Richard has lead a carefree lifestyle at his family’s London townhouse for several years. In order to continue receiving money to keep that lifestyle going, he must return to his family’s main home for the Christmas Season, something he would prefer not do. To make the trip a bit more palatable, he brings along Murray, his editor. As he suspected, his mother has some matchmaking plans for him during the Season. Determined to remain blissfully single, he treats Arabella quite dreadfully, but she calls him on his behavior. He soon discovers that she is quite a remarkable lady and may be worth his interest after all. 

This book is set in the early 1800s, one of my favorite historical periods for literature. It has all the marvelous attributes of a Regency Romance. I particularly liked the scenes that involved the orphan. It was also heartwarming to see how the holiday season helped to change Richard’s attitude. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean Regency Romance.

A sweet and feel-good historical romance that gives the reader an enjoyable insight into life in Ivy Hill. I have not read the other stories in this series prior to this one, but I did not feel lost. It is nice to read about second chances, hope, charity, and the transitions one goes through to become a better person. A nice, quick, holiday read.

A real feel good read for this time of the year.
I had not read any of the Ivy Hill series but even not knowing the characters it was still good as a stand alone story.
Great characters great story line

This new novella is a Regency era romance, set in the family manor in Ivy Hill, Wiltshire, England.  Richard is the prodigal son returning home for Christmas with a bad reputation.  As it turns out, he isn’t nearly as bad as everyone thinks he is—he’s kind to babies and orphans and might even be ready to make amends.  
The plot is fairly simple and predictable, but the characters are likeable and the story is fun and engaging and gives you all the warm Christmas feels.  If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, you’ll recognize several lines of dialogue dropped in to this book (the dance scene and the marriage proposal have Darcy and Elizabeth written all over them), and while that bothered me a little bit, it wasn’t enough to put me off.  I liked spending a few hours with these people.

A Christian romance played out against a watercolour Regency backdrop. The pace is leisurely. The 'rake's redemption' / prodigal son plot unfolds convincingly, with a bit of heart-searching, gradually increasingly good deeds. There are reflections on bible verses and the true meaning of Christmas. Be prepared to find Our Hero exceedingly annoying at first, the better to appreciate his transformation. Acquaintance with series characters could add emotional engagement.

This endearing story starts out at a placid pace, but soon unexpected events unfold that cause the tale to entangle itself in the reader’s heart and evoke their emotions. For instance, the scene in which so many village people help a needy family actually brought tears to my eyes. In this book, we explore various relationships and the search for healing and forgiveness for the wrongs of the past. The poorer class here is contrasted with the wealthy, but both groups face similar struggles in life. The characters the author skillfully portrays seem quite realistic and vulnerable, with the setting and situations appearing completely authentic. Journey back to Great Britain at Christmastime in 1812 for a novel that warms the heart as it entertains the mind. This book stands alone. I haven’t read the series about Ivy Hill, but this makes me want to read more. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

When Richard Brockwell’s mother threatens to stop his financial support unless he returns home to Ivy Hill for Christmas, he sees no other option than to do as she asks. Whilst his mother tries everything she can to encourage him to find a suitable wife, Richard is adamant that his current lifestyle of being “footloose and fancy-free” suits him just fine. That is until he meets up with his childhood friend Arabella.

This is a very gentle, Christmassy tale and a perfect read for this busy time of year.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley UK for the review copy.

I chose this book because it's been a horrible year and I needed a break from the educational content I've devoured over the last months. I needed something light and this novella felt like the perfect choice.
I'm not usually one for novellas, hence the 3-star rating. They're not my go-to type of book, although I've read quite a few of the classics and I love Jane Austen.

This book was what was promised: a bachellor who's "living la vida loca" in London is summoned by his mother for Christmas. There's the perfect amount of romance, mystery, and lots of joy. There's character development and a happy ending. It was just what the doctor recommended. Thoroughly enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'll preface this review by saying that I did not read the others in the Ivy Hill series. Yet. That being said, I love so much how Julie's writing pulls me into the family dynamics and the setting. I felt the cold, I felt the tension between the characters, and I felt like I wanted to be cozied up to the fire as it all happened in front of me.
Richard seems like a spoiled son of the gentry. He's aimless and has yet to settle down. He decides to leaves London and go home for Christmas. Not is as it appears to be, both with Richard and with his family.
This read as a novel despite it's shorter length. I can always count on Julie to deliver a heart-warming historical read.
Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for an advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I was going to wait until closer until Christmas but unfortunately it didn't work out quite the way I wanted.
So, I finally got to read it and I'm glad I waited. It was sooooooo good! I didn't want to put it down. 
I love a Julie Klassen novel anytime. She's just that good!
I loved every minute of this book. I  have followed this series since book one. This book didn't disappoint.
5 stars for wonderful writing, the characters and a plot that will keep you entertained.
I didn't want this book to end. I do recommend that you read the other books in this series so you won't feel lost.
I highly recommend this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

Okay, that was cute!

I adored this little Christmas story. I mean, it was full-length, not little, but that didn't stop me from adoring it, naturally!

This book was precious. I adored Richard from the start - his grouchy demeanor didn't fool me for a minute. (I mean, no one who is purely evil owns a dog.) (Okay, that's not true - Hitler owned a dog. But he also killed that dog (? I'm not going to Google it so my faded memory will have to suffice) when the Allies invaded, so really, that negates it.)

Anyways, suffice to say, I didn't buy it, Richard. I knew there was good in you. Of course there was.

And Arabella was quite sweet! She did a good job balancing her scorn for Richard (totally earned) with a sense of kindness and just not being a nasty grouchy brat like a lot of heroines in romance novels. (Why are they always like that?)

I won't spoil this story for you, but I trust you'll enjoy it!

Content for Sensitive Readers: Richard has a reputation for being a "rake," even though not at all of it is true (and he has reformed). Arabella suspects several dishonorable things about him, but it's never described *what* she suspects, exactly. He also has a past with one of the women there, though it's not revealed what, and basically, it's in the past. Ummm ... I think that's about it. It doesn't really go past "I would like to kiss her" on the romantic attraction side; it's quite pure.

So, if you love Regency Christmas traditions, Jane Austen, and so on, definitely give this book a try! It's sweet as a sugarplum.

~Kellyn Roth

An Ivy Hill Christmas - Julie Klassen ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

This was a very welcome @Netgalley gift and I loved it. Period Drama - TICK, Christmas - TICK, Romance - TICK. What more could you want at this time of year!

The story tells the tale of Richard Brockwell, the selfish lothario son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family. He has been living in his family's London home, enjoying his bachelor lifestyle and using the family coiffers. However his mother threatens to cut him off unless he returns home for Christmas, so he is forced to face the demons that sent him away.

Im a sucker for any period drama so this pulled me in straight away. It was well written and there was enough going on to keep me hooked, whilst still having a genteel feel to it. I am delighted to discover that it is part of the Tales from Ivy Hill series, so I will definately be looking to pick up the rest of the series as I found it a delightful charming tale.

I’ve only read book one of the Ivy Hill series, and it didn’t stir me enough to want to continue, which is sad because I love many of this author’s other books. The storyline here was very formulaic.  Richard is a supposed rake who starts off selfish and rude but then reforms. He and Arabella initially don’t like each other (especially when she overhears his disparaging remarks about her family), but they slowly change their feelings. There is the typical  misunderstanding that keeps them apart. As an Austen fan, I quickly noticed the similarities and actual lines from Pride and Prejudice. I thought they were out of place and didn’t fit with the author’s writing style. If you are a fan of the Ivy Hill series, you will likely enjoy this for the characters, setting and Regency-era Christmas traditions. While it’s a standalone story, I did feel at times like I was missing something. 

I received an eARC to review from the publisher Bethany House Fiction via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderfully cosy Christmas read! I adored the setting both geographically and historically. Brilliant characters and I would love to see this book as a Christmas tv drama.

The beginning of the story is set in 1822 London. Richard Brockwell has chosen to live there rather than at Ivy Hill was his family. He's a writer trying desperately to become published and rather a self-centered bachelor. When he goes home to Ivy Hill for the holiday he meets Arabella. She is put off by his reputation.

The story is one of growth in beliefs, second chances, and redemption. The romance portion of the story is sweet and well written. Richard comes to gripe with mistakes from his past and tries to start a new direction for his life.

The transformation of one character took me by surprise. There are a few twists to the story and the ending wrapped things up well. A very enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily choose to review it.

A delightful story about a man who has finally come home for Christmas and found out how much things have changed; including his childhood friends. Will Richard Brockwell change with the times, or remain the same person, true to his own heart? For he had made a promise that nothing or anyone could satisfy him because of what happened in the past. Handsome as though he may be, yet not caring what anyone else cared or felt about him. Anger, a lot of sadness and yes, a small amount of pity seeped into this story too. My heart ached for this, could he be a scrooge incarnate? Will Richard let the past consume him? When I first looked at the cover page of this book I thought, will this be a satisfying read? It sounded intriguing enough. Awe, Christmas in the country! So I delved into the pages and soon was lost in the author's writing as I was transported back to the past.    
In this, AN IVY HILL CHRISTMAS, It was December, in London, and the year 1822, and Richard Brockwell was walking past shop windows, glancing inside. He had crossed the street when an elderly woman yelled at him to make a donation for a worthy cause. After introducing herself and what the worthy cause was for, she reached out her basket for Richard to place some coins inside. But he, being a selfish creature, told her what charities he gave to, turned and walked on, leaving her to stare and chatter after him. Will this woman, being delightful and very caring for others, cause trouble for Richard? Or cause something from his past to crop up?

A Regency Christmas to Delight Your Heart
Combining excellent characterization, sincere, effective faith elements without becoming preachy, and a story you want to savor, Julie Klassen ensured that my first book of hers will not be my last.

While Regency novels can be tiresomely predictable, not all are. In some ways, this one is no different. However, despite my saying that, there is nothing tiresome about An Ivy Hill Christmas. Instead, we’re treated to a realistic look at Regency nobility–all their faults and virtues.

One of the best things about this book is that despite being a novella, the story has rich layers that provide depth to a story that a weaker writer couldn’t have delivered. Brava!  Indeed, characters are multi-faceted and while flawed, not irredeemable. The cast of characters is large without being cumbersome, and the author does credit to each one.

No, really. She does.
Although there were a few small things that I questioned historically, I doubt anyone would notice, and I suspect I am likely wrong.  I didn’t look them up.  Frankly, the story was so good and they were so minor that I didn’t care.

Thrilled to have been provided a review copy, I toss a delighted five stars like confetti without compulsion of any kind. In fact, I bought my own Kindle copy because it was on sale for just $1.59. Recommended for lovers of Austen, lovers of good historical fiction, and for lovers of fiction that “shows” the truth of Scripture in action instead of yammering on about it.

Thank you, Bethany House, Julie Klassen, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

It is wonderful to go to Ivyhill! An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen readers are reunited with the community of Ivyhill, Jane, Mercy, and Rachel to name a few. This installment introduces Richard Brockwell who distances himself from his family. He stays in London, working on his novel, but finances send him home for the Christmas season. He doesn’t have fond memories of his family home and this time his mother and her friend are determined to set him up with Arabella Awdry. Arabella has zero intentions of getting married, especially to a man like Richard. There are rumors that surround him and why does he always talking to the nursemaid? However, Christmas has a way of miracles and sparking love in the most unusual places.

If you haven’t read any of the other books in the Ivyhill series, I would highly suggest reading those before picking up this charming Christmas novel. There are many characters, who are connected, and I can see how it would cause confusion for those who are not familiar with the series. Although Richard is not a frequent character in the previous books, it is mentioned why he has difficulty going home. It is pretty obvious from the beginning that his rude and arrogant personality is just a way to push everyone away. It is a little predictable how the plot is set up but that doesn’t make it any less touching.

My favorite aspect is Richard returning to his “adoptive” family. He regrets that he left and forgot about them. Seeing their home falling apart, he does everything he can to help them. As with any Christmas story, forgiveness plays a huge part in the plot. This one is inspiring and filled with hope. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!

This is a wonderfully sweet and fun Christmas romance.  I loved getting to hear about some of the characters from previous stories based in Ivy Hill.  This is a quick read and it teaches Richard some very good lessons about life.  I enjoyed Murray also.  I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Not only is this the first book I’ve read in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, it also appears to be the first novel I’ve read by Julie Klassen, although I have definite plans to read more of her work in the near future. It should be noted that this book can be read as a standalone, with no difficulty in understanding the plot or identifying the characters, since Klassen tactfully introduces them. In many cases, Regency stories are usually a turn-off for me, particularly if they are romances, and I am numbered among the seemingly rare few who is not a great fan of Jane Austen’s books. They are just not, personally, my cup of tea. However, I did love this novella!

With the perfect blend of social concern and spiritual well-being, “An Ivy Hill Christmas” makes a wonderful book for a snowy afternoon. On the frontispiece, there is a black-and-white map of Ivy Hill to give readers a mental image of where some of the story’s main locations are in relationship to one another. But as the village remains close-knit, the residents of Brockwell Court do not. Most notably, Richard Brockwell is nearly 30 years old and lives as a rakish bachelor in London, enjoying himself and fitting into an archetype of a young Ebenezer Scrooge who thinks of no one but himself. “Richard was, he knew, a selfish creature. A person could not change his nature, his very heart, could he? He thought not.” Coerced into returning to Brockwell Court for the Christmas holidays, he vows to remain firm against his mother’s desire for him to marry and settle down into a respectable life. Until the Christmas guests arrive, and Arabella Awdry steps through the door. 

This is a character-driven novel, and it is the secondary characters whom I find to be the most entertaining and insightful. Wally, the little terrier, stole my heart immediately, particularly with how Richard dresses him up each day. Pickering, Richard’s steward, has a dry sort of humor that I find surprising and at times hilarious. Richard’s brother and sister-in-law manage Brockwell Court compassionately and efficiently, a task Richard has no desire to become responsible for as the second son. However, the more he sees acts of kindness performed toward the less fortunate in conjunction with the fate of a childhood friend, the more he begins to look beyond himself to see the world of need that exists. He is struck by the thought “That the heavenly Father would willingly send His Son into a harsh, fallen, and dangerous world? Astounding.” From that launching point, he finds the motivation and inspiration to confront and seek to rectify injustice, surprising himself along the way and prodding us, too, into action. No gift of kindness is too small when it comes from a heart reflecting the Savior’s love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.