“unexpected romance changes the heart of one determined bachelor”

The ‘Ivy Hill’ books are a series, with this shorter novella being a Christmas addition. However the author has invested great efforts in making An Ivy Hill Christmas work as a stand alone story, which it does beautifully. Any references to previous events are no more than could be expected from any other stand alone story, and the characters are all wonderfully drawn with relationships explained as part of the ongoing narrative and dialogue.

Also important for me, is that, whilst Ivy Hill is a fictional family estate in Wiltshire, the village of Wishford, near Salisbury, is most definitely not. As this is only a few miles from home, I would count this as a local to me story, which makes it so much more attractive and appealing.

The strong opening sequence is followed by a heart-warming, slightly predictable storyline, although no more so than I would have expected from a period romance, with the package being topped off, as I might have hoped, with a satisfying and totally wholesome ending.

The period research is meticulous and clearly undertaken with great enthusiasm and attention to detail, which is easily explained by the author’s love of all things Jane Austen and British period romantic drama. The realism and authenticity is apparent, even down to the ‘Queen’s English’ spelling in the narrative and dialogue, although I did spot a couple of lapses back into ‘American English’, but I can forgive those in the overall scheme of things.

In a richly crafted, well developed storyline, which is equally plot and character driven; a rich in detail, social commentary of the times unfolds into a saga of a fractured family reunited, overlaid with unexpected signs of spirituality, hard won forgiveness and serendipitous acts of generosity and kindness. Some visually descriptive narrative and entertaining observational dialogue, make this hugely atmospheric story, one to escape into on a cold winter’s day, putting the reader right at ease and at the centre of the action.

The characters are like the pages of an open book, easy to relate to and become invested in, despite their emotional complexity and their individual searches for a sense of belonging. They are remarkably multi-faceted and engaging, with a surprisingly welcome genuine depth of feeling and synergy between them.

The Brockwell’s are Ivy Hill’s most prominent family and whilst class will ultimately always prevail in this Regency saga, the various members of this largely philanthropic family are a little more generous to the estate villagers and more attentive and caring towards their staff, than many of their landed gentry counterparts. It transpires that the two Brockwell sons, heir Sir Timothy and his younger brother Richard, share an unspoken and closely guarded secret, about which neither has spoken for many years, with each in ignorance of the others knowledge of the matter. It is from this single act of betrayal by a third party, that whilst Timothy treads the path of least resistance and wisely holds his council, Richard chooses the future which he knows will most irk and rile the betrayer and forges for himself a reputation which is self fulfilling and only designed to add to, rather than lessen his feelings of hurt and grief. Thus the brothers are rather set at odds with one another, although neither knows why, creating a compelling backdrop for a storyline which is perceptive, clips along at a good pace, and is written with total maturity and intuition.

Leaving his self-imposed exile in London to come home to Ivy Hill for Christmas, for what is the first time in some while, Richard has his long buried demons forced out into the open, where he has to reconcile them with his conscience. In so doing he must accept that those he has wronged in the past have chosen to forgive him, even though he is struggling to forgive himself. Until he can come to terms with and accept the random acts of kindness which are bestowed upon him, he can never move forward to be the man he is truly destined to be, rather than the penance he thinks he needs to shoulder, as he silently searches for atonement from the sins of the fathers and eventual reconciliation with his family.

He'll be home for Christmas, because he was ordered to or lose his allowance. When he arrives he finds it may not be as boring or bad as
he expected. I enjoyed this Christmas time historical sweet romance. Traditions, secrets and the ending to an interesting Holiday made for a delightful and entertaining Ivy Hill Christmas!

Personally with this book I feel like it took me quite a while to get into and because it is only a short book this made me struggle to pick it up. I do feel as the book is part of a series it would have definitely been better for me to have read the other books first therefore I would know the backstories of certain characters, and also it would have been easier for me to get into it. Personally I would definitely recommend reading the other books in this series before giving this a read and then you will find a perfectly sweet novella for the Ivy Hill series.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is the perfect book for 2020 as it provides a familiar return to Klassen's world of Ivy Hill and its memorable characters. Richard Brockwell is a playboy bachelor enjoying living off his family's money in London while trying to become a successful novelist. When his mother threatens to cut off his money unless he returns for Christmas, Richard reluctantly returns to Ivy Hill. He is confronted by a romantic plot to get him to marry Arabella Awdry, a woman who despises him for his actions in the past. Can Richard right the wrongs of his past, forgive himself, and embrace his future? Klassen adds in familiar characters and several side plots to bring Ivy Hill alive once again at Christmas. Great for a cozy afternoon read with hot chocolate, a blanket, and a furry animal snuggled up against you!

Great read. Especially for winter time. The atmosphere you find yourself within, as you read the book, is felt and I can see the book playing out as if it were a movie in my mind. Well written. I’d read another by this author anytime.

It was so nice to visit the town of Ivy Hill again! This book can be read as a standalone. This book will simply make you so happy and smile. It has all the Christmas vibes that I love: christmas caroling, decorations, and church going. This book was so well written and I loved the characters. This was such a sweet historical romance, that I would highly recommend.

Charming Regency Christmas tale!

Richard Brockwell happily resides in London, but travels to Ivy Hill to visit his family for Christmas. He is a Scrooge that only thinks of himself and isn't excited about the visit.

After arriving in Ivy Hill, Richard's attitude begins to change as his eyes are opened to those in need around him. Seeing his transformation was the Christmas spirit in action. I adored his dog Wally, the counsel of Mrs. Reeves and the friendship of young Jamie.

Heartwarming Christmas tale! Highly recommended!

An Ivy Hill Christmas is the perfect Christmas read that provides picturesque depictions of a Regency Christmas celebration and a heartwarming story of true love and redemption. Richard Brockwell is a prodigal son that some might describe as both a Scrooge and a libertine, and much to his chagrin he has returned home to Ivy Hill for Christmas. He did not anticipate enjoying himself, undergoing a change of heart, or falling in love with the lovely Miss Arabella Awdry. As the story unfolds through classic English nineteenth century Christmas celebrations, we follow Richard Brockwell as he makes peace with his past and looks toward a future with love of Christ, family, and friends.

I absolutely loved this novella from Julie Klassen! The depiction of the Regency celebrations of the twelve days of Christmas was extremely entertaining and historically accurate. The classic English Christmas scenes of caroling, charity, feasts, house parties, and sleigh rides give you a warm fuzzy feeling for Christmases gone by. I have not yet read the other books in the Ivy Hill series, but I was fully able to follow along and appreciate the Christmas novella as a stand-alone story, which means it was extremely well-written! The story was incredibly engaging, and Julie Klassen even managed to insert a bit of intrigue into such a short book--just like she does so well in her full-length novels. This is one of my new favorite holiday reads, and I am sure I will read it again in Christmas seasons to come.

Lovely tale of an English family in the village of Ivy Hill at Christmas time. This story tells of of Richard who enjoys his bachelor days in London, but is called back to the manor this Christmas by his mother. Then, there's this young lady who enjoys being single and wants to work for the needy in London with her single aunt. Put them together and what have you got..

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First sentence: Walking past a linen draper’s, Richard Brockwell surveyed his reflection in the shop windows with approval. He cut a fine figure, although he said it himself.

An Ivy Hill Christmas revisits some of the families first introduced in Klassen's earlier Ivy Hill series. Richard Brockwell, the hero of this particular title, is going home for Christmas. Not particularly because he's family-oriented and loves Christmas, but, because he's not on good standing with his family and his 'freedom' to live a life of leisure is being threatened. (He lives in London and not near Ivy Hill). There is a house party going on--gathering single men and women together in hopes that matches will be made. Richard is bringing with him a publisher friend, David Murray, and a dog, Wally.

The heroine, Arabella Awdry, is one of the guests at the house party. She knows one thing: Richard Brockwell is TROUBLE, TROUBLE, TROUBLE. She's not going to be tempted--not even a little bit--to socialize with him and become friendly. But how well does she really know him?

I enjoyed this historical romance. I haven't reread the Ivy Hill books. It did take me a few chapters to reorient myself to the neighborhood. I am sure there are still things I missed because it's been a while since I read the earlier books. But. I enjoyed this one. I liked the characters and the setting. It was a good read.

We all need a break during the busy holidays and this novella taking place in nineteenth century England is a wonderful way to relax with your spot of tea.
I have previously visited Ivy Hill in the other books in this series but even if you haven't I think you'll enjoy reading this.
I loved the infusion of the British words and mannerisms and traditions.
Starting out a bit scrooge like simply thinking of himself our main character has a drastic change of heart which is so heart warming to see.
Very well researched and presented, I enjoyed An Ivy Hill Christmas and how it warmed my heart and left me feeling uplifted.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a really sweet Regency Christmas romance, just what is needed at this time of year! We meet Richard, a confirmed bachelor and second son of a prominent family just as he runs out of money and has to return to his family home for Christmas in order to request more. Fearing his mother’s match-making attempts, he invites his best friend along with him and makes his way back to Ivy Hill for the festive season.

Staying with the family that Christmas are a few different characters, including the eligible Anabelle, whom Richard is determined not to encourage at all costs… although, finding her more beautiful and accomplished than he remembers, he quickly realises that this won’t be as easy as he anticipated.

This is a really lovely tale, and the characters are all charming. The plot is not hugely intricate, but it doesn’t need to be. The setting is wonderfully colourful and festive, and the author is very skilled at filling the scenes with Christmas cheer as well as some hardships that must be overcome. It is a rather redemptive story, which is always fitting in a Christmas tale, and there is more than one nod to Jane Austen along the way. This results in an uplifting, enjoyable story that can be enjoyed with a mug of hot chocolate and a mince pie or two.

I haven’t visited the world of Ivy Hill before, but this is no way hampered my enjoyment of the book, and I would be happy to read the other titles in the series.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

I haven’t read any of the other books in this series but as (at the time of writing) it is nearly Christmas, I was excited to read a festive themed book.

While it is a very easy read, it was suitably Christmassy and there are lots of nods to Jane Austen and her works which I enjoyed, I found the language a bit forced and too descriptive. I think instead of being a unique tribute to the works of Austen and others like her, it tries too hard to fit in with her language and stories.

Having said that, as an easy read, it was enjoyable, if predictable - but sometimes that’s just what you want out of a book at this time of year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This wasn't my first Julie Klassen book. Like her novel I'd read a long time ago, this one was sweet, clean, and full of undercurrents of faith and redemption. It's Christian fiction, but not "preachy." I haven't read the other Ivy Hill books, but I still caught on to the characters pretty well. It was a nice short story that is perfect for this festive season. Thanks, Netgalley, for this arc!

An Ivy Hill Christmas
MY REVIEW
Firstly, what an absolutely gorgeous front cover! So Christmassy and Dickensian, which immediately made me want to pick it up and start reading.
The layout of this book is so pretty, I love the holly and ivy chapter headers. Other nice touches include the Ivy Hill Map and the recipe for Honeycroft honey-spice biscuits (I’ll be making some of those, yum!)
I really enjoyed Richards story, learning about the events that took place that shaped the lifestyle he chose for himself and how Christmas with his family aids him to start questioning what he really wants and needs to live a happy and fulfilled life.
‘Something in his chest cracked, then loosened, and a tendril of joy sprouted in his heart.’
All the characters are well written, I especially adored the relationships between Richard and :- his sister, Jamie the orphan and the stray mongrel Wally.
The parlour games, decoration of the house, Christmas carolling and the food served up all made up a faultless vision of regency festivities, the author obviously spent a lot of time researching!
This book has everything you’d want from a Christmas read, perfection!
The first ivy hill/Julie Klassen book I’ve read but definitely want to read more, I’ve been dropping hints out so hopefully father Christmas will bring me some more!

I've not read the rest of Julie Klassen's Ivy Hill series but I enjoyed this Regency novella a good deal. Set during the festive season in a country town outside of London, we follow the main protagonist, Richard, as he navigates a family Christmas for the first time in many years, having cemented his reputation as a dandy and a scoundrel in the city. In a story that is as much to do with forgiveness and coming to terms with past mistakes as it is about romance, Richard meets old friends and makes some new ones, learns about himself and meets someone special who could turn things around for him. But is she willing to change her own ambitions to be with him? This was a really charming story to read in the run up to Christmas, perfect for fans of Jane Austen (who gets a number of nods in here) and dramas like Downton Abbey. Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me with a copy.

Thank you netgalley for sending me this festive read. I hadn’t realised that it was part of the Ivy Hill Novella but it works perfectly well as a stand-alone read.
I thoroughly enjoyed following Richard Brockwell home to Ivy Hill to be with his family at Christmas and reading about the christmas traditions in the nineteenth century.

A typical, sweet story of the genre with a Christmas twist. I enjoyed the inclusion of old Christmas traditions.

What a wonderful Christmas romance novel! I love everything about An Ivy Hill Christmas so eloquently by author Julie Klassen. I thought this story was going in one direction, but was delighted to see that it went in a new direction. Themes of hope, redemption, forgiveness and of course love are woven so wonderfully into this Christmas tale that I could easily see it as a sweet movie. The writing is what does it for me, Julie Klassen truly has what it takes to show the reader...and that is huge.. I mean HUGE for me!

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a lovely festive tale which is perfect for the time of year. It is not the genre I would normally read but I still enjoyed it as something a bit different.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy.