I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella. At just over 200 pages, it's a shorter read but by no means a less-than experience. The author includes deep messages of faith and Richard is such a remarkable character. I loved seeing him grow and change throughout the book. 
The misconceptions about him, something he used to his advantage, also played a part in his downfall and the prodigal son redemption thread rounded out the story with a nice finish. 
And who wouldn't love the setting. Excellent detail keeps the reader in the story and allows them to experience a historical Christmas from the comfort of their own home. 
I do wish the ending had been longer. I know, it's a personal opinion, and An Ivy Hill Christmas is a novella so I had to give them up before I was prepared. 
Can you believe this is my first Julie Klassen read? It definitely won't be my last. Historical fans, you'll want this one.

I didn’t engage with this story.
This is the first book I have read by this author and whilst I enjoyed the descriptions of old country customs, I did find the story slow going which I found surprising as if was designated a novella. I am sure that readers who have read other books within this series will enjoy revisiting characters that they already know but sadly I am not one of them. Despite the fact that the story involves a gentleman improving their character, this felt very goody two shoes to me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautiful romantic Christmas story set in Victorian times. Just the perfect uplifting read to escape to and get in the mood for Christmas.

This book was pretty interesting, to a point. I didn’t love it but wanted to see how Richard, the central character of the story, would turn out. Seems he was quite marvelously transformed during his Christmas at home! And I was glad for the way it all turned out. 3-1/2 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

An Ivy Hill Christmas – Was enchanting and totally helped me get in the mood of Christmas. While I have not read any of Julie Klassen books before I knew I wanted to start reading her books as she is known for her fantastic characters, settings, and regency era fiction, which are some of my favorite bookish things when combined.

This book was like being transported back in time and immersed in a magical Christmas wonderland. Richard and Arabella had great chemistry right from the beginning and I loved their banter with each other. They had meaningful interactions and portrayed some realistic truths. The story was filled with some interesting twists, old secrets, lost love, and an interesting plot that kept me heavily engaged with the characters. An Ivy Hill Christmas Made me cozy inside, I highly recommend this sweet Christmas story and I am excited to have found a new author to read 😊. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Who needs a time machine when a good author can take you anywhere! Ms. Klassen takes the reader by the hand and whishes you straight back to Regency England.
Not only is she well familiar with the era, but Ms. Klassen is well versed in human nature. 
Richard, self-centered and self-indulgent didn’t go home for Christmas for any nostalgic reasons. In fact, it seems to this reader that he stayed away for exactly those nostalgic reasons. Well, that and [SPOILER.]
Arabella was about as opposite to Richard as a person can be—giving and self-sacrificing, her deepest heart desire to serve others. And she knew Richard’s reputation, and had no more desire to spend time with him that he with her.
But as the holiday progressed, and as human nature tends to do, and with situation and circumstances Ms. Klassen skillfully unfolded—and as iron sharpens iron—Richard and Arabella discovered truth beneath the layers of sludge that life had cocooned around both of them.
Oh! How I wish I could have been there! The dances, the sleigh rides, the gowns—the food! I felt the biting chill in the air, I smelled the pine of the boughs, the smoke from the fireplaces, the tantalizing aromas of dinner. I heard the pianoforte, the jingle of the sleigh bells, the whisper of the harp.
Such a beautiful story of transformation, tugging heart strings, tenderness and compassion. 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, An Ivy Hill Christmas, Julie Klassen, Tales from Ivy Hill, Celebrate Lit Publicity

For fans of the Ivy Hill series, this is no doubt going to please the readers. The village in Wiltshire no doubt is well loved, and you’ll be happy to spend time with the characters once more.

This really wasn’t for me, I haven’t found this series to be overly consistent and the writing tends to be choppy and halts the dialogue to info dump, which isn’t enjoyable to me. I also took issue with some of the irregularities that are not accurate for the south east. Most won’t know or care, but I’m from the UK and I found it irritating. I skim read most of the book. The ending was rushed and could have spared the epilogue the way it was handled.

Overall I’m giving this three stars because for those that liked this series, they’ll be happy for a Christmas edition.

I received a complimentary eARC from Netgalley. This is my honest review.

Award-winning author Julie Klassen pens a Christmas novella that ties in with her Regency series set in the English village of Ivy Hill.

In An Ivy Hill Christmas, carefree, fun-loving bachelor Richard Brockwell lives a life of ease in London until his mother threatens to cut off his funds unless he comes home for Christmas. Just before that, Richard turned over a new leaf. He wants his earlier exploits to be forgotten, and for others to recognize the changes in his life. Unfortunately others don’t easily forgive and forget. Can he right the wrongs of his past, especially when he meets Arabella Awdry whom he overlooked years ago?

Richard stayed away from his family due to his father’s secrets and past indiscretions, earning a reputation of his own as a black sheep. So his return to Ivy Hill is not welcomed by many. Yet he displays a better character when he becomes more aware of the needs of others instead of his own, like the orphaned apprentice, and the tenants on the family estate.

Klassen’s fans will delight to return to Ivy Hill and to the characters introduced in her earlier books. Known for her excellent character development, Klassen’s books are filled with forgiveness, second chances, and redemption. The faith elements are light-handed. Readers will appreciate the nod to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. 

Recommended for public and high school libraries. Her novels should appeal to adults and high school readers alike. Fans of  Sarah E. Ladd, Carrie Turansky, and other historical fiction fans will be delighted to read this series.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

It’s Christmastime 1822  in the grand place of Ivy Hill. The festivities are starting and for our entertainment we have the dashing Richard and the allusive Arabella .  Richard is coming home  only because his mother has summoned him. He must appease her or he may find himself penniless. I really did like Richard and his charm that captured women’s attention. Well not everyone admired him. That  is what makes this story so fun. 

Arabella is not pleased to see Richard and doesn’t even want to speak to him. I loved how the author has them pushed together in different places and is forced to be civil to each other. Richard does come off as a well let’s say an  uncharitable person.  All that is about to change when his path crosses with someone in dire need. I enjoyed watching Richard show that his heart can be touched by others. If only his family can get over the past and he can learn how to forgive and be forgiven. He is not a complicated man, merely someone who wants to be accepted and to find true love. 

Arabella won my heart by her strength and ability to stand up for herself . I know I The banter between Richard and Arabella is funny at times and I wasn’t sure if they would ever see eye to eye on anything. The author brings  this time period to life with vivid descriptions. I wanted to join the group as they caroled and celebrated a special holiday. 

The best part of the book is how God was the center of the  story with illustrations of kindness to others, forgiveness and being able to accept who you are.  “Do you think a man can change his nature?” “With God’s help, yes.” We can’t change people but we can pray for them. Arabella realizes that God is in control . I love happy  endings and was pleased with how the author demonstrated God’s unconditional love as two people find their way back to each other.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is part of the Tales from Ivy Hill series by Julie Klassen. I have enjoyed the other books in the series and I believe this one is among my favorites. I adored this story. It is a quick read that includes a lot I enjoy in a book. Which includes: mystery, suspense, history and romance. It is one of those books that I can sit down for a few minutes to start. Then wound up still sitting in the same chair a few hours later and reading the very last page. It is so very good.

An Ivy Hill Christmas will be getting five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction, clean romance, and those that are set during the magical time of Christmas.

I received An Ivy Hill Christmas from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

This was delightful. The story had overtones of a Dickensian Christmas! The characters were likeable and the story well-paced and satisfying! I loved the setting of Ivy Hill and am now intrigued to read other books in this world. 

Richard is a soft-hearted dreamer who tries to pretend he is a rogue and a Scrooge.  He finds himself strong-armed into returning home for Christmas at Ivy Hill where his family are hosting many guests, including Arabella. He remembered her as an awkward, unappealing girl - apparently his memory isn't that good, because she's beautiful and intriguing and a huge temptation to settle down. Arabella wants an independent life in London where she can perform charitable works with her Aunt so she's not interested in getting to know Richard (or maybe she is).

This book was a charming, heartwarming tale of redemption and change. I enjoyed the characters, though it was my first visit to Ivy Hill- a problem I plan to remedy soon!

An Ivy Hill Christmas is such a Christmas treat! Richard Brockwell is a marvelous character! Humorous in his frippery and even his less-than-kind observations. But what really grabbed me is the depth of his character and his gradually change of heart amid family Christmas activities. By the end, he's gone from stingy to generous, superficial to deep, indifferent to compassionate, and resentful to forgiving, all without giving the reader whiplash.

Arabella is a lovely foil to him. Independent and strong-willed but with a heart for charity, she is a perfect complement to Richard. My favorite Christmas book of the season thus far!

“Well, I believe you will find Christmastide in Ivy Hill to be most . . . enlightening.”

“My dear boy, none of us deserves forgiveness. None of us can do enough good deeds to atone for our own failings. If we could, God would not have had to send the Son He loved into the world to die for us. But He did, because He loves us.”

“It was the best Christmas I ever had.”

This is a book not in my usual genre of a period piece in England. But hey, I’m a huge fan of Poldark, Downton Abbey, and other PBS British programs which I always enjoy, so maybe not a giant leap. In fact, whenever Richard Brockwell spoke, I could imagine Ross Poldark’s voice. Throw in the Christmastime aspect and you have me hooked. 

What I loved best about this book is the characters. Extremely well-developed and they felt so real. The setting was perfect and the author obviously did a lot of research to get it just right. There was also some mystery elements in the book that the author brings up with past secrets that was enjoyable. 

All in all, it was a perfect book for the Christmas season. 

I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews, please check out my blog!
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An Ivy Hill Christmas is just what I needed to start the holidays. A wonderfully written story that takes place during the Christmas season. This is part of the Ivy Hill series but can totally be read as a stand-alone. 
I. Loved. It. It had all of my favorite historical Christmas traditions. With well developed, multidimensional characters. 
I loved seeing Arabella and Richard together. She was feisty and he was her equal.  Richard had a laughable sarcasm that I loved. His quick wit and personality made me smile throughout the book. 
It was the sweetest Christmas story. 
There were many acts of kindness. People helping and caring for others always warms my heart. 
I highly recommend this and hope you love it as much as I did. Happy Christmas! 

Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

An Ivy Hill Christmas opens in London, December 1822.  Richard Brockwell has been given an ultimatum.  If he doesn't come home to Ivy Hill for the Christmas holidays his funds will be cut off.  At age thirty he has never earned a living and he is selfish.  Or, so it seems.  His time home brings about changes he didn't see coming.
This beautifully told story offers much to readers.  It is witty, full of heart and packed with emotion and romance.  Secrets are revealed and wrong doings from the past are faced.  The characters are well drawn and charismatic.  An Ivy Hill Christmas is a wonderful story.  Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own..

Richard Brockwell is headed home to Brockwell Court in Ivy Hill.  He is haunted by old family secrets and so prefers his townhouse in London.  Spend a festive Christmas in the English village of Ivy Hill, as divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change the heart of one determined bachelor . . .
Julie Klassen does not disappoint.  The story is easy to dive into.  I found this to be a quick read because I did not want to put it down!

My first time reading one of the books in Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series!

I found that though some characters were supposed to be known from the other books however I still found I enjoyed An Ivy Hill Christmas very much.

The character development was spot on for a novella, the story was heartwarming, perfect for this time of year, and I am happy to have a fill of a favorite author with this delightful Christmas story.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is a novella from the Tale From Ivy Hill series by Julie Klassen, but can be read as a standalone as well. I have not personally read the other books in the series, and while there were times in which I felt that there was some backstory that perhaps I wasn't aware of, it was not to the point to where I could not enjoy the story. 

In this book, we meet Richard Brockwell as he is returning home for the first Christmas in years. Among the many guests in attendance is Arabella Awdry, a girl who is independent and finds herself wanting to make a difference in the world. She also doesn't think too highly of Richard, what with his reputation of being selfish and less than a gentleman and all. The more they get to know one another, the more they begin to see that perhaps their long held ideas on one another are a little off. With classic holiday traditions, a bit of drama and beautiful messages of faith, this truly made for a sweet holiday romance that had me wishing for an old fashioned Christmas. 

As a novella, it's a pretty quick read... great for this time of year. Still, it didn't feel overly rushed as some novellas can tend to do. If you enjoy historical romance with a side of Christmas cheer, this is definitely one to check out this holiday season.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a delightful, warm-hearted novella that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.

If you have read any of the author's Ivy Hill books, you will be delighted to return to that idyllic village and its cast of characters, once again. I confess, it is has been a while since I last read an Ivy Hill book, so I felt somewhat out of the loop, trying to recall the characters. Fortunately, the book stands on its own, and while you might have a little niggle that you are missing something, the story eventually unfolds enough that you are not at all lost.

While this story has many interesting characters, the main focus is on Richard Brockwell and Arabella Awdry. Both have lessons to learn on judging others, making assumptions, trust and making new beginnings. I loved to see how these characters stretched and grew in their relationship with each other and with God. 

With a satisfying ending that you wish could go on a little longer, An Ivy Hill Christmas is a book you want to curl up in bed with, along with a hot drink of your choice! And as a bonus, there is a cookie recipe in the back of the book!