“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.

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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!

"You're right. You don't deserve it. Love and forgiveness are not something you earn. They are gifts. 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."

Such a heart-warming, redemptive Christmas novella filled with forgiveness, new beginnings, and reminders of what Christmas is really about. Julie Klassen once again weaves an emotionally complex Regency novella that is nostalgic, enchanting, and oh so delightful. It is clearly a part of the Tales From Ivy Hill series but works well as a stand-alone (I have regretfully not read any of the books in the series but did not have any trouble following the plot or the characters). The dialogue is incredibly witty and clever and the Christmas house party at Brockwell Court felt so warm, fun, and delicious. I loved going through each tradition of Twelve Days of Christmas and truly enjoyed watching Richard's facade of self-centered and irresponsible gentleman of leisure crumble to reveal the compassionate, hard-working, and resourceful man of honor and beautiful words that he is deep down inside. Arabella, with her generous and loyal heart, is easy to love and root for, though she tries her best to resist Richard's charms. The secondary characters are equally fascinating and they're quite well-defined even in the context of a shorter novella format. There is much forgiveness to be asked for and received as these characters revisit their pasts. And the redemptive light and hope of Christmas shines down on them all, especially on Richard.

If you enjoy Christmas novellas, especially those set in Regency England, you will absolutely adore this one. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I love Christmas, and I love Christmas traditions. Reading “An Ivy Hill Christmas” by Julie Klassen has just become a new Christmas tradition for me. Richard Brockwell is a man who loves his city life and doesn’t go home for Christmas until one year when his mother all but forces him to return. His return will force him to view the world he has long avoided, through eyes that time has changed. This book is a wonderful read, and a perfect reminder that the Christmas season is finally here.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Overall as time went on throughout this story I did start to like Richard and how he realized he need to change his ways a little bit. He was able to change so many people's opinions of him, by just being truthful and showing what he really does care about. He had spent so much of his life hiding his father's secret and being what everyone assumed he was because of a few rumors that started when he was a teenager. Seeing him be able to be who he actually is and to help people and for him to see that that was what he truly wanted.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is that feel good historical fiction book that deals with the different social classes and shows the extravagence of one, while also showing the hard times others were having and how those who had more could and should be doing more to help.
Richard and the other characters while having money, did also seem to really care about those in their town that didn't and wanted to help in anyway they could. I love seeing that in books especially with the current climate were in when it comes to money and jobs, that we're facing with Covid.

The only reason this wasn't a four star book for me was because of how slow the first half was and how it took so long to get to what really mattered to the characters.

Ah yes, this is exactly the kind of Christmas book I look for to help me get into the goodwill spirit of the season. The main character returns home after years away and finds himself changing. Things are not always what they seemed. Perhaps there is an opportunity to be a better person, redeem his character?

Richard is a young bachelor who is bent on never marrying thanks to the example set forth by his father. Keeping his fathers secret grants him a life of leisure.

It’s been 10 years since he had come home to see his family, but this year is different, an ultimatum, “Come home or support your own lifestyle!”

Coming home is not easy for Richard. Having to face those he hurt, family traditions and expectations, unexpected friendships and a change he never would have expected.

I enjoyed reading my first book by Julie and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a delightful Christian historical novella. It is part of the Tales From Ivy Hill series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The story is set in 1822 in England. At times it was reminiscent of A Christmas Carol and also Pride And Prejudice but it is a perfectly wonderful tale in its own right. Snow, the festive season and Ivy Hill all blend together to tantalise the reader’s imagination.
I loved catching up with old and meeting new faces. Love and welcome abound throughout. Lives are transformed from icy indifference to care. Philanthropic hearts are huge as people are rescued from their situations. This is a motif for god as He rescues us from a life of disconnection from Him as He draws us close to His heart.
It is not good to live with an eye on the past and a heart full of unforgiveness. We need to forgive and exchange a heart of stone for a heart of flesh.
There is the theme of the prodigals returning – both physically and spiritually.
I loved the inclusion of a dog called Wally who wore a matching waistcoat with his owner! Pets turn a house into a home. They inject love and warmth into lives.
I have really loved this Ivy Hill series as I immersed myself in a bygone age.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this one. Having not read the other Ivy Hill books, I felt like something was missing, but it was still enjoyable.

Overall it was a nice Christmas book. I probably won’t remember it too long, though. If you’ve read the rest of the Ivy Hill series, you might like this one more than me!
I received a copy of this book to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review positive or otherwise.

A kind young lady inspires a selfish gentleman of leisure to help others and reconnect with his home and family.

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen is a lovely Christmas historical romance full of the magic of the season. It is part of the Tales of Ivy Hill series but can be read as a standalone.

In London, Richard Brockwell lived in his family's townhouse, spending his older brother's money and leaving a life of leisure and selfishness.

He had not returned to his family country estate in years, but his mother gave him an ultimatum. He would either go home for Christmas or stay in London without any allowance.

Once in Ivy Hill, Richard was astounded to realize how things have changed, and not always for the better. He was also not happy to learn that his mother had matchmaking plans for him.

He was determined to scare the young lady away, but his determination gradually weakened as he started to learn more about the lovely Miss Arabela Awry.

I loved that, inspired by the kind actions he witnessed, Richard slowly started to reach out, and the more he helped others, the happier he felt.

There are some lovely side characters, including a vest-and-tie-wearing dog and a sweet and clumsy young apprentice.

As a Jane Austen fan, it was an extra treat to find passages clearly referring to Pride and Prejudice and Emma.

This is a lovely Christmas story full of the magic of the season. Families reunited, spirituality, forgiveness, generosity, kindness, and happy endings.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 11/23/2020*

This was my first introduction to Julie Klassen's Tales from Ivy Hill series. I found the book to be quite enjoyable. I would compare it to Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. A story of charity, care, and redemption. One that is quite memorable and the reader won't want to put down. Well done, Julie Klassen.

This was a cozy novel and a perfect addition to the Ivy Series. As author Julie does in several of her Regency she gives the reader reason to wonder who the main character may end up with at the end. I personally was hoping he would end up with someone else but it she still gave all a happy ending I wasn't terribly disappointed. I learned a bit of past Christmas traditions in England and Julie wrapped up this deliciously, entertaining, novella full of Jolly, forgiveness and hope. And of course

A romantic, festive and entertaining novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked the festive atmosphere, the well thought characters and the plot that flows.
An enjoyable read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A Christmas miracle…

“Richard Brockwell could try the patience of a saint, and she was no saint.”

With a nod at Charles Dickens, this was a delightful novella that will put you in the mood for a traditional Christmas. Travel from London and the English countryside came to life in this regency romance. The Christmas season held celebrations and traditions that were so inviting I longed to be there. I felt like I stepped into a movie, with delightful characters and an inspiring storyline.

In this historical romance, Richard goes home for a visit and is determined not to be paired up by his matchmaking mother. However, he is unwittingly drawn to friends, family, and all the goings on of Ivy Hill’s community. As his hardened heart warms, God draws him into seeing others through His eyes. I loved seeing his heart for others as the season draws closer to Christmas. Then there is Arabella, who is smart and beautiful, but knows Richard’s history. However, as they get to know each other more, God reveals there is more to Richard and their story. Sweet, beautiful and inspiring, this is a great early read for this coming Christmas season. Also, it was a lovely introduction to the Ivy Hill series, which I am looking forward to reading.REl

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Ivy Hill Christmas is an inspirational Christian romance set during Christmastime in the Regency period in England.

This novella is set after the events in the Ivy Hill Series. It features two main characters, Richard Brockwell and Arabella Awdry, who were briefly mentioned in the previous novels but didn’t have major roles. In this story, Richard’s mother unpleasantly convinces the selfish dandy to come home to Ivy Hill for Christmas. There, he meets Arabella again and begins to change from his selfish ways.

It is a cute romance, full of Christmas cheer, generosity, and historical traditions. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters, seeing them grow and fall in love. Julie Klassen has a talent for creating well-developed characters, and this book is no exception. I also enjoyed revisiting old favorite characters from the previous books and getting a glimpse into their lives a couple of years later.

And I enjoyed learning about the Christmas traditions; there was so much generosity and family and friends featured in the story, not so much focus on self and what one each person desires as the holidays can be in today’s world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and recommend it to fans of sweet historical romance.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive review.