764218158
Publication Date: 12/5/2017
Pages: 448
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 16

4.1 stars, based on 16 ratings
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

4 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Moonpie avatar reviewed The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2) on + 1170 more book reviews
I was well into this book before I realized it was a continuation of the previous one, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. To me this shows it can absolutely be read as a standalone! I had trouble getting into the story, it was a slow start, but I am so glad I continued! It was a rewarding read!
There are a lot of characters but Ms. Klassen did a stellar job of making it easy to keep them straight by her detailed personalization of their individual emotions, thoughts, and characteristics. She flawlessly wove in and out of each one's experiences giving the story depth.
The 1800's was not an easy time for a single woman, especially in providing for themselves. The book shares the lives of three such women. Jane is a widow who has the blessing of being proprietor deceased husband's family. Rachel is alone due to the death of her father, but lost her inheritance and her only source of income. Mercy has given up finding love and resigned herself to spinsterhood. While each lady faces difficult challenges they have the strong support of one another. Romance blooms for each, but not without difficulty and heartache.
Even though Jane had a source of income, handling the stress and responsibility alone was challenging to say the least. It was no walk in the park! Though she was cheerful and caring, she carried a heavy load of grief in the loss of many children by miscarriage.
Of the three, Rachel had the least and solely relied on the kindness of her friends. Her story saddened me. She had lived in wealth and comfort before she lost her father. I feel her situation was the hardest to go from having everything to being homeless and penniless. I admired her spunk and determination to provide for herself and earn a living with what meager means there were.
Mercy, poor homely Mercy. She had such a sweet and loving spirit. Though her outside was plain her inside was beautiful. She ran a girl's school and lived with her Aunt Matilda. I loved Aunt Matilda, she was such a hoot. Not only did she make me laugh but I enjoyed the spirit in which she shared her wisdom with the girls. Mercy was so dedicated to her students. Her home actually belonged to her brother who was living overseas. After he marries her meddling (and irritating) parents give her an ultimatum to marry a suitor they have introduced her to or lose everything. Her situation reminded me of how few choices women, especially from wealthy families, had during this time. Mercy wants to marry for love. But with her looks her parents feel she will be lucky if ANYONE will have her.
Each of the characters were inspiring in their faith, growth, and in spiritual lessons
Their lives taught. A wonderful read!
I received this book from Bethany House Publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
virgosun avatar reviewed The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2) on + 886 more book reviews
This is more village saga mixed with budding or very slow burning romantic relationships a la Jane Austen. As in the first installment, some characters get their happy endings while others are left hanging until the sequel. To fully appreciate the villagers, you should read the first book otherwise you might find it difficult sorting out the various connections. Lots of amiable ladies and interesting challenges, but everyone was tiptoeing around each other, making it a drawn-out and tad frustrating narrative. 3.5 stars.
maggysue avatar reviewed The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2) on + 811 more book reviews
I truly loved this book. Excellent job by Julie Klassen. Great story and characters. I'm so looking forward to book three in this series. Highly recommended!
reviewed The Ladies of Ivy Cottage (Tales From Ivy Hill, Bk 2) on + 1528 more book reviews
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen is the second edition in Tales from Ivy Hill. It is September in 1820 in Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England. Rachel Ashford wants to discover a way for her to earn money to support herself. She appreciates Mercy allowing her to life at Ivy Cottage, but she wants to pay her own way. The women of the Ladies Tea and Knitting Society suggest that Rachel use what her father left her in his willâhis library. Rachel can open a subscription library at Ivy Cottage. The townspeople rally behind Rachel and donate books to the library. Thanks to those donated books, Rachel has two mysteries to ponder. She must also make a decision regarding Nicholas Ashford's proposal. Jane Bell is busy running The Bell, but she misses Gabriel Locke. Is Jane ready to move on with her life? If so, is there a chance of Gabriel returning? Mercy Groves has long given up hope of getting married. She is busy running the school and is hoping to expand it. Mr. Thomas asks Mercy to become young Alice's guardian. Mercy is happy to take on the role, but then suitor starts paying attention to her. Ivy Cottage, though, may be lost to all its current inhabitants if Mercy's mother has her way. To see what happens to the women, join them on their journey in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage.

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is well-written with lovely characters. I do recommend reading The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill before embarking on The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. The first book introduces you to the characters, the village of Ivy Hill and their lives (it sets the stage for The Ladies of Ivy Cottage). The Ladies of Ivy Cottage picks up where the first book ended. The characters are well developed, and they continue to evolve. The pace of the story is gentle which suits the story (it is slower than The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill). I do feel, though, that the book is a little long (440 pages). Julie Klassen accurately portrayed the time-period with the clothing, the way people spoke (it was more formal), mannerisms, the shops, roles of men and women, locale, and customs. You can tell that the author did her research for the series. Through Ms. Klassen's words you can imagine the village and its citizens. The Christian element is light and adds just the right touch. In addition to the main three ladies there are secondary characters that add drama and romance to the story. James Drake is working on his hotel, Sir Timothy Brockwell is interested in one of the ladies, Thora returns, Joseph Kingsley (the local carpenter) shows an interest in getting to know one of the women, and Mr. Carville is up to something. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is a rich, historical novel and I am eager for the next installment in the Tales from Ivy Hill.