Return to Ivy Hill at Christmastime; what could possibly be better?! A sweet Christmas novella that manages to pack in a full story that also successfully revisits some much-loved previous characters. Although part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Richard has reason to be elusive with secrets lodged firmly above him, but then he spends time with Arabella and all his defenses are befuddled. I love how Richard is challenged by several characters and comes to a place of openness in receiving these challenges. Christmas magic has a way of restoring hope and softening even the most armored hearts. A chance for forgiveness, fresh starts, true community and family all come together in this must-read Christmas tale from Julie Klassen. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen has an adorable Christmas cover. I love the idea of the snow on the ground and all the garland wrapped around everything. Don't forget the well-dressed gentlemen in the forefront of the cover. What an inviting and delightful sight for the season! Even though it is September and 90 degrees outside, this novel definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. I loved how Klassen allowed the hero to change and become a better person as the story moved along. I loved seeing the traditions from long ago. I liked the idea of actually going to church and then changing gifts on boxing day. I never knew that the decorations had to be removed by the first of the year or bad luck could happen. Our family usually takes down all our Christmas decorations on the first day of the new year anyways, but it was nice to see something different. The romance between the hero and heroine was nice and slow. Just the way I like it. The plot didn't drag at all. It was a nice little detail of a story that captured my attention. If you had read the previous stories in this Ivy Hill series, then you will find some familiar faces, which I enjoyed. I might return to this story when the weather becomes colder. Definitely a story for my keeper shelf. I highly recommend this story for fans of Christmas novels and Regency stories.

I received a complimentary copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen, but the opinions stated are all my own.

AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS by JULIE KLASSEN is a delightful romance novella which takes eplace in Ivy Hill in 1822.
The extremely selfish and self centred Richard Brockwell is forced to go home to spend Christmas with his family and their carefully chosen guests to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas in true British tradition.
Having decided to never marry, he is extremely rude to the beautiful Arabella Awdry at first, knowing that their mothers are trying to set up a match between them.
Arabella has also decided to stay single - she wants to devote herself to doing charitable work with her aunt Gen in London. Even though she is attracted to the handsome Richard Brockwell she is afraid of his rather bad reputation as a womanizer. She is not sure that this leopard can change its spots after all!
Richard is surprised to find he is enjoying himself and even enjoying being involved in helping those who are less fortunate in the community, and is determined to make up for his past mistakes.
It is a most enjoyable read with a good Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.