Klassen is a master at creating characters that the reader cheers for. Klassen has created another book that I couldn't put down. I loved this book and its holiday magic. I love holiday books and this book will be added to my list of recommendations!

Going back to Ivy Hill for Christmas made for a very enjoyable afternoon. I loved watching the transformation in Richard's life as he reconciles with his past and learns to forgive not only himself but others as well. Arabella is an independent young lady who he knew as a teenager and he meets once again when he returns home for the Christmas season. We get to see old friends Mercy and Rachel and their families along with new characters as well. Whether you're new to Ivy Hill or and old friend, you will definitely enjoy this Christmas love story.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Oh my heart, how wonderful it was to visit Ivy Hill once again!

Julie Klassen has created such a beautiful, comforting world in Ivy Hill, with a cast of characters that absolutely refuse to stay on the page. In An Ivy Hill Christmas, Richard Brockwell returns to Ivy Hill at his mother's behest. He's carved a reputation for himself as a playboy, and a stone-hearted one at that, which suits him just fine. But a string of occurrences, and one particular young lady, begin to soften his heart little by little. What follows is a story of God's compassionate heart, a heart-warming story and the reader falling for Mr. Brockwell. A perfect Christmas memory for Ivy Hill fans.

Loved this story and the return to Ivy Hill! I am not usually one to pick up Novellas, but I just had to with this one. Since it is based on the series, it worked for me, since there is some background laid in the other books. I highly recommend this whole series!

This book was received as an ARC from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was just what I needed not only to get me in the spirit of the holidays but a nice hopeful romantic novel to boost my positive spirits. I fell in love with each of the characters and their backstory and how they will all lead back to their hometown of Brockwell Court even the son of the most prominent Ivy Hill family can find not only love but purpose in life that was right in front of him all along. This genre circulates very well and is loved throughout our community so I am very looking forward to a great addition to our collection.

We will consider adding this title to our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Charming regency for the holiday season.

Fans of Jane Austen will love this peak at the holiday traditions of the past. Klassen gives the reader a sweet blend of romance and holiday tradition, but mostly it is a story of how family secrets have the power to haunt us, molding and defining one, and how one young man sought to break free. With a wonderfully eclectic and memorable cast of characters, readers will find their hearts stirred by Richard Brockwell's spiritual journey just as much as that memorable character, Ebenezer Scrooge.

A book for the keeper shelf!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Fans of Julie Klassen's Ivy Hill books will be pleased to return to the quaint town and all of its characters. I enjoyed Ms. Klassen's nod to Dickens with some of the eccentric characters in this story. I really enjoyed a look into what a Christmas House party would have looked like in Regency times. It was fun to read about different customs. I always look forward to the pure enjoyment that comes from reading Julie's books. So stream some Christmas music and curl up with a hot chocolate and some cookies. Enjoy your visit to Ivy Hill!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley .com and subsequently purchased a print copy for my collection. All thoughts are my own.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen embodied all the elements of a most wonderful time of the year novella. A dashing, roguish, vulnerable protagonist... an adorable furry sidekick... a beautiful heiress... all the pomp and circumstance of a Jane Austen era setting including some familiar family names... a secret from the past... mysterious circumstances... someone in need of saving... someone rich... someone poor... some misunderstandings... some loose ends that need tying... some fears... some faith... some delightful English traditions... mistletoe and holly... and most importantly... snow!

I give this five stars as the most wonderful Christmas book I've read so far this season. Well done, Julie Klassen!

I read this book for free as part of Net Galley's review program.

I've read and enjoyed a few other books by Klassen. I enjoy Christmas reads, so I was happy to check this one out.

This one contains characters from Klassen's Ivy Hill series. However, it can still be enjoyed if you haven't read those books. There are references to the prior books, but not in a jarring manner. It may actually pique their interest in checking those books out.

As I've noticed in this author's prior books, character development is well done, though I wasn't crazy about Richard. The pace is appropriate to keep the reader engaged. I found this to be an okay read overall. Some parts were predictable, But, it's still a nice book to add to your list if you want to start getting in the holiday mood.

I know it's only October but this novel really put me in the spirit of Christmas. And in the midst of what feels like a never ending global pandemic, the concept of cozy house parties, large family meals, gatherings, and outings filled me with good cheer. It let me live vicariously through characters who could travel, hug, dance and physically be close to one another.

I liked Richard with his scrooge-y attitude and I admired Arabella's convictions and fortitude. They both experienced personal growth. I found Richard's point of view refreshing. His outlook and concerns were not common for the hero of these kinds of stories. And I thoroughly loved the unorthodox ending.

*SPOILERS*

On a minor side note, I didn't like the random uncited use of lines from Pride and Prejudice. I felt it cheapened Arabella's own unique voice. And, as she never reminded me of Lizzie Bennet, it felt especially out of place.

Dear Fellow Reader,

If you read last week’s review, you know that there is another Christmas book waiting review. Yes, I am finishing off my commitment to write about the ARCs that I have received. And might as well put the disclaimer in now – I was given this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I will agree that it seems terrible to be reviewing Christmas books before Halloween. But think of it this way. If you want to get the book from the library, you can ask for it now. And I just checked, this book is available from my local library. I am not alone in reading Christmas books already because there are people waiting to read this book. It may be that the author has fans because this is her 15th book.

To give you an idea about the book, the author describes herself in the following way:

“I love all things Jane Eyre”

That will tell you about the time period for the book.


An Ivy Hill Christmas is the story of Richard Brockwell, the younger son of in an English family. He has been living in London staying away from his family in Ivy Hill. His father had allowed him to stay in the house in the city with a skeleton crew, but his father is dead, and his mother and brother want him to return to the house at Ivy Hill. Richard decides that he will come home for Christmas. Richard’s mother wants him to marry and has invited some eligible women to be with the family at Christmas.

When I first started reading the book, I thought about Scrooge. Richard is not very giving. He seems rather caught up with himself. As the book progresses, we see a change or rather an unveiling of his personality and why he has been staying away from Ivy Hill. He has alienated his family to an extent with his standoffishness. But while he is at Ivy Hill, he rekindles relationships in the town, we see him warm up.

I did like that the story did not neatly wrap up immediately. The love interest did not swoon and fall into his arms. She did what she wanted to do and left Ivy Hill. It was a bit of a switch that I didn’t fully expect. Although as a bit of a gripe, why can’t these people ever talk to one another? Oh, that is just me being crabby.

I did not realize this book was classified as a Christian Historical Fiction book. That probably would not have stopped me from reading it but I do have a comment about that. When I was reading it, for most of the book, I would not have said that it was a typical Christian book. It wasn’t until closer to the end that I noticed the Christian references. But I will say that they came on strong toward the end of the book. I almost felt like the author needed to pack it in at the end because she hadn’t had much reference to it before that. Now, you might not notice this. It is not anything that would stop me from recommending the book but the Christian references seemed a bit more at the end.

It is not a long story, I think it is considered a novella. It is about 224 pages long. A good length for a Christmas book. So, if you like a little romance at Christmas, I think you will like this book.

Thanks for reading.

I have only read this and one other Julie Klassen book, but she is definitely one of the authors I want to eventually read all books of!

In An Ivy Hill Christmas, we are introduced/reintroduced to characters from Klassen’s Ivy Hill series. I personally have not read any of the Ivy Hill books prior to this one, but it did not hinder me from thoroughly enjoying the book. I did notice references to things that had previously happened in the series, but it was done in a way that the reader does not feel left out. Rather, it intrigues the reader to want to go back and read the others to get the back story!



Character development is great. Plot moves along well - I was worried it would not work out the way I hoped for a bit, but Julie Klassen created a fantastic ending for this book.

I loved being able to return to the charming town of Ivy Hill during Christmastime. It was wonderful to be reunited with the town we have come to love and to get a glimpse of all our favorite residence. Richard and Arabella’s story was sweet and full of growth in both characters.
I also loved that the theme of charity/service that was woven all the way through this Christmas tale.

The cover and description totally caught my eye. The cover is beautiful and I really wanted to read about Richard Brockwell, I had a feeling that he was going to be a great character! Richard Brockwell has finally made it home for Christmas. He has avoided home for many years because of secrets from his past, but this year he has no choice. Whilte being home Richard encounters an orphaned apprentice, his first love, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is much different then he had remembered.
I really enjoyed reading about Richard. He was a man who appeared to be a rake, but it was all just a rouse. He was actually a kind man who wanted to help others, but he held himself apart from others. He got me from the beginning, it was so sweet and I especially adored seeing him interact with kids.
Arabella was a strong woman, but she was also fun. She didn’t let others push her aside, but she was still kind. I really enjoyed reading about her and she was the perfect match for Richard. She wanted to do something great for God, but she had to learn that helping others is serving God.
This was a cute book! I loved reading about Richard and seeing him grow. He just needed to learn how to forgive and turn to God. An Ivy Hill Christmas was a wonderful book that pointed you to Christ. Both Richard and Arabella had much to learn, they learned to trust God through it all. I would definitely recommend this book!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

This is the first book I’ve read in the Ivy Hill series. Although it’s not actually a part of the series, it contains characters from the other books with vague references to their stories. This is a stand alone, but now my curiosity is peaked and I’ll be reading the others!

I have to say, I didn’t enjoy the main character Richard, at first, the spoiled young man living away from his family. I was fairly convinced there was no way the author could shape the story to change my opinion. However, throughout the story, events unfold, the Gospel takes shape in his life, and transformation happens. The author did a great job with the characters, and with teaching about trust, selflessness and humility.

A sweet Christmas story for the season.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Richard Brockwell hides behind his dandy’s demeanor and fastidious façade. When his mother and brother conspire to uproot him from his comfortable London existence by forcing him home for Christmas, Richard invites his friend David Murray to come along with him.

For the last decade or more, Richard has enjoyed the pleasure of London life and the separation from his family—a family he loves but isn’t sure that he likes. For years he has successfully kept his emotions in check and his heart hard. But that all starts to change on the eve of his journey with the appearance of a stray mutt outside his door. On the coach ride to Ivy Hill, a boy topples off the top, further pricking Richard’s long-unused conscience. Will he survive the holidays at Ivy Hill with his mask firmly in place? Or will the charm of Ivy Hill and its inhabitants widen the fissures and help Richard discover his true self.

Arabella Awdry, her sister Penelope, and her mother have received invitations to spend Christmas at Brockwell Court as part of a large house party. Secretly, Arabella’s mother hopes to find husbands for her two daughters. But Arabella wants to dedicate her life to helping the poor in London. And she knows Richard Brockwell, the man her mother wants her to wed wants nothing to do with her.

Who Will Love This Book

If you’ve read Klassen’s other Ivy Hill novels, you’ll love this one, too. If you haven’t read them yet, grab and copy and settle down for engaging tales in a Mitford-like 19th century English village. Klassen simmers her stories on the back burner to bring out the nuance of each character. Take time to savor her rich creations and recreations of village life.

I'm typically a big fan of historical fiction, and An Ivy Hill Christmas was a pleasant enough, if not entirely memorable, read. The biggest difficulty is that our POV character, Richard, is tough to like and get invested in - he's just raffish enough to be a rake, but not quite charming enough to overlook it. It's all largely characters I've seen before in a dozen different ways, with fairly predictable situations and resolutions.

With that being said, it's not a bad book by any stretch! It's a cute Christmas tale with a good heart and a genuine warmth. It's like sipping a cup of instant hot cocoa: it's not the best of the best, but it's full of warmth, sweetness, and holiday cheer.

An Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen

Richard Brockwell is the spoiled youngest son of his family. His brother is the head of the family and lives with his family and his mother in the family mansion back in the small village of Ivy Hill where they are the local gentry. Richard has been living in their London townhouse and is living the bachelor dandy lifestyle. Richard's mama is tired of him staying away at the holidays and has summoned him home for Christmas. They are hosting a houseparty. Reluctantly, Richard travels there, bringing his lap dog and his best friend and his valet to liven it up for him. His reputation proceeds him to Ivy Hill. People there know of his escapades in London but they also remember him from his childhood.

I love this story. It's a perfect picture of the holiday season in an English village 100+ years ago. And the picture of their faith and values is heartwarming. I can't wait to read more about Ivy Hill.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

What a spectacular story of love and redemption. There was absolutely no putting this down. This beautiful story is a lesson in forgiveness and redemption that could soften the hardest hearts. The romance is light and not obvious. The most important aspect of this story is the change that is wrought in our hero. At the beginning he is lost, but as the story goes, he finds himself letting God in and serving others and experience real miracles.

While I am very aware this story is a work of fiction, it feels real in my heart and I could feel the love that changes people. There are several instances of healing, forgiveness, and love. I think the most touching stories are those that can show a true change of heart. After all, if we didn't believe in change would we love Christmas and the stories set at Christmas so much.

Julie Klassen has built a beautiful world and introduces characters with relatable imperfections and flaws. I want to climb into the book and interact with these people. I want to get to know them all and be a part of their world. I don't know what else I can say except read this book and get to know these characters. Maybe you too can find some way in which to embrace the love, healing, and forgiveness portrayed in this book.

I received a complementary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

We return once again to a snug English village tucked away along a coaching road and this time the holiday season brings more than Christmas cheer. The Tales of Ivy Hill are an interrelated series of inspirational historical romances by bestselling author Julie Klassen that bring a whole village to life. The books are tender, gently paced stories that are set against a Regency period historical backdrop that has been well-researched even if the village of Ivy Hill and its characters are fictitious.

In An Ivy Hill Christmas, the fourth installment to the series, the Brockwell prodigal son, Richard, who has seemingly been living the swinging bachelor life in London at the family townhouse while surreptitiously writing satire for his friend’s magazine and working on getting his novels published, is given an ultimatum by his mother. Come home for the holidays or lose her generous allowance.

Richard has been avoiding his family and the family home for years. It pains him because he feels he doesn’t fit into the family and he knows the hurtful lie his father perpetrated and the family still revers the man. Then there is the fact that his mother blatantly schemes to get him married off when he has firm intentions to remain a bachelor. He is certain that she has a prospective lady in mind already. If he must go and suffer Christmas with his family, then he will not go alone. He invites his friend to accompany him along with a stray dog he took up and already has plans to get back to his London life as soon as he can.

Arabella Awdry knew Richard Brockwell was contemptible when they were younger, but his insulting words and attitude when he arrives prove to her that people do not change. She is prepared to avoid him at all costs no matter how hard her mother and his work to push them together. She is no longer that silly, giggling girl who crushes on handsome Richard and she has dreams of joining her aunt in London to do much-needed charitable work.

Only, Richard shows a caring side when he takes an interest in an orphaned printer’s apprentice, helps a destitute widow, and takes a warm interest in his family. Which is the true Richard Brockwell? Her heart softens just as something occurs to prove she was right.

An Ivy Hill Christmas brings a flavor of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in its richly flavored historical English country holiday season and full-fledged characters. Richard is rather detestable in the beginning and I worried that my early opinion would hold true, but Klassen has a way of redeeming her characters and Richard is no exception. He has a great deal of hidden pain driving his behavior and unresolved guilt and blame that takes the course of the whole book and many encounters with family and friends to help him sort out the past. Arabella seems to have it all together, but she does have a tendency to judge quickly and makes her mind up that Richard is a rakish fop to protect her tender heart so she believes appearances over his word.

While the book spotlights Richard and Arabella, there are strong and engaging secondary characters who have their own chance at Christmas romance and a reunion with all the primary characters from earlier books joining in for the Brockwell and Ivy Hill festivities. I loved seeing the ladies’ group seeing one of their own in need and working to better her situation and it was fun seeing the various holiday activities from the past.

The inspirational element is the Christmas story, of course, but also the need to forgive so healing can come. In Richard’s case it is about being forgiven for his past mistakes and also forgiving his deceased father for the past hurts.

With An Ivy Hill Christmas, Julie Klassen continues to dazzle in the inspirational historical romance genre. It was a beautiful step back into the past full of nostalgia and good cheer, family and romance. I was missing Ivy Hill and it was lovely to return for the holiday season. I encourage those who enjoy sweet historical or inspirational romance and women’s fiction to also give the three-book series a try, too.