Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) (vuoden 2020 painos)

This charming Austen-esque holiday novella is set in the 1820s in the small town of Ivy Hill, England. The setting is of the author Julie Klassen's "Tales from Ivy Hill" series. Yet, this festive Christmas story can easily stand on its own. Some of the characters are familiar friends as they have appeared in previous books of the series. It is a chaste romance story with some assumptions getting in the way of general happiness for a few of the characters. The story is one of disappointment, forgiveness and love. What could be more perfect for a Christmas story.

As a writer of Christian historical fiction, Ms. Klassen is certainly among the finest. She weaves a tender tale telling of broken persons, their challenges and efforts to reform. Biblical lessons are referenced and related to the lives of the story's characters although never becoming heavy-handed. It is truly a lovely way to reinforce the lessons once learned. In addition to the story's charm, there are also tender as well as humorous moments. It was the perfect holiday read.

Synopsis (from author's website):

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life—unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents startling surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, work its magic in his heart . . . and hers as well? ( )

This is a wonderfully sweet and fun Christmas romance. I loved getting to hear about some of the characters from previous stories based in Ivy Hill. This is a quick read and it teaches Richard some very good lessons about life. I enjoyed Murray also. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

How about a visit to Ivy Hill during Christmas? What could be better than a visit to a small English village during this special time of year? Most people would love this trip but Richard Brockwell is there only because his mother has demanded that he come home. Richard's life in Ivy Hill hasn't always been pleasant so you can bet that he plans to return to London as soon as possible but then....he meets Arabella Awdry and his perspective changes.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a delightful Christmas novella set during the Regency era and Klassen gives us all of the joys and 'feel-goods' of this special time of year, including Christmas caroling, mistletoe, kissing boughs, and giving baskets to those who are less fortunate. She also reminds us that forgiveness is the greatest gift that we can give or receive and God's love and grace are available for all! There is also a wonderful romance and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christmas stories and Christian Regency fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review wasn't required and no monetary compensation was given. These are my own thoughts. ( )

An Ivy Hill Christmas combines all the best aspects of a Christmas story. A younger brother tries to find his place and his calling. His mother summons him home with threats of cutting him off financially.

On his way home with his friend, he winds up becoming acquainted with a young man who is on his way to becoming an apprentice. A lady repeatedly determines to have nothing to do with him. This book illustrates how sometimes the very thing we think we do not want provides exactly the experience we need.

The characters developed beautifully along with the plot. The setting of an English manor provides the perfect backdrop for this story. So check it out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Not only is this the first book I’ve read in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, it also appears to be the first novel I’ve read by Julie Klassen, although I have definite plans to read more of her work in the near future. It should be noted that this book can be read as a standalone, with no difficulty in understanding the plot or identifying the characters, since Klassen tactfully introduces them. In many cases, Regency stories are usually a turn-off for me, particularly if they are romances, and I am numbered among the seemingly rare few who is not a great fan of Jane Austen’s books. They are just not, personally, my cup of tea. However, I did love this novella!

With the perfect blend of social concern and spiritual well-being, “An Ivy Hill Christmas” makes a wonderful book for a snowy afternoon. On the frontispiece, there is a black-and-white map of Ivy Hill to give readers a mental image of where some of the story’s main locations are in relationship to one another. But as the village remains close-knit, the residents of Brockwell Court do not. Most notably, Richard Brockwell is nearly 30 years old and lives as a rakish bachelor in London, enjoying himself and fitting into an archetype of a young Ebenezer Scrooge who thinks of no one but himself. “Richard was, he knew, a selfish creature. A person could not change his nature, his very heart, could he? He thought not.” Coerced into returning to Brockwell Court for the Christmas holidays, he vows to remain firm against his mother’s desire for him to marry and settle down into a respectable life. Until the Christmas guests arrive, and Arabella Awdry steps through the door.

This is a character-driven novel, and it is the secondary characters whom I find to be the most entertaining and insightful. Wally, the little terrier, stole my heart immediately, particularly with how Richard dresses him up each day. Pickering, Richard’s steward, has a dry sort of humor that I find surprising and at times hilarious. Richard’s brother and sister-in-law manage Brockwell Court compassionately and efficiently, a task Richard has no desire to become responsible for as the second son. However, the more he sees acts of kindness performed toward the less fortunate in conjunction with the fate of a childhood friend, the more he begins to look beyond himself to see the world of need that exists. He is struck by the thought “That the heavenly Father would willingly send His Son into a harsh, fallen, and dangerous world? Astounding.” From that launching point, he finds the motivation and inspiration to confront and seek to rectify injustice, surprising himself along the way and prodding us, too, into action. No gift of kindness is too small when it comes from a heart reflecting the Savior’s love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. ( )