Synopsis:~
Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.
But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.
Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart . . . and hers as well?
Necee’s take:~
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. In An Ivy Hill 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 moved 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. It was a lovely introduction to the Ivy Hill series, which I am looking forward to reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Klassen @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Julie’s website
Buy at Amazon: An Ivy Hill Christmas or Koorong
November 14, 2020 at 12:19 am
I love decorating the Christmas tree! And reading Christmas-themed stories,
November 14, 2020 at 1:32 am
My dad was the one to create the majority of Christmas traditions for our family. He passed away earlier this year and I’m trying not to dread the approach of my favorite season. I think all of his traditions are now my favorites, but I would like to try to create new ones now that he is gone.
November 14, 2020 at 1:43 am
Hallmark Christmas movies! Yep, I’m that sappy :-)!
November 14, 2020 at 3:09 am
I love having my Christmas tree up. Don’t always love the process of decorating it – ha! – but love enjoying it 🙂
November 14, 2020 at 6:40 am
I enjoy putting up the Christmas decorations, listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies.
November 14, 2020 at 9:02 am
Decorating, listening to Christmas music, reading the nativity story, and watching my kids open their presents!
November 14, 2020 at 9:43 am
I love having my family around, hearing the Christmas music, and all the lights.
November 14, 2020 at 11:58 am
The Christmas tradition I enjoy most is getting together with all my family.
November 14, 2020 at 12:39 pm
OOOH! I have been looking at this book and really want to read it!
November 14, 2020 at 1:43 pm
I really enjoy doing my 31 Christmas book reviews in 31 days!
November 14, 2020 at 3:32 pm
I just love the beautiful decorated tree at night with so many special and memorable ornaments. That book was just fantastic. I just wish they would have included Richard’s dog Wally with him on the cover!
November 14, 2020 at 5:57 pm
My grandfather loved the holidays more than all the rest of my family put together. He came from a close-knit, loving family unit. They didn’t have a lot of money, but they had a lot of heart, and he had a happy childhood. He was a Christmas Tree Expert Extraordinaire! He also loved all the foods of the holidays, and every year he would ask me to make Spritz Cookies. I can’t tell you how many of those little butter cookies we ate, but they were as much fun to make as they were to eat!
November 14, 2020 at 6:59 pm
I love anything Julie Klassen writes! And I can’t wait to get a copy of this book to read!
November 14, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Julie is a great writer. My niece is a fan of hers who got me into reading her books. My favorite things to do at Christmas is to make gifts for people, decorate the tree, and be with family on Christmas day.
November 15, 2020 at 12:30 am
We enjoy watching It’s A Wonderful Life while trimming the tree.
November 15, 2020 at 1:08 am
Probably the special foods that we typically don’t cook at other times during the year.
November 15, 2020 at 4:16 am
I enjoy visiting live nativities.
November 15, 2020 at 6:44 am
Helping my mom bake. I’m definitely not a cook but I enjoy the time spent with her. Thanks for the chance.
November 15, 2020 at 10:42 am
Celebrating Christ with friends.
November 16, 2020 at 3:28 am
I enjoy watching my two different versions of ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’, visiting historic homes decorated with period decorations, reading the story of Christ’s birth in the Gospel of Luke, and listening to sacred and secular Christmas music. Thanks for the great post and nice giveaway. :0}
November 18, 2020 at 3:18 pm
We play Christmas music starting at Thanksgiving, through the month of December and up to New Year’s Day. I also love when our family gets together at our childhood home to celebrate Christmas with our mom.
November 21, 2020 at 12:06 pm
I love making cut-out sugar cookies with frosting with my 2 daughters.
December 5, 2020 at 8:26 am
Christmas 🎄 Music 🎶 from Thanksgiving 🦃 until New Years 🎉