Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill ~ by Julie Klassen

Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House
Publishing Date: December 6, 2016

I received a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

My interest in this book: Julie Klassen has a beautiful, poetic way of telling a story and of drawing you in to a 19th century town in England. 

Type of Book: Historical Fiction  

Ideas / message / plot: This is a growing tale that will envelop three moving novels, so we get to experience multiple plot ideas and messages along the way.

Favorite characters, quotes / lines: Each character in this story is woven into the location player by player. I love it all! It's like an onion--you have your core, and then layer upon layer is added, be it a character or his/her story being revealed. Depth upon depth, Julie does a masterful job of creating a living, breathing town of Ivy Hill.

Of Thora: "She was ready to frown at all times. Life had taught her to expect little else."
Of Mercy Groves: "And then there was the rare woman who had every right to look forlorn, yet did not. Women who lived in expectation of pleasure against all logic."
This town has diversity that in and of itself creates story and tension beyond just circumstance. 


When I finished this book I felt: satisfied and excited to read the books to follow. You'll love the hints and winks at Austen and other favorites along the way.

Overall: If you enjoy PBS Masterpiece classics like Downton Abbey, Poldark, and Cranford--where you can get lost in the close-knit communities, you'll love this series. Her characters are deep and real. There is struggle and love and intrigue. Above all, it's a story that you'll be glad to spend your valuable free time indulging in. 

Be sure to visit the extended website: http://www.talesfromivyhill.com/ to get a personal look at Ivy Hill, excerpts from the book, and more.

I will have a copy of this series on my shelves. Well worth the read!

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