This was an enjoyable read. I hadn’t read any of the previous titles in this series but this didn’t affect my enjoyment. Richard, the younger son, has reluctantly come home for Christmas. He is a bit short on money and is trying to get his first novel published. Richard enjoys his bachelor life and has quite a reputation with the ladies. He is also self-centred. His mother wants him to marry, now that he has reached thirty and has invited an eligible lady as one of the guests to a house party. During this time, Richard hears some home truths about himself and this gets him considering his actions but will this be enough to change his ways and will he be above to prove himself worthy of his lady of choice. There were some interesting Christmas customs in this story. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Get into Christmas with this Novella by Julie Klassen. So many things I could say about this book. It will give your heart many feelings as you read it and leave you with a smile. I actually have not read the three Ivy Hill books. I didn’t feel like I was out of the loop on anything. However, I do look forward to searching them out very soon!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Love, love Julie Klassen!! So I was super excited to be part of this tour. This is actually my first visit to Ivy Hill but it definitely won't be my last. I need to go back and catch up on the rest of the series as I am sure I would of gotten much more out of this one but that being said I felt like I followed along pretty well. I was enthralled with this story and definitely puts you into a Christmas mood. 

In this story we meet Richard comes home reluctantly and is faced with his past. He has a great deal of hurts that drives his behavior. He also has a lot of unresolved guilt that he is dealing with and we see that through a good chunk of the story. Arabella is the love interest that at first glance seems to have it all together but she is just protecting her heart and doesn't want to get hurt. 

There are a few romances going on which was like the cherry on top to this story! I absolutely loved all of the happiness going around. 

Klassen does a phenomenal job as always! This story reminded me a little bit of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. It's full of charity, care and most importantly redemption. The need to forgive so healing can come forth. Beautifully written and highly recommended especially if you are a fan of historical fiction!

A little bit Mr. Darcy, a little bit Scrooge, but with a way bigger philanthropic heart is the main character of this book. A Lizzie Bennett-like rich girl named Arabella he's determined not to like and young widow Susanna-from his soiled path both show up on Richard's reluctant visit home to Ivy Hill for the holidays. He now has some choices to make.
If you're looking for a simple, sweet, Christmas story set in a perfect English 1800s countryside then this is your choice. 

Thank you netgalley for the copy of this lovely book.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a delightful Christmas read. I loved every minute spent in this story. The pacing is perfect. The plot is highly engaging — so much so I could not put this book down. The characters are lovely. They are unique, endearing, and very, very memorable. I enjoyed following Richard as he navigates being with his family, dealing with his past, and reconciling his future. I also really enjoyed the sweet romances. They left me smiling from ear to ear. My most favorite aspect though is the witty dialogue. This story had me chuckling often because the subtle verbal jabs and the imagery conveyed through the diction is just excellent. An Ivy Hill Christmas is a joy to read and I’m so glad I took the time to escape into this story!

Richard’s character really pulled at my heartstrings. He hasn’t been the rake he once was for a very long time, but his reputation won’t stop preceding him. Everyone keeps treating him as he once was, refusing to believe or acknowledge that he is a changed man. Several times in this story a character will say something like, “I know who you [Richard] are … you are X.” But they say this after he just showed them he is no longer X anymore. It was so frustrating to me. No wonder Richard believes he is never deserving of forgiveness — no one ever lets anything go! It doesn’t help that Richard hides behind sarcasm and dry wit, but still, give the guy a break already. I thoroughly enjoyed Richard and Arabella’s journey to romance, but often she is the worst offender. She constantly judges Richard by what she thinks she knows even though his actions prove otherwise. There is a really good reality check in all this for me. Am I judging a loved one in my life by his or her past? Am I so comfortable keeping that person trapped in the persona they used to have I refuse to see the progress they’ve made even when it’s right in front of my face? And, worse of all, am I the reason why someone believes he/she can’t ever be forgiven for a past deed? This is some serious food for thought!

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. If you are a fan of Christmas lit, Historical Romances, or just plain superior storytelling, then this is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Julie Klassen, via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I also purchased a copy of this story in eBook form from Amazon.com on September 8, 2020, in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Readers travel back to Ivy Hill in Klassen’s newest novella.  Richard Brockwell begins the story with a self-centered attitude, who is happy to live his life as a bachelor.  As he dreads spending his Christmas at his family’s home, he finds a change of heart.  His paths cross with a young apprentice, an old family friend, and a young lady who has decided that she will never marry.  These events combine to start a change in his view of life as well as his heart.

As many books that Klassen writes, I enjoyed the interactions between the character.  It seems natural and realistic.  The story was heartwarming and enjoyable for Christmas.  I especially enjoyed watching Richard move the past and turn towards the future.  The scenarios were convincing, and I found myself intrigued what would happen next.  

My only complaint was that was a novella when we love and long for novels from Julie Klassen.  I look forward to reading more books by her.  If you haven’t read other books in the Tales of Ivy Hill series, this book could be read as a stand alone.

I would recommend reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I've fallen for Ivy Hill in so many ways. This shorter book is so good! Richard is forced to come home, for Christmas. It's not where he wants to be, and if his mother weren't exerting so much pressure, he wouldn't have come back at all. He hadn't planned on an amazing dog, a little boy, and a stunning woman. In the mayhem of Richard's forced return and a beautifully told story, we also find the plan of Salvation, without it being pushed or forced, and watch a cold, hard heart change. 1822 has never been so interesting or amazing as in this book. I'm now more attached to Ivy Hill than ever before. 

Thank you so much, Celebrate Lit, for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.

I had a hard time getting into this book. The romance seems to be an afterthought. I later realized this was a Christian author, which explains all the mentions of God but even knowing that the book was a hard to get through.

Coerced home from London during the Christmas season by his mother, Richard Brockwell is focused on staying away from any marriageable young ladies and returning to London as soon as he can. But his time at home brings up a lot of regrets and bad memories from his past, places a needy orphan in his path, and taunts him with a young woman who wants to be paired with him even less than he wants to be paired with her. That woman is Arabella Awdry, who is determined to forgo romance for a life of helping the less fortunate. Besides that, she knows all too well what sort of man Richard Brockwell is, and it isn't the sort of man she wants anything to do with.

I saw this book here and there over the last month or so, passing it by for various reasons. Then I read another book by Julie Klassen recently and loved it, so as soon as I realized this was by the same author, I immediately added it to my Christmas-season reading list. I'm so glad I did! Though I haven't read any of the other Ivy Hill books, and I could see that some characters were part of a larger story, I didn't have any issues reading this. And it hit so many sweet spots for me. I loved the characters, that the romance was just one part of the story, that some common tropes of the genre were avoided.

I really liked Arabella early in the story; she endeared herself to me as soon as she put Richard in his place for his rudeness regarding her family. Richard was flawed in such a real way, and I think the author did a great job with his backstory. I'll admit that Arabella's stubbornness wore on me a bit by the end, but not as a flaw in the book, because it didn't feel forced or unrealistic.

A Christmas romance is even more likely to feel contrived than any other romance story, at least in my experience, but I loved the fact that it wasn't the only purpose of the story at all. There was a lot going on, especially for Richard, and the ending didn't feel too easy or frivolous. Everything had to really be worked for. Though when I reached the end of the book with only the epilogue left, my heart almost stopped. I am not sure that was the best pacing idea. But it's a minor complaint, really (not saying more to avoid spoilers).

Overall, I found this short novel to be refreshing and liked how, though some of the same types of silly parlor games were played as I've started to get used to in other novels of the same genre, they weren't so groan-inducing in this story as I've come to expect. I loved it, and if you've seen many of my reviews, you might know that I don't give 5 stars very often, so let that tell you something. I definitely recommend this book for any fans of Christian historical romance, especially if you're looking for a warm Christmas read. I'm definitely adding the Tales from Ivy Hill books to my reading list now!

An ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen  

Richard Brockworth appears to be a bit of a wastrel second son but he is secretly trying to a published author and is troubled by his past. He is forced by his mother to return to the family seat for Christmas or all his funds will be cut off. Whilst there his life starts when he revisited his past almost like the spirit of Christmas past. Whilst there he is reacquainted with Miss Arabella Awdry who is quite taken with him but thinks the worst of him due to their past experiences. 

This is a beautiful novella. 

The story shows all is not always as it seems and people change. Beautiful a lovely afternoon curled up in front of the fire read. A warm fuzzy feeling book.

The true character of a man

It has been some time since I last read a Julie Klassen book, and I was swiftly reminded why I once enjoyed her work. Her storytelling is engaging and thoughtful. An Ivy Hill Christmas was just that with a sprinkle of a Dickens A Christmas Carol, sans the ghosts.

A spoiled son returns home for Christmas but is faced with his past and all the perceived ideas about his life. Those events shaped how he chose to live his life, but people help shed light on those moments(his ghosts). He soon lets his guard down and we begin to see the true character of the man and hope is restored. At least it was for me.

His story could also be your story. How many times do we believe something is true only based on what we see but have never taken the time to ask questions? What about those times that we hold a grudge because someone did something to a friend or loved one? This is why it is pivotal to wait, ask, and then pray before we start making judgments on others. This is what we are commanded to do as Believers—lay our cares at Christ’s feet.

**I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through CelebrateLit. The views expressed are my own and a positive review is not required.

Historical romance set in Christmas time makes for a truly enjoyable read curled up with a cup of tea and a crackling fire.  Well written and emotion evoking read that will transport the reader to another place and time.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen takes place in England in 1822. Richard has gone home for Christmas to learn the home he has been living in is being sold and his mother is encouraging him to rekindle his relationship with Arabella. Richard has secrets he has been hiding from his family that come out while he is visiting that affect his future.

This is a fun to read story full of family drama and love. I enjoyed reading this story. It is well written with strong characters. This is a good story of seeking forgiveness and second chances. Through Richard’s caring for his friend and the little servant boy, this story shows that people are not always what they appear to be.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from CelebrateLit through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

“An Ivy Hill Christmas” by Julie Klassen is a companion novella to her “Tales from Ivy Hill” trilogy.  It can also be read as a standalone.  I have absolutely loved her “Tales from Ivy Hill” novels!  They remind me of the show “Lark Rise to Candleford” or any show with a small, English village set in the country where all the residents know one another.  I became so invested in Ms. Klassen’s characters that I was so delighted to hear I would be able to visit Ivy Hill once more through this novella.  

This book is everything a lover of Regency stories would want in a Christmas novella.  It includes all the traditions and customs of the time and just has that “olde Christmas” feel to it.  I was delighted to once again meet some of my favorite characters and get to know some new ones.  My Jane Austen loving heart was excited to pick up hints or nods to “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” throughout Ms. Klassen’s novella.  Of course, Ms. Klassen always includes beautiful sentiments and lessons.  This story has lessons on forgiveness and on learning that a person is valuable and significant just as they are.

The characters of “An Ivy Hill Christmas” are well done, and I did not feel like the story was too rushed, as is often the case with novellas.  I especially love Richard, our main character.  I appreciated his transformation from a bit of a “bad boy” bachelor to a sweet and caring man.  Of course, there is romance and a bit of a love triangle as well.  I honestly went back and forth on who I wanted Richard to end up with.  

I invite you to grab some mulled cider, your favorite blanket, start a warm fire and cozy up with this book.  You will be transported to an idyllic country village during a 19th century Christmas.

Happy Christmas!

Content:  This book is pretty much a clean read.  Some examples of the content are: people drink alcohol and smoke pipes; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of a woman’s bosom; a man had a mistress; a person has a past of sleeping with women before marriage; a boy is physically abused.

Rating:  I give this book 5 Christmas bells.

I want to thank Julie Klassen, Bethany House, NetGalley and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

This book was charming and sweet. 

The plot is not thick, there are no complex twists and turns, but it does not set out to be a thriller. Instead, it is a relaxing book full of good cheer and clean Christmas enjoyment.

I am a new reader of Julie Klassen's work; I understand there are other books about the town of Ivy Hill that she has written. I didn't realize that until after I had finished this book, and it did not impact my ability to read and enjoy it.

If you go into this book expecting a sweet story, lovely descriptions, and simple characters, you will not be disappointed. There is a slight Christian theme to the book as well as a few of the characters mention their dependence on God. I enjoyed this as a Christmas read.

I received a free ARC as a reviewer for NetGalley. I review many books, and would consider this one worthwhile if you know what you are reading it for. It is solidly 3 - 3 1/2 stars. It does not receive 4 or 5 stars not because it is not good, but because I reserve those for truly outstanding, singular books.

This book has wonderful themes that show up all throughout this story: Forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of serving others. Richard Brockwell’s Christmas will be different than any he’s experienced before. Because of past hurts, he’s developed a cynical, self-serving point of view.   But as he returns to Ivy Hill for Christmas with his family, the well-constructed walls he’s built around his heart start to fall as he gets to know the beautiful Arabella Awdry.  Through her love and concern for her family and her strong faith, Richard begins to see that God might truly care for him and even extends forgiveness to him.  Although Arabella begins to care for Richard, his past stands in the way of her fully giving her heart to him. Their story is a compelling one, and I think it’s a perfect story to read during the Christmas season.

I saw subtle shades of both Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in this story. I loved the conversations between Richard and Arabella. There’s one scene between them where Arabella puts Richard in his place in a surprising, well-deserved way.  Even though this is a novella-length book, Julie Klassen gives us a complete love story that encompasses everything we love most about the Christmas season.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

This was the first book I’ve read by Julie Klasson and I did wonder if it would be ultra religious. I enjoyed it very much as it was a good storyline with strong characters and a thin thread of spiritual commentary in places. A very good read and a pleasant change from the normal regency romances.

I just reviewed An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. #AnIvyHillChristmas #NetGalley 

I am thrilled that I got to read such a wonderful book and that too in the festive month of December.

The book is a real Christmas read that explores old Christmas traditions of the 19th century England. The characters are beautiful and strong. 

There is wonderful development in the plot and the characters. I really recommend this book to everyone. It is a beauty.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a captivating addition to the Tales from Ivy Hill series written by Julie Klassen. Having read this author before, I was hoping for a good holiday read and I was not disappointed. The characters were great--evocative, vibrant, and likable.  The story gripped me right from the start and just got better and better as the characters interacted and, of course, with a delightful romance set in a beautiful English village setting. I loved the depiction of a Regency-era Christmas and all the English traditions. The author has deftly woven a message of grace and forgiveness throughout the story. An Ivy Hill Christmas is a delightful Regency romance and readers who enjoy sweet Christmas romances won't want to miss this novella.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

A great read for this time of the year. This beautiful story is about redemption, charity, and second chances. Richard Brockwell a playboy content to live off of his family’s money in London, just doing the clubs and the leisurely life. It is the Christmas season of 1882 and his Mother has demanded he come home or his funds will be cut off. He goes home very reluctantly not knowing that there is going to be a great change in his life. He meets a beautiful woman, a small boy and a dog and somehow they all speaks to his heart and his aimless life. Klassen has written a touching novella and the characters are well written and memorable, especially Richard, Arabella, and the boy Jamie. You will certainly enjoy this one…….I was given an ecopy via Netgalley and this review is in my own words.