An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales from Ivy Hill Novella

AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS – Julie Klassen THOROUGHLY WONDERFUL READ🎄 🎩 *** I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy Regency era, clean, faith-based stories or redemption and romance. *** December 1822 London *** PASSAGES & QUOTES I ENJOYED *** And like you, I give all I can spare to my charity of choice. My favorite coffeehouse and bookshop have first claim on my heart—and my purse.”With a pert bow, he turned and walked on, leaving her sputtering and him quite satisfied with himself. Richard was, he knew, a selfish creature. A person could not change his nature, his very heart, could he? He thought not. *** “According to the papers, I am a handsome rake bent on seducing all the widows of Mayfair.” He smirked at the exaggeration and sat down. *** Lightning flashed, illuminating a pair of eyes beyond the glass. Curious, Richard rose and looked closer. A bedraggled dog sat outside the door. Noticing Richard, the pathetic creature rose on short hind legs and placed its paws on the glass. Eyes large and pleading, he looked longingly at Richard’s snug room and warm fire—or perhaps simply at his plate of roast beef. Richard rose and went to the door. “Let’s feed it something at least.” ... rare pity stirred in his heart. He unlatched and opened the door, then cajoled the skittish dog inside with a soothing voice and piece of beef. *** That an orphan from that woman’s charity would be seated across from him? Was some ironic fate at work here . . . or God? A shiver passed over him. Only the cold, he told himself and forced his attention back to his book. *** Thanks to a modest inheritance coming to her, she did not need a husband to support her. She was blessed with the freedom to choose to marry or not, a luxury denied to many women. And she planned to make the most of that blessing. She longed to make her life count, to make a difference. *** That was how he first saw it. That lamplit window, like a stage lit by gaslight. The family of four sitting at the table, hands clasped, heads bowed. A moment later came a whirl of passing bowls and platters, the rumble of friendly conversation punctuated by smiles and occasional laughter. Standing there, viewing that domestic scene of love and happiness, he had felt as he often did, like an outsider, looking in. *** Soon the house was filled with the tangy smells of pine, rosemary, and bay leaves, along with the savory scents coming from the kitchen. *** Her eyes snapped. “You’re right. You don’t deserve it. Love and forgiveness are not something you earn. They are gifts. My, my, have I neglected your education so terribly? My dear boy, none of us deserves forgiveness. None of us can do enough good deeds to atone for our own failings. If we could, God would not have had to send the Son He loved into the world to die for us. But He did, because He loves us.” *** “Out with the old, in with the new.” Could Richard do the same to his heart, his ways? He hoped so. God in heaven, give me strength. Help me become a better man. *** I was gifted an eBook from NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation. *** (C) 9/1/2020 Bethany House *** BOOK INCLUDES A RECIPE AT THE BACK FOR: Honeycroft Honey-Spice Biscuits (Cookies)

Two and a half stars. This Christmas novella is clearly part of an ongoing series, I haven't read any of the preceding novels and whilst I happily read it as a standalone I wonder whether I would have derived more enjoyment if I had met the characters previously. Richard Brockwell is a satirical writer and secret novelist, he lives the happy life of a bachelor in London until his mother forces him home to Ivy Hill for Christmas with the threat of cutting off his income. Richard only has bad memories of Ivy Hill, memories which have made him determined not to marry. Of course when he arrives it transpires that his mama has been matchmaking and has invited Arabella Awdry and family to stay for Christmas. Richard is determined to thwart his mother's plans, but finds himself attracted to Arabella despite himself. For her part, Arabella is a bit of a prig, wanting to do good and work for charity yadda, yadda. An old family friend, she overheard a conversation involving Richard years ago which painted him in a very poor light, she has never spoken of it to anyone but has thought the worse of Richard ever since. Then she has no sooner arrived than she overhears him being insufferably pompous and rude about her sister (as an aside, she overhears a lot of things, I suspect she is an eavesdropper!). As the festivities progress Richard finds himself being drawn into more charitable behaviour, and reconciles with the family of his childhood friend, but there are misunderstandings to overcome before he can find his way to love. What spoilt this for me was the vaguely sanctimonious air, a bit like some of those Victorian novels where only belief in god and a pious life will save you. Although the religion was light there were a few too many references to god for my liking. (view spoiler) Overall, it was a slog to finish this book and although not badly written I don't think I would choose to read another book in this series. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

He is small but ever so brave. - Richard when thinking of Jamie What an incredible introduction to Ivy Hill! I most certainly will be looking for the rest of the story as they say. Richard Brockwell appears to be a self-centered, rather spoiled young man that has nothing positive to show, except that novel he has written that is regularly refused and returned by publishers. Since his return to Ivy Hill for Christmas is required, he decides long before to be less than amiable with the other guests. Interesting how things can change... Is it fate or God that young Jamie has ties to a charity that Richard refuses to donate to? Can Richard change his ways and become a self-respecting person, one that others would seek to spend time with? The author uses rich detail to take the reader out into the snowy weather and on walks through the woods. You can almost smell the trees, hear the fire crackling and the snow squeaking as you read. I look forward to learning more about this family. This ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.