Beyond Ivy Walls

BEYOND IVY WALLS by RACHEL FORDHAM is a most enjoyable and thought provoking novel. Set in Monticello, Iowa in 1903, the author tells the story of the mysterious Otis Tayler and his return to the family mansion in Monticello,mand Sadie West , who works at the Hoag feather duster factory and is living in squalor in the Taylor’s abandoned factory in order to save her family’s farm and care for her ailing father, brought together by a dog called Blue-Wolf. I like to see their growing friendship and the way they call each other Edward Rochester and Jane. Other interesting characters are Mildred and Leon, the caretakers of the Taylor property and Otis’ loyal friends.
Otis was thrown out as a child by his father because of a physical defect, and we see the results of his family’s abandonment in this scarred, angry, reclusive man, who does not know how to handle himself around people. He is particularly angry about his brother’s child Elizabeth, who was born out of wedlock and is determined to find her and bring her up as his own. He is sensitive of his hideous scars and is surprised at Sadie who, after her first gasp of shock, accepts him as he is.
Sadie is lonely and smells bad due to her job with stinking turkey feathers and lack of washing facilities but puts up with her fellow workers’ taunts in order to help her family.
When Sadie promises to help Otis find his niece their relationship becomes strained…….
I cannot recommend this beautifuly written book highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

As someone who has been incredibly frustrated by mainstream romance publishing's obession with Regency Romance, I want to give special thanks to Thomas Nelson for embracing other time periods! Beyond Ivy Walls is set just after the turn of the century, and its Beauty and the Beast air had me turning pages all day! I loved it, and would definitely read more by this author!

This was my favorite book by this author!! The story drew me in from the beginning and I could barely do anything else but read this book! Otis and Sadie were such great characters and were so unique in their own ways. I loved how Leon and Mildred were like grandparents to Otis and Sadie as they go throughout the story. This may be one I reread because I loved it so much!!

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This was a great book. It is a beauty and the beast retelling. This story was so addictive. I could not put is down. The romance was so sweet.

This book has it all!
There is a young man, burdened by the acts of a selfish parent. A man who has been in isolation for many years, scarred physically and emotionally.
And there is a young woman, a beauty, both inside and out, who is trying hard to help her family, to save the farm, and willing to sacrifice her comfort for them.
A chance meeting, and some wise helpers, assist these two on an adventure of healing, acceptance, and love.
The growth that is experienced, the selflessness shown, the letting go of pain, all this brings together a wonderful story.
This story touched my heart. I am sad to leave it!

A wonderful story that I was unable to put down. It is a huge reminder of God's grace and courage in facing life's challenges. Such depth and delightful characters that shows new meaning of family and community.

Beyond Ivy Walls
Rachel Fordham
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The setting is the early 1900s. Sadie’s family was destitute; she had no choice but to leave her beloved home to work in the Hoag duster factory. There is no money for a place for her to stay because she sends all her money home to her family. She is forced to take shelter in an abandoned building.
Otis Taylor is back but determined to keep it a secret. He finds Sadie hiding in a building belonging to his family. He rashly decides to hire her but makes her promise not to tell anyone. The home he grew up in brings back memories deep dark memories where he wants them to stay. Sadie becomes his salvation, the bright light in his dark existence.
This is a squeaky-clean romance. The characters are captivating. The relationship between Sadie and Otis was charming. This is a Christian novel, but it is not preachy.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book for review;

In 1903 Sadie West had to leave her family farm and go to work at a feather duster factory in a small Iowa town. She was paid a small amount, which covered her rent and paid her fathers' mortgage as he had gotten injured falling from a horse and could not work. Her sisters worked the family farm and tried to bring in the crops to help.

But Sadie lost her home to a higher paying renter, so she searched for new lodgings and found an abandoned building next to a mansion. Sadie had heard about a rich musician named Otis Taylor who was coming back to Monticello to settle his affairs.

Sadie had taken a dip in the creek near the house and she was chased home by a big dog with a fancy collar who followed her into the building and slept with her.

A few nights later Otis Taylor, who owned the mansion went looking for his dog Wolf and found Sadie!

This was a delightfully enjoyable story. I love Fordham's easy to read style, and she always has some of the sweetest characters.

Otis definitely had some beast from Beauty and the Beast vibes which is a slightly overused trope, but thankfully it was well done and didn't take away from the story. He was generally a really likeable character. And really had a soft heart which I loved. I also felt genuine sympathy for his past.

I loved Sadie and her bond that she had with her sisters. The West sisters definitely gave me some Little Women vibes, which was so fun and well done. The parents were also great.

The plot and mystery kept me intrigued and turning pages while not causing stress.

There weren't really any Christian themes, but it was a heartwarming, sweet, and clean historical read.

* I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I really enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. I especially loved how the author shares her love for adoption in this book and doing the best for the child even when it hurts.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book for review

So this book is another look at the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, but Rachel Fordham has done a masterful job in bringing all the bits and pieces of the tale to life. She put the characters in the early 1900s, so while it is historical, it is also a bit more modern.

Sadie West has been working at the feather duster factory in Monticello, Iowa, when she is turned out of her boarding house for someone who will pay more. She finds an abandoned factory to shelter in, and bathes in a freezing cold creek, but it is the only water available to her. She is found out and then given a position at the Taylor mansion to help clean it up and get it ready to sell. This is in addition to her job at the duster factory. She is sending money home to pay for her father's doctor bills after he had an accident on the farm. She is also paying the mortgage on the farm so that her family doesn't lose their home.

Otis Taylor is the only remaining Taylor alive and comes back to Monticello to settle his brother's estate. He'd been sent away because he was scarred and disfigured and his father didn't want to look at him. Otis has quite a chip on his shoulder for the way his family treated him, but he eventually finds that his chip is too heavy to carry.

Alta is one of the lesser characters but she plays an important part in the movement of the plot. She so wants to be the one that Otis courts when he returns to town. She's a little bit of a gold digger and a bit entitled, and plays the parts well. When she finds that Sadie has been working for Otis for a while, she throws a temper tantrum worthy of a two year old.

Beyond Ivy Walls has everything a reader could desire--a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery, hard decisions, and a coming to terms with circumstances. I love the Beauty and the Beast type stories I've read and other than one written by Robin McKinley, this is the best one I've read. Robin's is an extremely well-done rendition of the tale, while Rachel's is a more modern retelling. It is still a five star book with two thumbs up and a beast who cares about family troubles.

Thomas Nelson Fiction provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

“You are so much more than your scars and what happened within these walls. You have heart.”

This sweet story, set in 1903, features Sadie West, 23, who has been forced to leave her family farm in rural Iowa and seek employment at the Hoag Feather Duster Co., a factory in Monticello. Her father’s riding accident left him bedridden and Sadie has to work to support her parents and younger siblings.

After a few unplanned disappointments, she’s discovered by Otis Taylor, Monticello’s musical genius and eligible bachelor. Otis and Sadie overcome insurmountable odds because they each realize that they are different and gather inner strength to work through their insecurities together, hoping to love and be loved in return.

Fordham asks readers to consider our definition of ‘normal’ and how we care for one another - are we looking beyond the surface and at each other’s hearts? She reminds us that we are all unique and all have moments when we are not as we appear. We shouldn’t let what people say limit us as to what we’re capable of doing. We are all our own definitions of normal.

Although this Beauty and the Beast inspired novel is about love’s transformative power, it’s also about:

✔️Sacrificial love
✔️Freedom; from physical captivity/exile (manor) and social expectations
✔️Dangers of judging on appearances
✔️Warning about the value of character over appearance
✔️Pain we cause when we are quick to judge
✔️Desire to be a complete and true version of ourselves
✔️Acceptance and compassion
✔️Supporting each other through adversity; pushing to the edge of fear

“Why can’t it be normal to be varied and different? In a world full of colors and shapes and backgrounds, who decided we were all supposed to be the same?”

It was good to be reminded:

1) to stretch to accept something different about ourselves and others. We should all strive to have eyes like Sadie, eyes that look deep inside and see the best in people.
2) to be the hero of our own story. Dare to think differently and show compassion.
3) We are all scarred and flawed in different ways - different kinds of ‘normal’.

This slow, gently probing story has a BIG impact even days later. Allow it room to impact you.

I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Rachel Fordham is one of those authors that reaches down deep and delves into the heart of an issue exposing all of its flaws. When she is finished the reader feels led to take up that cause. Beyond Ivy Walls was an inspiring, emotional roller coaster. The story opens with the return of Otis Taylor to his ancestral home to settle affairs left after the deaths of his father and brother. We are given glimpses of his life's story, of his exile due to him losing his hair, to scars that he bares, and his musical genius. We also meet Sadie West, a young lady sent to Monticello to work to help pay for her father's medical bills. Sadie is found living in the abandoned factory belonging to Otis Taylor. Though Otis wants to go back into his exile, he offers Sadie a job and a place to live. As I read this story many things came to mind. Mrs. Fordham is a Christian author and you can see that in her writing, but the theme that was most prevalent to me in this book was the theme of bullying. Often times people get bullied by others for the way they look, the things they lack, or just for meanness. If you can't stand up to a bully, tell someone and let them help you. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is one of those books that you want to read over again.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy. The review I gave is entirely my own opinion.

This is the first book I have read by Rachel Fordham and it will not be my last. Her writing style kept me engaged. I fell in love with Sadie and enjoyed her interaction with Otis. The similarities to Beauty & the Beast made it such an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me to read this book.

"Beyond Ivy Walls" is a sweet romance set in 1903 in Monticello, Iowa. Otis has no hair and has scars on his scalp from his father's attempts to make his hair regrow. Sent away from his family to live in an isolated cottage, he feels deeply rejected by his family. He's convinced his former friends will view him as a beast, a monster to be rejected. He returns after his father and brother died and discovers that his brother had a child out of wedlock. He's determine to find her and give her all of the love and acceptance he lacked. Sadie sees his scars and doesn't reject him. She's hired to help clean up the house and teach him social skills. She helps him find the courage to face the community.

Sadie and Otis became friends as they spent time together. They learned to work through misunderstanding and conflict. The historical details were woven into the story and didn't slow the pacing. Sadie prays for her father's healing and trusts that God will see her family through this hard time. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.

This was a sweet read by Rachel Fordham! I really enjoyed the relationship between Sadie and her sisters as it reminded me of my own sisters. This book was a twist on Beauty and the Beast and it was neat to see how Sadies and Otis' relationship grew throughout the story as well as their character. They had strong points as well as weak and I feel like Sadie was just the encouragement that Otis needed to heal from his past hurts. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I feel like there was a lot to apply to my own life.

Thank you Rachel Fordham, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read this ARC!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rachel Fordham delivers a poignant story with "Beyond Ivy Walls". Set in 1903 Iowa, this book chronicles the emotional journey of Otis Taylor, whose alopecia was unsuccessfully "treated" by his cruel father, resulting in further disfigurement. Sadie West sees beyond his physical appearance to the person he really is.

While there is a decided "Beauty and the Beast" theme, this read is not a fairytale. It is not a Disney movie. In a way, this book reminded me of Fordham's first novel, "The Hope of Azure Springs". The heroine Em was unkindly rejected due to her appearance, as is Otis and to a lesser extent, Sadie (due to her living conditions). Human nature being what it is, sadly some people judge others by the figurative book cover, and a few are featured here. Our protagonists conclude there are "different kinds of normal".

The fate of niece Elisabeth provides an interesting and unexpected twist. This heartwarming side plot is thought-provoking. Is family defined solely by blood, or by those who raised you? As an adopted child myself, I'm of the firm belief that blood does not determine family.

I greatly enjoy Rachel Fordham's lovely prose. Her characters are wonderfully rendered. This novel is clean. I've read all of her novels, and they are all incredibly appealing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this compelling read.

Beyond Ivy Walls by author Rachel Fordham is a Christian historical romance. It reminded me of an interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. It was a beautiful story.

Set in early 1900s Monticello, Iowa this is the story of Sadie West. Due to a family tragedy, she has left her home and gone to work in a feather duster factory. It is also the story of Otis Taylor. He is returning home to handle the estate after the death of his brother. The way the two meet is so imaginative.

The author has such an inviting style of writing. I became invested in the lives of the characters as well as the book. The characters were crafted with great care. They had depth, issues, and were believable. Some of them were absolutely lovable while others were despicable. The secondary characters were lovely, too. There were a few twists, a sweet romance, and history that provided knowledge on feather dusters.

I highly recommend this exquisite tale. It will give you all kinds of feels. This would make a nice choice for a reading group to dissect. I plan on buying a few copies as gifts. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest thoughts.

This story is a wonderful, gentle style historical tale. I enjoyed the characters and the historical setting. I have read many of Rachel Fordham's other stories, and I always appreciate the details she adds on the historical setting.

Oh, my, what a touching story! A profound story. I loved it and captivated me from the very beginning. Amazing, as always, Ms. Rachel!
I love Otis and Sadie. The author created beautiful characters. Very relatable characters facing fear and struggles, but also success as they overcome their own monsters within.
A story of love for the best of a child triumphing in spite of life long dreams and desires. How true love is sacrificial for the good of others, putting aside our own wants. This story truly touched my heart. I love how the author put it, “a different right way to love a child.”
Perhaps this excerpt will say it better than my own words…
“It would take time to grieve what might have been, but beside the grief was happiness. Somehow, pain and joy were walking side by side. He did not understand it, but he felt it.”

And oh, how much I enjoyed the West family home with all the sisters having fun and standing for each other. It gave me some LW vibes and some of my own family since we’re three sisters, and are the best of friends besides being sisters.

I love all the Jane Eyre references, it had me chuckling more than once…
“I wouldn’t want to be in company with a vagrant, but a man who has read Charlotte Brontë cannot be all bad.” 😀

Leon and Mildred are the best friends anyone could ask for, loved them!

And as always, I love sharing excerpts and quotes that find touching in the story, so here are some…

“Unwanted. It was a label no child, no person, should have.”

“It’s a shame, the way we shun when we should rally around those who struggle.”

“One cannot understand sorrow if one has no heart.”

“…sometimes we only have to go to the edge of our fear… if you could only take a step toward being braver.”

“The world needs both the timid and the bold.”

“What is normal?”
“Why can’t it be normal to be varied and different? In a world full of colors and shapes and backgrounds, who decided we were all supposed to be the same?”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

When Otis Taylor returns to his family mansion after being banished since a teen, his lonely life and medical condition collide to a depth of hurt and anger. Sadie West comes from a loving family that has fallen on hard times and she is only in his area in order to help provide for her family. I loved how two such lonely souls connect in friendship but are left wanting for more. The community likely won’t be kind to these two, as they are oceans apart in societal status. There is a tender depth of emotion in both characters that comes shining through. I follow the Ms. Fordham pretty closely and can clearly see how her experience with fostering and adoption surfaces with another cute little character. She always puts a little bit of her experiences into her novels. The warmth and compassion of her characters is something that really attracts me to her writing. I have no qualms about highly recommending this newest offering!
Rachel Fordham is an auto buy for me and I have read and thoroughly enjoyed everything she has published. My favorite was The Hope of Azure Springs, but I think this newest release has eclipsed even that. She has a five more books to catch up on, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of her titles.
I received an early e -copy of this book from Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This was beautifully done and I enjoyed the idea of the use of Beauty and Beast element. The characters felt like they were supposed to and enjoyed the overall concept of this book. It had everything that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of the book. I really enjoyed the overall feel of the romance element and thought it was realistically done.

I breezed through this book in just one day. It's far from your typical Beauty and the Beast tale. The banter between Sadie and Otis, or should I say Jane the Squatter and Mr. Rochester (an inside joke; if you want to know more, read the book 😉). I also loved the secondary characters, Leon and Mildred, and the family dynamic between Sadie and her family. I really hope there'll be a sequel, as I would love to read more about the West sisters and the loving town of Monticello.

It's a great book and I look forward to reading more words by Rachel Fordham.

In "Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham, sacrificial love is honored to the utmost, to the point where it hurts the most, when life leaves you with excruciatingly painful experiences that leave permanent scars upon your heart. This poignant, deeply moving book is about healing, acceptance and forgiveness. Rachel Fordham dives deep into the human experience to write heartmoving stories with warmth and grace, involving memorable, unforgettable characters, who become an integral part of our hearts and lives, appealing to our intellects and emotions in a way that causes us to think about everything that is praiseworthy, honorable and good. "Beyond Ivy Walls" has a compelling, captivating title that captured my attention instantly, making me want to know urgently what went on behind the scenes. When I received a complimentary review copy from the publishers, I excitedly hung onto every single word and I could not put it down. Readers, you won't be disappointed. Get your own copy right away and step into a fascinating world that will keep you there forever!

This was such a beautiful book. I loved both Otis' and Sadie's characters. The deep pain both physically and emotionally that Otis had to go through was enough to break anyone's heart and to watch Sadie try to help him through it was simply beautiful. Leon and Mildred were just perfect supporting characters. The love and laughter they bring to the story add so much and they are just the cutest little fill in grandparents. Definitely book a greatly enjoyed.

Rachel Fordham's books always hit the right spot for me, and Beyond Ivy Walls is no different!

The heartfelt Beauty and the Beast inspired retelling is set in the early 1900s Midwest, and futures a cast of unique and fresh characters. I loved Otis and Sadie, obviously, but Leon and Mildred were just as sweet a couple!

There are some deeper themes touched on during the story, but they are all handled with tact and thoughtfulness, as I've come to expect from Fordham.

This is a book that will touch readers hearts—speaking from experience 🥰💕

There isn’t a book this author writes that I don’t love. The character gets are always so developed. The historical details are always so interesting and the storyline always keeps me interested.
Really an enjoyable read. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Beyond Ivy Walls is a beautiful historical romance with Beauty and the Beast vibes!

Rachel Fordham’s writing has a way of pulling you in and making you feel like you are a part of the story. Filled with themes of love, healing, and acceptance, this book deeply touched my heart!

There is no doubt that Sadie West’s life is difficult. She is working hard in a feather duster factory to help support her family when her father gets hurt. Sadie’s life takes a turn for the worse when she is forced to live in an abandoned factory as her only means of shelter. Otis Taylor's life has been a mystery to a lot of people. When he returns home in secret to sell the family property, he stumbles across Sadie living in his factory. Otis unexpectedly offers Sadie a place to live and a job, which is an answer to her prayers. As the two spend time together they start to share details about their lives. I think for Otis this is the most challenging part because he has the physical and mental scares to contend with. Sadie looks beyond Otis's appearance which takes him by surprise. Sadie’s outlook on her life makes Otis examine his own life and what he’s been through. It is lovely to see how much growth and healing takes place for both characters. As their friendship blooms into something more there is a real possibility of a happy future for them if only, they can get past a few obstacles first.

What I loved:
-Small town
-Dual POV
-Wounded hero
-Letter exchanges
-Nicknames
-Themes of love, healing, & acceptance
-Roller skating
-The mystery elements
-The romance
-The epilogue

This story and these characters have captured my heart. I love the sweet romance that formed between Sadie and Otis. There were a couple of moments throughout the book that just warmed my heart and had me reaching for the tissues. The epilogue is one of them and is just absolute perfection! With wonderful side characters and a little bit of mystery this was the most enjoyable book!

Thank you Netgalley for the advance readers copy of Beyond Ivy Walls in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When hope lives alongside heartache, life is tangled, just like the ivy that grows on the walls around the property. Rachel Fordham has written an enchanting book that delves deep into the lives of Sadie and Otis, two characters that have each known heartache of a deep and abiding kind. This heartache can become all encompassing unless someone steps into that grief and exposes it to hope. This is what makes this story such and enchanting and exciting read.

Sadie is striving to hold onto her positive outlook while living in complete squalor and dejection but working hard at providing for her mother, her sisters, and her severely injured father. Hope is hard to find sometimes but Sadie looks to her family for purpose. Pushing ever onward, she is discovered by Otis living in the abandoned factory on his property. His aching for something worthwhile causes him to push past what his father or brother might have done and to offer his own version of hope to Sadie. Little does he realize that by doing so, he also reached for the hope she offers him.

As Sadie and Otis' friendship grows, we see the depth of the characters Fordham writes. They are courageous in the face of fear, stepping just to the edge of it each time, pushing slightly further toward it each time. This touching the edge of fear and pushing just into it each time was something I loved the imagery of. This image really brings to life the highlight of the story. Each push forward brought more hope and less heartache.

It was a joy to read Beyond Ivy Walls. It contains a depth of character not often seen in historical fiction and I found myself drawn into the story more and more with each passing paragraph. "I couldn't put it down" is a somewhat cliche statement but it was true of this story for me. I read late into the night, drawn more and more into finding out how Sadie and Otis would handle the hope and heartache, love and longing that were living next to each other in their daily lives.

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

What an absolutely beautiful book! This is my second read for Rachel Fordham and I'm definitely hooked on her writing.
This novel was a different take on the Beauty and the Beast story and was packed with warmth and heart.

Sadie and Otis are a lovely set of characters and I could absolutely see their love grow throughout the book like they were perfectly matched. I enjoyed their banter and their letters and the 'less than polite, bordering on awkward' conversations that came from not spending too much time with others before.

I loved Leon and Mildred and thought they were the perfect parental figures in the story and I want to be a surrogate sister and a West woman for sure. The sisterly love and comradeship was lovely.

My favourite scene in the book which had me grinning like a loon was the family evening at the West's where they read a story of Daphne and Mr Darling. So so sweet and perfect for this pairing.

Rachel Fordham always does the research soundly for the time periods she writes in and creates such lovable, feisty characters, and I'm always sad when it comes to the end of the book.

A fantastic read and one I will definitely do a reread of again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Great Beauty and the Beast retelling. The characters weee easy to like and very relatable. The plot was easy to follow along with and captures your interest right away. A read from Fordham is always going to be an enjoyable one.
Thank you to Fordham and NetGalley for my advanced copy. These words are my own.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Beyond Ivy Walls is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve ever had the pleasure to read! The emotional depth Rachel Fordham managed with Otis and Sadie’s characters is exactly what I look for first in a novel. The backstory given about Otis is naturally woven into the story and does not feel like a brain dump of information. I felt every bit of his pain and hurt and my heart wept for him. Sadie is a girl I could see myself wanting to be best friends with. She has a heart of gold and such an encouraging nature, even during her own struggles.
The way their friendship grew and they leaned on each other was so refreshing. I laughed, shouted, and cried while reading this book. The ending was so beautiful and endearing, there are no words for the love I felt in that moment for both of these characters. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time!

Beyond Ivy Walls is so much more than a Beauty and the Beast story. It has dealing with one's past, sacrifices made for family, friendships, forgiveness, acceptance, and so much more. Such a poignant story with powerful characters.

Releases Aug. 13th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beyond Ivy Walls has the feel of Beauty and the Beast, set in 1903 Iowa. Sadie, a vibrant young woman finds herself working at a feather duster company to help support her family. I love her honest, upbeat nature despite the hardships she is facing. Her letters home to her sisters were touching and comical and demonstrate the beauty of her character. Otis is drawn to this beauty, having been an outcast and in seclusion most of his life. He bears scars, internal and external, and Sadie’s ability to see past all of them brings Otis back to life. I love the nuances of their friendship as it is uniquely theirs. They grow in their respect and admiration for one another in a fiercely loyal, yet humorous, companionship. The writing is well paced and drew me in from start to finish. There are layers of depth that deliver nuggets of wisdom throughout in addition to just great storytelling.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Beyond Ivy Walls has been such a pleasure to read! It's been one of those late-into-the night, page-turning reads for me. Such good, clean fun and amusing comedy coupleD with feathers and letters and mysteriousness, kindness and compassion. Oh, and wrapped in an envelope of unconditional love and romance that crept up and slowly burst into unsuspecting flame, without being cringy.

I believe that the Discussion Questions at story's end will help a reader or readers' group sort through some of the issues that presented themselves along the way.

A very satisfying read for me, thus I give the author a 5-Star rating. I hope to read more from Rachel Fordham in time to come.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

May 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

A poignantly touching novel with a "Beauty and The Beast" feel. Set in the early 1900's, this novel of family, heartbreak, healing and hope drew me in and kept my attention throughout. After her father has a crippling accident, Sadie West leaves the family farm to work in the city to help ease the financial struggles they are facing. But in order to save as much as possible, she finds she can't afford a boardinghouse. Thus she "lives" in an abandoned factory. Otis Taylor, exiled as a child, has returned to the family home after the death of his brother. He intends to settle and sell the estate then move on. But after seeing the state of affairs, he realizes there isn't a quick fix. Dealing with the mess his brother left and uncovering a well-kept secret, Otis finds himself having to come to terms with long held hurt and mistrust. When he discovers Sadie "living" in his family's abandoned factory, he offers to hire her for a better wage with the stipulation she keeps his return a secret. Can the two of them press on with what is needful, form a working relationship and find friendship in unlikely places? Rachel Fordham once again weaves a tale with wonderful character development and plot filled with twists and turn. A definite must-read for 2024!

I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are soley my own.

This was such a good book! I am such a fan of Rachel Fordhams books so I was excited for this one. It didn’t disappoint, I loved the storyline and the characters! Highly recommend!

I just reviewed Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham. #BeyondIvyWalls #NetGalley

There are so many facets of this story to admire! The setting is unique and fresh and charming. The characters are flawed, scarred, and endearing. The nods to Beauty and the Beast left me smiling. The themes of self reliance, selfless love, and self confidence amid ridicule left me with desire and inspiration to be a better person. I enjoyed this book!

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

I was completely captivated by this narrative. Among all of Rachel Fordham's works I've read so far, this one stands out as my ultimate favorite. It's a brilliantly crafted retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, using a fresh twist of this timeless classic. Every element, from the storytelling to the characters, and especially the romance, had me utterly enchanted.

Throughout the tale, my heart fluttered with delight at this fresh take on a classic fairytale. The early twentieth-century setting, along with the unique locations and events, added a delightful charm to the narrative. The writing was so immersive and meticulously detailed that it transported me effortlessly to the early 1900s, allowing me to experience the story alongside the characters. What's more, I appreciated the author's skill in avoiding excessive descriptive passages, ensuring a seamless journey back in time.

Otis and Sadie quickly became endearing protagonists, earning my unwavering support as their story unfolded. Exploring their personalities was a joy, witnessing the gradual blossoming of their romance. This love story delves far beyond superficiality; it's enriched with profound emotional layers and intricately woven backstories, drawing me even closer to the characters. Witnessing their growth and transformation was deeply gratifying, underscoring their remarkable strength. Their impact lingers in my thoughts even weeks later, a testament to their enduring presence. I also appreciated that this is a clean romance without any spice or foul language.

The book also delves into some profound themes, offering valuable insights on confronting past traumas, making sacrifices for family, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. It was one of those reads that I just couldn't tear myself away from; I finished it in just a couple of days. I laughed, cried, and swooned along with the characters on their journey. This touching story truly resonated with me, leaving a lasting impact. There are some very sweet scenes and emotional moments, as well as some wonderful life lessons to learn. It's exceptionally well-written, charming, and heartfelt—a narrative that will linger in my thoughts for a long time to come.

Highly, highly recommend!!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

The title of Rachel Fordham’s newest book, Beyond the Ivy Walls, gives the eager reader wonderful hints of a clever, unique, and intriguing story. The gorgeous cover accompanying this story allows the reader to immediately become immersed in the setting and imagine what might happen between Sadie and Otis. The title and cover of the story help to emulate warm feelings of a timeless fairytale that will hold the promise of a story filled with love, everlasting.

As Fordham develops her characters, you meet Sadie and Otis, as well as other characters in the story. I was drawn to Sadie’s determination to help her family by working in a strange city by herself. Sadie is a true heroine. I admired her grit and gumption to stay in the abandoned building overnight in order to continue to work at the factory. I was a bit nervous for Sadie, thinking of the bugs and other critters of the night that could attack her, but Fordham anticipates this and adds in the warm loving, yet humorous introduction of Wolf and his devotion to Sadie.

As the story progresses, Fordham sprinkles the story with precious gems of truth (“a different kind of normal”) and pearls of wisdom when dealing with personal fears. She offers life changing platitudes, which can evoke deep and personal meanings for each of the readers. I was personally touched by several scenes in the story, especially dealing with Sadie and her family.

This story is filled with old-fashioned fun, a “ Nellie Olsen'' type villain and Jane Austin style humor (“ I don’t expect a suitor to come walking through that door”). Also, I did not miss the witty humor when Sadie chuckled about the “dusting masks”! Brilliant writing!

This story has everything! Romance, suspense, adventure, plus fun times with roller skating, which all add to the whimsical charm of the story. This story is so satisfying and wonderful that I will purchase a copy for my middle school classroom and family members as gifts! I assure you, dear readers, that this book is not to be missed! You will enjoy every moment of Beyond the Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham.

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

Wow. Wow. Wow.
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast was fabulous. Perhaps one of my favourite stories of 2024 so far! Rachel Fordham brought the classic tale to life in 1903 Iowa, through Sadie West and Otis Taylor’s tale.
Sadie is working hard to help her family keep their farm after an accident renders her father unable to walk. But her life is difficult and what little money she has, she sends home, sacrificing her own comforts. She finds shelter in an abandoned factory, with only a curious dog for a friend.
Otis Taylor reluctantly returns home after he learns of his inheritance, but is chased by the past as he steps foot back in his childhood home. Scarred from treatments for an ailment as a child, he avoids stepping out in public and covers his face from prying eyes.
Emotions run deep in this story, tugging at the reader’s heartstrings with every turn of the page. Self-sacrifices, grand gestures, and heartwarming moments pepper the pages of this turn-of-the-century story.
Readers will fall in love with Otis Taylor – seeing past his physical scars – as he learns to trust and love someone who cares deeply for him in return.
The faith aspect of the story sticks to brief mentions of faith, but still, hope is woven through the text.
Yeah. This was a fantastic read. One I’ll read again.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rachel Fordham is one of the best historical romance authors out there right now. I always enjoy her books so much! I felt such a strong pull towards a happy ending in this book, and weathering all the twists and turns to get there was so emotional. In a time when most romance readers prefer explicit content on the pages, the way Fordham weaves a tale of love and longing is so much more effective at invoking the strongest of feelings with her writing. I fell in love again with these characters and this story!

Interesting look at how struggles such as alopecia were viewed at the turn of the century….loved the beauty and the beast undercurrent!
Otis and Sadie were fun, realistic characters and their storyline was an intriguing glimpse into the time period. I especially liked learning about the Hoag feather duster factory and the roller skating!
Loved the side story of Bessie and tracking down her whereabouts, and liked how Otis came to terms with his relationship with his brother.
Great supporting characters, fun read, and especially satisfying ending, as the different is ok theme came full circle.

"Beyond Ivy Walls" by Rachel Fordham is set in Monticello, Iowa. This Beauty and the Beast- like retelling is a fantastic story that includes so many elements woven together. The real life feather duster family, a faithful dog, roller skating and historical aspects of this book kept me engaged from beginning to end.

Otis was sent away after an accident change his good looks and has returned after both his father and brother died. He wants to sell the house quickly and not have anything to do with the town that celebrated his deceased relatives. He has faithful workers in his home that have taken care of his family property who want nothing more than to have him reunite with friends and townsfolk in the city of his birth.

Sadie is in Monticello working and sending wages home to her family, due to a severe accident that left her father bedridden Her sisters and mother are at the family farm trying to get a harvest in while she works in the feather duster factory and is living in an abandoned building on Otis's property. Everything in her life is dire, even the relationships she has with the other women in the duster factory.

Just the setting these two find themselves in, along with the surrounding cast of characters led into the creation of a very good book. This is one that I can't wait to tell others about because I just really enjoyed the book that much.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really liked this book. The setting in a different time than many other historical novels was very enjoyable. We often are not aware of the kind of lives lived among the poorest of the population and their struggles to survive. I would like to read more of this type of story. I would recommend this book to friends. I was given this book to review.

Loved reading the captivating and engaging story. When Otis comes back to town, he wants to sell his place as soon as possible, he hides away in his house, his dog, Wolf, wanders off, finds a woman, Sadie, staying in his abandoned factory and wants to kick her out, and ends up letting Sadie stay at his home working as a maid. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story.

Rachel Fordham has never let me down in a book, but Beyond Ivy Walls has to be her best work to date.

Otis Taylor is a musical genius with internal and external scars that have kept him from society. When he discovers Sadie West living in an abandoned factory he owns, he begins a journey to freedom and love he never quite expected.

This Beauty and the Beast story caught my attention from the first page and never let go. I loved how vibrant and unjudgemental Sadie was with Otis. I loved how she took her time with him and how intuitive she was regarding his fears. When they begin to fall in love she is even more cautious when she discovers what happened to his lost niece. This side story is heartwrenching, but has all the feels!

The author has captured the essentials of the human soul that cries out for love and a need to belong. While there wasn't a faith element to this book, it still spoke volumes, and I highly recommend it!

For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers via NetGalley.

This story begins with Sadie who is doing all she can to help her family make ends meet after her father takes ill.. Sadie shows perseverance and loyalty to her family even when things seem to get worse.

She winds up on a property, unbeknownst to her of a man, Otis Taylor, who has not been home to his community in quite some time.. He however comes back but with a dark secrets and a jaded past. Trust with him and people are almost nonexistent because of his past family ties. He plans to settle his affairs after experiencing conflicting loss and leave and start anew. Sadie through unfortunate circumstances winds up meeting him and he chooses to show kindness when she is left in a state almost out of hope. Through many interactions their friendship and trust grow with each other. Just when you think that there will be happy ending, circumstances happen and they are pulled apart. Sadie proves to be loyal to her family and her friends and even when it seem Otis has not many to trust, he finds out just how mistaken he is. I loved this story and couldn't hardly put it down. The Epilogue was amazing and the perfect ending to a story of loving someone no matter what trials they've endured navigating the scars that remain.

I related to this story a little on a personal level of how sometimes you can do your best with everything within you but you feel like your just scraping by. Reaching out and trusting, even when it's hard is worth it. Beyond Ivy Walls is slightly like a Beauty & the Beast retelling, but I see some Cinderella and some dark and light tones of Jane Eyre thrown in there. This book releases in a few months so put it on your TBR list!

I actually found this book a delight to read.
Fordham does such a good job in bringing out triumph over tragedy.
I found myself liking this story more and more and in the process of becoming the best Beauty and Beast retelling ever.
Patience is a virtue my mom always said and in the end comes rewards.
Can't rule out a few disappointments but then joy couldn't be found either.
I finished this book overnight because I just couldn't put it down.
I also liked the story because it was a kind of Phantom of the Opera deal too.
Only without the music.
My favorite musical.
This book will definitely make you have a lot of emotions for sure!
Sadie and Otis will not let you put this story down until it's over. I ended up loving them both and let's not forget the dog too!
So very good!!!
I'm giving this story 5 stars for a wonderful story that kept my attention all the way through.
I highly recommend it!
I can't wait until the next one!

This is a review for Netgalley, for the upcoming book from author Rachel Fordham titled Beyond Ivy Walls, and that will be released on August13th. (I was given a copy in return for my honest review.). As soon as I read the first few pages of this book, I was so engrossed that I sat and read it thru in one day, it was that good! The story line was so good that I kept turning page after page because I didn't want it to stop!.. When I finished it, I felt kind of sad because I loved the characters, the plot, and the climax so much because this book is so well written! The characters face real life situations and difficult struggles, but in the midst of them, we find grace, hope, friendship, courage and love all wrapped up in a story that I couldn't put down! I can't recommend this book highly enough, and I give it 5 stars, and really was excited to review such an incredible book! There isn't one thing I would change about it! Rachel Fordham has been added to my favorite authors list for sure, and I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did!

This book has everything you could wish for and more. It is not just a romance but a story that takes you on a journey of love, acceptance,forgiveness and healing.
It showcases how a person is not defined by their looks but what's in their hearts. Sadie can see that there is more to Otis than his outward appearance and it is from looking beyond the scars to the real person that a romance blossoms. Also through that relationship healing of the heart takes place peace instead of anguish joy instead of sorrow.
This story will have you smiling and crying but it is so worth the read.
Thank you to Rachel Fordham and Net Galley for an advanced copy to honestly read and review. I can not wait to read more from this author.

Otis grew up feeling like he wasn't enough, that his scars and medical condition were something he had to hide and it left him grumpy and broken. He returns to his family estate after being sent away as a child and is only at the estate to sell it. But he runs into Sadie in one of his abandoned warehouses. Sadie is homeless and working away from her family to help provide after her father has an accident and can not work. Otis takes note of Sadies situation and offers her a job and a place to stay in his mansion. At first, they are at odds with each other, they are opposites... she's hiding her concerns, hes hiding his past. But with time the walls come down. But...Sadie has promised her heart to another before she ever met Otis, what happens when the first man in her life reappears? And Otis has no intention of sticking around, once the property sells, he's leaving!

This story is just so honest and so raw when it comes to the struggles of both characters. They both have what the other doesn't. He has wealth, status, and people throwing themselves at his feet unknowingly but no one will accept him as he is, and his own family sent him away as a child. She has a loving family, is a hard worker, and doesn't complain... but her days are filled in turkey filth, she has no money, no home, and the man she loved hasn't been returning her advances. They BOTH breathe life into each other. He steps up for her, and her for him and this story just shows how two people from two different lives somehow become interwoven with each other.

This story is not just romantic, its also hilarious at times as they pick on each other and make jokes at each others expense.


If you like tropes such as...
Forced proximity
Grumpy/Sunshine
Pen pals
Friends to more... THIS is your story!
Loved it!!! I need a physical copy of the book!

***Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy. The review is all my own opinion.

Oh my Rachel you have done it again. You compared this novel to a mixture of beauty and the beast and light between the oceans. You were spot on. I fell in love with Otis and Sadie right away. The last few chapters of this book left me sobbing. So many sweet gestures of grace and love.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, this book was a beautiful, engaging, thought provoking read. I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the early 1900’s. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, I enjoyed all the characters, especially Otis and Sadie and how their friendship blossomed into love. I highly recommend this beautiful romance that also touches on the goodness of people and their willingness to overlook physical differences and see a person’s strengths and good qualities.

Beauty and the Beast set in horse-and-carriage period Iowa
Sadie West has left her close-knit family behind to work at a feather duster factory in order to bring in money while her father is sidelined by injury. Otis Taylor is the absent heir apparent of the leading family in Monticello, Iowa. But all is not as it seems. Otis' father left him with debilitating physical and emotional scars. As you would guess, these two run across each other and the story develops from there.

Fordham weaves in interesting elements of the time and presents some real struggles for both characters. She adds more elements than the children's story of Beauty and the Beast. I appreciate the setting because it allows for a G -rated book that still shows character struggles and growth. I gave it five stars because I was eager to return to the book and find out the end of the story. Thanks to the publishers for my advance reading copy. My own opinions are expressed here.

This book.

THIS
BOOK

Oh. My. Heart. I couldn’t count the number of times that tears pricked my eyes as I read. Tears of happiness. Because Sadie and Otis’s story is just amazing. Or should I say Jane Squatter and Mr. Rochester 🤭

It was almost like a fairy tale. A little bit of Beauty and the Beast, but also some Cinderella (blue dress!). And then it also fit so well with the movie Rigoletto.

Falling in love with Sadie was easy. But falling in love with Otis took a little more time. Both had pure, beautiful hearts, though one bore some scars. Sadie was the key to help Otis’s heart feel again.

Because of his past Otis didn’t want his niece to feel the same pain that he experienced, which caused him to have to make a choice that was tough, but was the right choice. And in the end he was rewarded for making the right choice. And when he made that choice it was just 🫠🫠

Beyond Ivy Walls is a beautiful story of true selfless love. One that is a must-read!

And the epilogue. One of my favorites.

Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the early copy, I cannot wait to put a physical copy in my shelf!

Beyond Ivy Walls was a wonderful book. Sadie has left her family and home to find work. Her father is very sick and she needs to find a way to help. She finds a job at a factory. She has also found a old building where she can live. One morning she comes across a dog. Little does she know how this dog will change her life. Otis has come back with his dog to his family home to make preparations to sell his home and settle things. Everyone is waiting for him to come back. Otis and Sadie meet and he offers her a job. There is a lot that goes on In this book. I really enjoyed watching the charters get to know each other and help each other. This book was given to me by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

This heart-tugging, emotional story, set in Monticello, Iowa, in the early 1900s, captured me with the first line and held me fast to the delightfully satisfying ending. The intriguing plot flows at a steady pace with wonderfully crafted characters facing real-life struggles driving it forward. I love Sadie and Otis and have added them to my list of Favorite Fictional Characters. The epistolary element of the story is cleverly written and humorous. I love the Jane Eyre references! This is the kind of book that leaves you with a smile, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a book! Beauty and the Beast meets Cinderella with the flavor of a Jane Austen tale and a subtle nod to Jane Eyre. I loved this book so much and it's my favorite of Rachel Fordham's books.

This is a story of emotional healing, courage and sacrificial love. It's a sweet love story with well-developed characters, and every time I had to put the book down, I couldn't wait to get back to it!

Light on faith elements, but clean and wholesome, this story teaches important lessons about acceptance of " . . . a different kind of normal" person.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Net Galley. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I highly recommend it.

I'm reading a very good book, Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham. This is a retelling of a Beauty and the Beast. A young pianist has been turned away by his father because he suffered from a rare condition of alopecia. At the time (1903) there was really nothing known of the condition. Otis employees a young woman who sees Otis for the gentle spirit that he has and with each chapter -- it gets better and better. There is also a mystery. It seems that his dead brother left behind a child. Since Otis was sent away, he is determined to find and raise his niece. Will he find love and the family he so desperately seeks? Read this book to find out.

I’ve read and loved all of Rachel Fordham’s books. Just like the rest of her books, this one is something special. I loved every minute spent reading this beautiful story. I couldn’t put it down and I felt all of the emotions while reading it.❤️

I absolutely loved the main characters! Sadie and Otis were both such lovable, beautiful characters. Sadie was the sunshine to Otis’s grump and I loved their sweet romance so much. Their banter made me laugh and their love for one another made me tear up. I loved watching their friendship develop into something more and I love that their romance is based on more than mere physical attraction. Oh, and I adored the letters they wrote to each other. It was one of the sweetest romances I’ve ever read. ❤️

This book touched my heart in so many ways and made me feel all the feels. There were lighthearted moments but there were a lot of deep, emotional moments too. I teared up more than once. Otis’s story was an emotional and heartbreaking one but beautiful too. Seeing his character growth throughout the book was beautiful to read. Seeing Sadie see him for more than his scars was also so beautiful.
And the epilogue was perfect.❤️

In conclusion, this book was absolutely beautiful! It’s now one of my favorite books by Rachel (and that’s saying a lot because it’s so hard for me to pick favorites since they’re all so good!)
If you’re looking for a book that’ll touch your heart, make you cry, and then put a smile on your face, I highly recommend you read Beyond Ivy Walls.❤️

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.

Thank you to @netgalley and @ThomasNelsonFiction for this ARC. Sadie is living in an abandoned warehouse while she works at the feather duster factory to support her family after her dad is injured. When the owner of the warehouse shows up and can only take compassion on her situation, this story begins. Sweet, sweet story. If you haven't read Rachel Fordham, you should start! #BeyondIvyWalls #RachelFordham #ThomasNelsonFiction #Aug2024

This book gave me serious Beauty and the Beast vibes! Maybe that's why I loved it so much, given it reminded me of my favorite Disney movie.

Apart from that, the story was so beautifully written, the character development was well done, and the plot was compelling. Also, the predominant theme and message of really thinking through how we treat people who look different than us is so very important. The author handled this so well! The main female character, Sadie, was someone I could see myself being friends with because of her kindness and compassion in how she treated Otis and others.

My only complaint about the book is that I did not want it to end! This was my first Rachel Fordham novel and it will not be my last!

It's a surprisingly clever and super sweet Beauty and the Beast retelling. I'll admit I was hesitant to read it when I noticed the Christian category—I'm just not familiar with what to expect—but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt all of the feelings and couldn't put it down.

I LOVED this heartwarming book. Otis and Sadie are the most delightful characters. The mystery is engaging and the Guilded Age historical content is beautifully brought to life in this very enjoyable book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

This book was simply beautiful. The writing was gorgeous, the characters were vivid and dynamic and the story was fantastic. There really aren’t enough wonderful things I can say about this book - see how I’m breaking out all the big and flowery words? That’s how much I enjoyed this read!

Beauty and the Beast is my favorite story and this book has elements of the story that make it a great retelling.

This may have been my first book by Rachel Fordham but it certainly will not be my last!

A beautiful story to remind us to look beyond the outward appearance to the heart within. A sweet Beauty and the Beast retelling, with some interesting historical details as well.
Otis tugged at my heart! His mental and physical scars are definitely deep but with Sadie’s help he finds hope again. Many beautiful pictures of true selfless love.
Otis’s staff and Sadie’s family were super as well.
Favorite quote: “In your presence I feel hopeful. You remind me that I am not alone and that I never truly was. Thank you for looking me in the eyes and believing that I, Otis Taylor, am merely a different kind of normal.”
This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

I learned about this author recently and have loved all her books I’ve read. This book has been touted as a beauty and the beast retelling. Sadie and Otis help each other with challenges they face. They draw out the best in each other. I loved their story. Sadie’s family, especially her sisters were delightful as well. Mildred and Leon, the caretakers of Otis’s home were endearing as well. The story flowed so well. There was faith content, which I prefer. It was a Christian, historical fiction. Highly recommend. The end was heartwarming and the author’s notes were interesting. I was blessed with a free ARC, and I’m voluntarily leaving my opinion.

Both the female lead and the male lead were very likable characters. I found myself routing for them and wanting them to overcome their obstacles and unite. I usually know by the first chapter if a story has captured my interest and it certainly did with the appearance of Sadie, the female lead. Her struggles and endurance made me want better for her. Otis, the male lead, had me horrified with the tortures he had to endure which caused physical scars that crippled him socially. Once Sadie meets Otis, things start to change for them and I enjoyed seeing them get to know one another. There is also a family secret but you have to read it to find out what it was. It was a touching story and I very much enjoyed it!

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham was a delightful story from the very first page. Sadie, ever the optimist, was so charming, so joyous and Otis, despite his challenges, was a true good-hearted gentleman. I loved the banter between these two characters. This story did my heart good. It gave me all the feels!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rachel Fordham has become an automatic buy author for me. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish.

A different take on Beauty and The Beast in the guilded age. The characters in this book were so likeable and each one was unique. You have Sadie, the young woman, who came to the city for work to help her family; Otis, who was scared as a child and sent away only to return as the sole heir to his family home. Mildred and Leon were great side characters that brought something more to the story.

I also loved the message that we are more than what is seen on the outside. Our hearts are what really matter. I will be buying this book as soon as it comes out.

'...People are much like plants. There is so much more to them that cannot be seen. Ambitions and dreams. Fears and hopes. Buried beneath the soil, overlooked, but vital...'

This is my first book by this author and I'm very excited to see her backlist AND what she writes next. I thought the writing was beautiful. It held my attention, it was emotional and I love a book that leaves you closing it wanting to be a better person-this book did just that!

This is a great Beauty and the Beast-esque book. The characters have their own stories to tell, their own challenges to overcome and being able to see it all wrap up in one story was a gift.

I thought Otis played his role well and was a great "beasty" male main character. Sadie has a heart of gold and I love that we got to see her thoughts so much. This is a dual point of view novel and the pacing was expertly crafted. The letter writing was a great aspect of this book and I looked forward to each and every single one of them. The setting was immersible and I thought the author did a great job of weaving information throughout to keep the reader hooked!

This is a book worth reading and I definitely recommend it!

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

Content: familial relationships (both good and bad), off-page mention of intimacy between a non-married couple resulting in a pregnancy, emotional and physical scars, romance- kisses only.

This story takes place in the early 1900’s in a small Midwest town. It kind-of reminds me of “Beauty and the Beast”. Sadie West is a farmer’s daughter who moves to town to work a job to help support her family. She comes to work for the mysterious Otis Taylor. Otis is the last of the influential Taylor family and was sent away years ago by his father. His return to town is kept a secret for reasons of his own. Despite Otis’ unpleasant personality, Sadie and he become friends. Otis and Sadie learn a lot about friendship, trust, and love from each other. Themes of acceptance, true love, and true beauty abound in this story. Rachel Fordham is one of my favorite authors and this is going up there as one of my favorites of her books.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Rachel Fordham is one of the very first authors that I picked up when I started reading a couple of years ago. I was excited to get a chance to read this upcoming release. I will say that the beginning was a bit difficult for me. That was definitely impacted by a different book that I was reading. It was set during a war and was very heavy and rather depressing. This one started out with some heavier moments, and I was a little concerned. Never fear! Ms. Fordham came to the rescue and provided just what I needed.

There was humor sprinkled in with the romance. I appreciated other aspects of the story as well. Family relationships take centerstage throughout the book, in several ways. That was heartwarming as well. Having followed the author on some of her social media platforms, I could see how some real life events were being introduced in the story. Members of my family are embarking on similar journeys, and that drew me to this story as well.

I also appreciated that the main characters had flaws, both visible and invisible that were addressed in a tasteful manner.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley. I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I couldn't get enough! From the very first page I was so invested in Sadie and Otis, eagerly turning pages to see where their story would lead next. Not your typical "don't judge a book by its cover" story, this tale weaves the fragile but resilient human spirit in and throughout each character. Each chapter will tug on your heart, have you rooting for justice and love, and anticipating what comes next. A five star reading that I cannot wait to read again!

What a beautiful story this was! I must admit, I didn't read the blurb on this one before I started reading, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but right away the Beauty and the Beast vibes were evident to me. That just so happens to be one of my favorite fairy tales, so that was a pleasant surprise. While the nods to that classic story were evident, it was still very much its own unique story too. Sadie and Otis drew me in right away... they both had their fair share of struggles that they had to overcome in their lives. Among them, was Otis' alopecia and treatments that had left him scarred and ultimately living as a recluse. The actual condition is not named in the story, as I assume it was not as known at this point in history, which I thought made his story all that much more compelling. Sadie sees beyond his exterior and the two share a beautiful and tender love story that I absolutely could not get enough of. This was truly such a beautiful story with so much emotion... one of my favorite historical reads of the year so far! I absolutely loved it. If you love historical romance and/or fairy tale retellings, this is absolutely one you will not want to miss.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the best retelling of Beauty and the Beast I have ever read! I loved it! It’s everything you want in historical fiction that doesn’t cover a war. Sadie is a little headstrong and unruly from being raised on the farm. Otis is wounded and skeptical of others after being rejected and abused by his father. Circumstances bring the two together and Sadie’s determination gets directed towards Otis’s healing. She is so patient with him as she gently pushes him towards being free from his past and breaking the chains of lies spoken over him. I loved the banter, the letters exchanged, and the subplot oh my 🥹 What a beautiful story of healing, walking in freedom from the fear of man, and defining what true beauty is.

I was provided the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel by Thomas Nelson, the author and NetGalley. I went into this novel fairly blind as I adore Rachel’s novels and trust that her works are amazing! I quickly realized this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I was hooked! It is a tale as old as time and a classic near and dear to me. Rachel’s take on this novel was absolutely fantastic. It is a historical fiction however is not a novel set around a war. (Rare I know!)

This novel focuses on Sadie a worker in a local factory whose boyfriend is away at college. Otis is a male whose family exiled him a long while ago and he has been away working on his music. Sadie and Otis spark up a friendship and she is so patient and kind towards him despite his traumas.

This novel is everything and more!

What a delightful, enchanting tale, with an almost ethereal, magical beauty at times—reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast and the classic, Jane Eyre. I was instantly drawn in with amusement when our lovely heroine, Sadie, who happens to be squatting on grumpy Otis Taylor's land, instantly dubs him Edward Rochester and he in turn nicknames her Jane Squatter. When the wealthy, reclusive, enigmatic man hires Sadie to work in his mansion—a precious, but awkward friendship ensues.

Otis isn't your stereotypical storybook hero . . . tall, dark, and handsome. However, Sadie sees past his appearance to his sweet, gentle nature. It's so sad how the world judges the outward appearance of a person, when God looks on the heart. The only thing I truly didn't like was the hero's name, Otis Taylor. All I could think about throughout the entire book was Otis and Andy Taylor on the Andy Griffith show. lol But please don't let that ruin it for you. Beyond Ivy Walls is a heartwarming, well-written novel with a HEA I highly recommend!

"I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a favorable review."

When her father is injured, Sadie goes to work at a feather duster factory to help her family pay the bills. She doesn't enjoy all the gossip the other girls engage in, but listens just to help pass the time. Otis Taylor, younger son of a well to do family, is the subject of much of the gossip. Will he ever return to town and share his music with them? Could one of the girls get him to fall for her? Sadie loses her room in the boarding house and stays in a vacant factory by the Taylor home, she becomes friends with Otis's dog and eventually meets Otis. He is not the man the townspeople think he is. As the friendship between Otis and Sadie develop, she helps him overcome some of his insecurities and his reclusive nature. In turn, he helps her father. In Beyond the Ivy Walls, Rachel Fordham give us a window into the world of someone who suffers from a debilitating condition, someone who was rejected by his father, someone who is afraid. She helps us see what kindness and acceptance can mean.
It was a wonderful read. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

Sadie is a young woman who moved to Monticello to work in a feather factory in order to send money back to her family. Her father has been confined to bed after an injury, and her mother and sisters are trying to keep the farm going. Working in the factory is a lonely experience for Sadie. Between the coworkers and the job itself, she just tries to get through every day.

Interestingly enough, the women gossip all day, and Sadie has heard about Otis, the son of a rich family in Monti. He left town years ago to develop his musical talent, and the rumor is that he is returning anytime. All of Monti is excited to see how this handsome, rich man has turned out, and the young ladies are hoping for a chance to be courted by him. But Otis doesn’t want anyone to know he has returned. He just wants to finalize his family’s affairs and leave Monti for good.

But Sadie has other dreams, though. She is anticipating the day she can return home, and the man she loves will return from school and declare his love for her.

This is the 4th book I've read by Rachel Fordham, and I am enjoying them. I loved this story! It took me a little bit to get into it, but once it got going I was all in. Sadie is sweet, compassionate and hopeful, while Otis needs a friend to pull him out of his pain. I loved both of them. With Sadie it was the writing, and with Otis it was his music.

If you want to swoon over your books, this has some scenes that will make your heart melt. Just 😍!

You will enjoy this book if you like...
🌿 Sweet, clean romance
🌿 Family secrets
🌿 Beauty & the Beast vibes
🌿 Strong female characters
🌿 Character development
🌿 The swoon factor

Content:
❤️ Only sweet kisses
⚠️ Mild descriptions of physical injury & emotional abuse, child abandonment

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