As Klassen’s novels usually release about a year apart from each other, it took me a little bit of time to regain my footing – remembering all that had happened in the first book (The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill). It’s worth the time it takes to refresh your memory, as this novel is a complete continuation of all that transpired in book one. The stories of Jane Bell, Rachel Ashford, and Mercy Grove all continue to develop further as they continue on in their small-town lives. Klassen deftly weaves the lives of several small town inhabitants – keeping their stories separate, yet intersecting believably. The novels work well as a series – following along individual lives but, ultimately, telling the story of how lives in Ivy Hill influence each other.

(It reminds me a lot of the British miniseries Cranford.)cranford

One of the things I enjoy most about these books is the varied way Klassen tells the stories of town individuals. In book one, Jane and her mother-in-law Thora received the most attention (though Rachel was given a fair amount as well). Here we see very little of Thora (as her story culminated well at the end of the first book), but still get to see Jane and Rachel. We’re also better introduced to Mercy (who is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters).

Here in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage, Rachel’s story culminates nicely (as does Jane’s…slightly), but be prepared to wait for another book in order to witness more of Mercy’s story.

That’s my biggest complaint (albeit not a real complaint). I love multi-book series for the in-depth consideration they can give their characters and plotlines. The downside, of course, is the length of time between dates of publication and, thus, the length of time readers have to wait to find out what happens next. So a word of warning to those who can’t stand waiting to see “what’s next.” Not everything gets neatly tied up in this book. (But if you read the last book, you’re probably not surprised by that fact).

Still, I heartily recommend this series for those who enjoy 19th Century England. Klassen does a great job at developing intricate characters with unique situations – and allowing them to co-exist admirably.

Grab this one once it’s out. Then join me in solidarity as we wait (patiently?) for Julie Klassen to release another installment…

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is scheduled to be released by Bethany House on December 5, 2017.

I didn't think this book was as strong as the previous one. Right off the bat, several love interests are struck out, which I had thought was a strong point of the first book- that no characters were obvious choices- life doesn't usually work that way; while hindsight may make things seem obvious, in the moment... not so much. Some of the "twists" were not surprising, but rather the character seemed to be blind and/or exceptionally unobservant.

Rachel's tale was the focus and I did like her story in general. The focus on friendship is still there and I liked the way that the women support each other. I thought her struggle with accepting help was well done.

The biggest issue for me was all of the references to Jane Austen. I'm a huge fan as well but it was just too much. There were many lines taken directly out of her novels. Several scenes bore a very strong resemblance to those in her works and some of the characters (Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy etc) seem to make an appearance via some established characters. It was jarring and took me out of the flow of the story every. single. time. And it wasn't necessary. The best parts of the story were those that felt 100% original (read: not influenced or inspired by Jane Austen's work) and I think the novel would have been a lot stronger on its own.

The storyline that I found most intriguing was Mercy's and that one was not resolved, so I will have to read the last installment and hope that this book was touched by middle book syndrome.

I have been eagerly anticipating the 2nd book in this delightful series ever since I finished the first one and it certainly did not disappoint, in fact it was even better.
This book largely focused on Rachel and Mercy with Jane and Thera still there but not as much in the center. I loved getting to know Rachel and Mercy better and watch them grow and develop.
I think Ms. Klaussen did an exquisite job at capturing the Regency era and not adding too much modern junk. There were two small mysteries in this book, not hard to figure out but they added depth to the book..
I loved how different Mercy and Rachel are and how much fun it was watching them navigate the unexpected circumstances thrown at them.
I loved how the author incorporated some Jane Austen into this book, I loved how she used Persuasion in such a beautiful way.
Heartwarming and deliciously good this book was hard to put down and makes me eager for the thrilling conclusion.