I loved this sweet story set in a charming English village! Right from the start I sympathized with Jane Bell, who was still mourning the death of her husband while encumbered with a failing inn. Then her mother-in-law makes a surprise visit to town -- talk about upping the tension! I enjoyed the book as a whole, but especially the chapters written from the perspectives of Jane and Thora. I wasn't quite as drawn into Rachel's world and motivations. But over all I cared about the inn and worried about its ultimate fate and I loved the undercurrent of a second chance at love. These characters seem REAL! Can't wait to read more in this series.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.

I loved Julie Klassen’s earlier books, and while I also loved The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill it was surprisingly different. Klassen’s previous books were hardcore romance, but in this one the main character doesn’t even end up in love! I thought the storyline was very interesting. It was set at a coaching inn which is something I know nothing about, so I learned some new stuff (homeschooler-constantly-learning alert) which was cool.

Innkeeper was so loaded with fantastic characters that I don’t even know where to begin!😀 Although I really want to talk about Charlie Frazer (CHARLIE FRAZER!!!), I will restrain myself and talk about Jane and Thora first since they’re the MCs. And they were good MCs, three-dimensional and relatable (even though Jane started out a little on the dislikable side). I enjoyed Thora’s character arc especially. My favourite was Charlie though. He was ADORABLE. I would probably find him a bit annoying IRL, but in print he’s such a sweetheart. His teasing was [find appropriate synonym for adorable] and Thora OBVIOUSLY should’ve married him. Ah well, at least she gave him his kiss.

I love Ms Klassen’s writing style, it’s perfectly suited to the Regency period. She also avoids sounding preachy most of the time. *appreciation*

Giving this four stars instead of five only because it didn’t draw me in as quickly or completely as the author’s earlier stuff.

This book tells the story of Jane Bell, a young woman in 1820 England who was born to privilege but married beneath her. When her innkeeper husband dies, she is left to inherit the inn. Falling into disrepair, the inn has begun to lose business and profitability. Added to that strain is the mysterious debt of 15,000 pounds Jane's husband contracted prior to his death, a debt Jane must repay or lose the inn. With this goal, Jane must overcome her forceful mother-in-law's doubts, navigate a world of business that is usually reserved for men, and make friendships with those who can help her succeed. 

The story has three main narrators--Jane, our heroine; Thora, her embittered mother-in-law; and Rachel, an estranged friend of Jane's who is going through hard circumstances of her own. The theme of the book focuses on a woman's role in business in Regency England, offering not-so-subtle criticisms of the male-dominated society where a wife could own no property. All three of the narrators are unmarried, and the independence that they would have to surrender should they marry is clearly shown. One minor theme, which I appreciated, was the loss and pain that comes from miscarrying a child. Klassen, per usual, handled that topic deftly, and I even shed a few tears during one of the scenes.

The large cast of characters took me fifty pages or so to sort out who was who, but once I did, I was able to appreciate the complexity of the story. Because this book is the first in a series, the romance for the main character Jane was left unresolved. We see several different options for a burgeoning relationship, but no clear direction on which man is for her. I am excited to read more Tales from Ivy Hill and look forward to Klassen's next release. 

I received a free review copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This will be the book to beat this year.  I loved this story.  I did not want to put this down.  The story was fantastic and the characters came alive.  It will be hard to wait till December for the next book in this series.  It was hard to decide which woman character that I liked best.  I did not like Patrick since he always seemed to be trying to lose Ivy Hill.  I loved Thora,  Jane and Rachel and Mercy.  These are all strong women characters.  I received this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion.

Jane has inherited the Coaching Inn after her husbands untimely death.  She has no desire to run the Inn and can't figure out why he would leave it to her and not his brother.  It is discovered there is a large debt to be paid and soon with little money coming into the Inn.
   Enter, Thora (former Mistress of The Bell).  After her sister marries, Thora returns to The Bell to find her place in this world she no longer feels she belongs too.  
   Thora and Jane learn they must work together and trust one another to make The Bell a success.  Will they lose the Inn forever?

I love all Julie Klassen books, and this one did not disappoint.  I loved getting to know the characters and can't wait to see what happens to Ivy Hill and its occupants in the next books.