Kerst op Ivy Hill

Tales from Ivy Hill

by Julie Klassen

In ‘Kerst op Ivy Hill’ van Julie Klassen wordt er kerst gevierd in het idyllische dorpje. Richard Brockwell is al jaren niet thuis geweest met kerst. Hij is veel liever in Londen, ver van zijn ouderlijk huis, waar hij kan ontsnappen aan de vele familiegeheimen en de pijn uit het verleden. Maar wanneer Richards moeder dreigt zijn toelage stop te zetten als hij niet langskomt met kerst, keert hij met tegenzin terug naar Ivy Hill. Deze kerst op het platteland brengt vele verrassingen met zich mee, waaronder ontmoetingen met een wees, zijn eerste liefde en Arabella Awdry… een dame die veel aantrekkelijker is dan hij zich herinnert.

Zal kerst op Ivy Hill, met de romantische sfeer van het platteland en de vreugdevolle kerstliederen, een magische verandering in het hart van Richard teweeg kunnen brengen?

Als extraatje bevalt ‘Kerst op Ivy Hill’ een kort verhaal van Dineke Epping, waarin fans van De draad die ons verbindt hun favoriete personages zullen zien terugkeren.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Regency

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.
Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Tina(why is GR limiting comments?!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I love a good Regency Christmas story! This is Christian Lit but I'd consider it light. It had all the Goodwill and Tidings that one would expect from it 🎄 This one started a little slow for me but it picked up and was quite endearing by the end.

Although I consider the narration good this is one time I think I could have benefitted more from reading the book.

This is a novella and part of a series. I have not read any of the other books and feel that this can be read as a stand-alone.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Something in his chest cracked, then loosened, and a tendril of joy sprouted in his heart.'

Oh, how good it was to visit dear Ivy Hill again! This charming village with it's wonderful mix of residents have quite grown attached to my heart.

Richard Brockwell comes home for Christmas at the near demand of his mother. Richard-who quite sees himself as so jaded as not to need anyone. But Richard has not reckoned on these dear inhabitants of Ivy hill.

Full of charm and so delightful, An Ivy Hill Christmas will just, quite simply, make your heart smile. In fact, I found my face and heart doing just that and often. Julie Klassen is incredibly adept at a stunning Regency. I have been reading her since her very first book and she just ticks all the boxes for a great Regency novel. Her work this time has just been amazing-so amazing that this book just may be my favorite of the entire series! And a plus is the gorgeous cover! An Ivy Hill Christmas if so full and rich and will warm your heart with it's precious holiday cheer. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Randi Annie Framnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Richard Brockwell arrives in Ivy Hill for a Christmas visit, he is unprepared to meet childhood friend Arabella Awdry . She is familiar with his reputation as a rake and a libertine and she avoids him like the plague, while he keeps staying away from all eligible ladies.
An Ivy Hill Christmas is the Christmas historical romance novella by Julie Klassen, published by Bethany House Publishers. The story is set in fictional village Ivy Hill 1822 and we follow younger son Richard Brockwell as he comes to spend Christmas with his family. His mother wants to cut him off financially if he doesn’t make an effort to find a suitable lady to marry. Richard tries to scare off every eligible lady and continue his care-free life in London. His childhood friend Arabella Awdry also has no plans to marry and wants to spend her time doing charity work in London. They come to have a nice and relaxing time together, but Arabella is convinced Richard cannot be trusted.

Main character is budding, yet unpublished author, Richard Brockwell who seems a seriously shallow and uncharitable man with a bad reputation in London. I loved to follow his journey as he stayed with family and friends in Ivy Hill.

Supporting character is bluestocking philanthropist, Arabella Awdry. She is a strong and independent lady who is seriously unimpressed by Richard’s behavior around women; but has a secret wish for love and happiness. I liked her multilayered character a lot and she is my favorite of this story.

This sweet story was such a pleasure to read. It gave me all the Christmassy feels with the decorating, carol singing and church going. Even the rare occasion of snow. I loved how the beautiful book cover also set the tone of what to expect.

As always I loved Julie Klassen’s signature writing and the light and amusing dialogue. I particularly enjoyed the mystery element to do with a secret from Richard’ past.
My favorite part of the story was descriptions of church on Christmas Day. The part I found less enjoyable was descriptions of how a printer’s apprentice was treated. But I felt it made an excellent dramatic element.

When Richard scared Arabella off and she made her lack of interest in him blathantly clear, they both relaxed more which made room for feelings to grow. Richard seemed to go through a substantial change from his self serving life and become more aware of people around him.

This story is recommended for anyone who enjoys historical romance fiction and for fans of Julie Klassen. Similar authors to explore might be Kristi Ann Hunter or Erica Vetsch.

Thank you to publisher House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Conclusion: This is the entertaining Christmas novella about confirmed bachelor Richard Brockwell who pretends to be a rake and Arabella Awdry who pretends to be a spinster. A satisfying Christmas add-on to the Tales from Ivy Hill series and the perfect read on a quiet afternoon in front of the fire or while on a break from Christmas preparations.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another sweet historical romance written by the talented Julie Klassen, and is a must for Ivy Hill fans. I confess I have not read any of the earlier books in this series, but enjoyed it just the same. There are a few nods to Pride and Prejudice in this story, which I absolutely loved. But, of course, there is plenty of mistletoe and holly, snow and sleigh rides, presents and sweets thrown in. In fact, I literally made myself a cup of hot chocolate, curled up on the couch and got lost in this lovely story. I suggest you do the same.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need a break during the busy holidays and this novella taking place in nineteenth century England is a wonderful way to relax with your spot of tea.
I have previously visited Ivy Hill in the other books in this series but even if you haven't I think you'll enjoy reading this.
I loved the infusion of the British words and mannerisms and traditions.
Starting out a bit scrooge like simply thinking of himself our main character has a drastic change of heart which is so heart warming to see.
Very well researched and presented, I enjoyed An Ivy Hill Christmas and how it warmed my heart and left me feeling uplifted.

My review on my blog here https://cnnamongirl.wixsite.com/websi...

Pub Date 01 Sep 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful story about a young man coming home to his family and his faith...this one has all the Christmas-story fuzzies I look for in this sort of story. We get to catch up with the characters from the three previous books and meet some enjoyable new ones, especially young Jamie, an apprentice. The setting is richly portrayed and even a little dog is part of the tale.

If you’re looking for a cozy Christmas story, look no farther!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. I bought a paperback and have based the review on the finished version. A favorable review was not required.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Brockwell is a careless playboy content to live off of his family's money in London. But it is Christmas season, 1822, and his mother has summoned him. He is to come home for Christmas or his funds will be cut off. Left with no choice, Richard heads for Ivy Hill. Before, during, and after his journey, a dog, a boy, and a beautiful woman threaten to open up his cold heart. Will God do the rest?

I loved this beautiful story of redemption, charity, and second chances. . This wonderful novella will speak to anyone who has struggled with forgiveness and anyone who has longed for a chance to right old wrongs. The characters are well written and memorable, especially Richard, Arabella, and the boy Jamie. And let's not forget Wally!

It was fun to read about and join in Christmas celebrations from 1800's England, and there was even a recipe at the end of the book.

This is actually my first visit to Ivy Hill, but it won't be the last. I plan to go back and catch up on Julie Klassen's "Tales From Ivy Hill" series.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

[Rachel McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I JUST WANT TO LIVE IN THE MAGIC THAT IS THIS BOOK


ALL THE REGENCY CATNIP


light some candles and low your lights and light a gingerbread candle or something pine-y and slip into this sumptuous world

Also love Richard ( hello Jesper from "Klaus" vibes and you know how much I love him) and Arabella and want to find a Christmas love.


okay?


thanks.

[Yvonne G · Rating 4 out of 5]

“unexpected romance changes the heart of one determined bachelor”

The ‘Ivy Hill’ books are a series, with this shorter novella being a Christmas addition. However the author has invested great efforts in making An Ivy Hill Christmas work as a stand alone story, which it does beautifully. Any references to previous events are no more than could be expected from any other stand alone story, and the characters are all wonderfully drawn with relationships explained as part of the ongoing narrative and dialogue.

Also important for me, is that, whilst Ivy Hill is a fictional family estate in Wiltshire, the village of Wishford, near Salisbury, is most definitely not. As this is only a few miles from home, I would count this as a local to me story, which makes it so much more attractive and appealing.

The strong opening sequence is followed by a heart-warming, slightly predictable storyline, although no more so than I would have expected from a period romance, with the package being topped off, as I might have hoped, with a satisfying and totally wholesome ending.

The period research is meticulous and clearly undertaken with great enthusiasm and attention to detail, which is easily explained by the author’s love of all things Jane Austen and British period romantic drama. The realism and authenticity is apparent, even down to the ‘Queen’s English’ spelling in the narrative and dialogue, although I did spot a couple of lapses back into ‘American English’, but I can forgive those in the overall scheme of things.

In a richly crafted, well developed storyline, which is equally plot and character driven; a rich in detail, social commentary of the times unfolds into a saga of a fractured family reunited, overlaid with unexpected signs of spirituality, hard won forgiveness and serendipitous acts of generosity and kindness. Some visually descriptive narrative and entertaining observational dialogue, make this hugely atmospheric story, one to escape into on a cold winter’s day, putting the reader right at ease and at the centre of the action.

The characters are like the pages of an open book, easy to relate to and become invested in, despite their emotional complexity and their individual searches for a sense of belonging. They are remarkably multi-faceted and engaging, with a surprisingly welcome genuine depth of feeling and synergy between them.

The Brockwell’s are Ivy Hill’s most prominent family and whilst class will ultimately always prevail in this Regency saga, the various members of this largely philanthropic family are a little more generous to the estate villagers and more attentive and caring towards their staff, than many of their landed gentry counterparts. It transpires that the two Brockwell sons, heir Sir Timothy and his younger brother Richard, share an unspoken and closely guarded secret, about which neither has spoken for many years, with each in ignorance of the others knowledge of the matter. It is from this single act of betrayal by a third party, that whilst Timothy treads the path of least resistance and wisely holds his council, Richard chooses the future which he knows will most irk and rile the betrayer and forges for himself a reputation which is self fulfilling and only designed to add to, rather than lessen his feelings of hurt and grief. Thus the brothers are rather set at odds with one another, although neither knows why, creating a compelling backdrop for a storyline which is perceptive, clips along at a good pace, and is written with total maturity and intuition.

Leaving his self-imposed exile in London to come home to Ivy Hill for Christmas, for what is the first time in some while, Richard has his long buried demons forced out into the open, where he has to reconcile them with his conscience. In so doing he must accept that those he has wronged in the past have chosen to forgive him, even though he is struggling to forgive himself. Until he can come to terms with and accept the random acts of kindness which are bestowed upon him, he can never move forward to be the man he is truly destined to be, rather than the penance he thinks he needs to shoulder, as he silently searches for atonement from the sins of the fathers and eventual reconciliation with his family.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return once again to a snug English village tucked away along a coaching road and this time the holiday season brings more than Christmas cheer. The Tales of Ivy Hill are an interrelated series of inspirational historical romances that bring a whole village to life, introduced burdened characters who grow and deepen relationships with friends, family, and sometimes their special someone. The books are tender, gently-paced stories that are set against a Regency period historical backdrop that has been well-researched even if the village of Ivy Hill and its characters are fictitious.

In this fourth installment to the series, the Brockwell prodigal son, Richard, who has seemingly been living the swinging bachelor life in London at the family townhouse while surreptitiously writing satire for his friend’s magazine and working on getting his novels published, is given an ultimatum by his mother. Come home for the holidays or lose her generous allowance.
Richard has been avoiding his family and the family home for years. It pains him because he feels he doesn’t fit into the family and he knows the hurtful lie his father perpetrated and the family still revers the man. Then there is the fact that his mother blatantly schemes to get him married off when he has firm intentions to remain a bachelor. He is certain that she has a prospective lady in mind already. If he must go and suffer Christmas with his family, then he will not go alone. He invites his friend to accompany him along with a stray dog he took up and already has plans to get back to his London life as soon as he can.

Arabella Awdry knew Richard Brockwell was contemptible when they were younger, but his insulting words and attitude when he arrives prove to her that people do not change. She is prepared to avoid him at all costs no matter how hard her mother and his work to push them together. She is no longer that silly, giggling girl who crushes on handsome Richard and she has dreams of joining her aunt in London to do much-needed charitable work.
Only, Richard shows a caring side when he takes an interest in an orphaned printer’s apprentice, helps a destitute widow, and take a warm interest in his family. Which is the true Richard Brockwell? Her heart softens just as something occurs to prove she was right.

An Ivy Hill Christmas brings a flavor of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in its richly flavored historical English country holiday season and full-fledged characters. Richard is rather detestable in the beginning and I worried that my early opinion would hold true, but Klassen has a way of redeeming her characters and Richard is no exception. He has a great deal of hidden pain driving his behavior and unresolved guilt and blame that take the course of the whole book and many encounters with family and friends to help him sort out the past. Arabella seems to have it all together, but she does have a tendency to judge quickly and makes her mind up that Richard is a rakish fop to protect her tender heart so she believes appearances over his word.

While the book spotlights Richard and Arabella, there are strong and engaging secondary characters who have their own chance at Christmas romance and a reunion with all the primary characters from earlier books joining in for the Brockwell and Ivy Hill festivities. I loved seeing the ladies’ group seeing one of their own in need and working to better her situation and it was fun seeing the various holiday activities from the past.

The inspirational element is the Christmas story, of course, but also the need to forgive so healing can come. In Richard’s case it is about being forgiven for his past mistakes and also forgiving his deceased father for the past hurts.

All in all, it was a beautiful step back into the past full of nostalgia and good cheer, family and romance. I was missing Ivy Hill and it was lovely to return for the holiday season. Those who enjoy sweet historical or inspirational romance and women’s fiction should start from the beginning and give the series a try.

I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas 2021: NICE

Note: I always enjoy reading what others had to say about books that I've finished. For this one, some reviewers were unhappy with the Christian overtones, occasional mentions of God, forgiveness, the birth of Jesus, etc. So if you prefer your Christmas stories to be free from these distracting elements, this may not be a book for you.

An Ivy Hill Christmas was a very sweet novella with beautiful descriptions of traditions in the past. This is the second novel in a row I have read this season where the story takes place during a house party in England. I loved all the acts of charity and good will that the revelers engage in, as well as their own feasting, dancing, and games.

The main couple are Richard and Arabella; the author notes their romance is a "nod" to Pride and Prejudice (although there are two specific scenes that to me border on plagiarism!) so there was the expected arc of misunderstanding, reflection, change, and redemption.

I am new to the Ivy Hill books, and while there did seem to be some background from previous installments that might have enhanced my enjoyment of this one, it was still a fine read on its own. I would definitely read others in the series.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming Regency Christmas tale!

Richard Brockwell happily resides in London, but travels to Ivy Hill to visit his family for Christmas. He is a Scrooge that only thinks of himself and isn't excited about the visit.

After arriving in Ivy Hill, Richard's attitude begins to change as his eyes are opened to those in need around him. Seeing his transformation was the Christmas spirit in action. I adored his dog Wally, the counsel of Mrs. Reeves and the friendship of young Jamie.

Heartwarming Christmas tale! Highly recommended!

My gratitude to Celebrate Lit Tours for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading one more story set in Ivy Hill! We get to catch up with our favorite characters and see how life has been for them. This book is so well written. I felt like I was right there with the characters the whole time. I definitely loved this Christmas novella!




I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Ivy Hill Christmas was a good novella for the series. I liked getting a little more with these characters/setting. While I didn't love the story, just because I had difficulty getting into the book, I did find the last few chapters to be very good and I liked the book. Overall, if you've enjoyed the previous books in this series I think you'll like this one.  

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Bethany House, Julie Klassen, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

It is wonderful to go to Ivyhill! An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen readers are reunited with the community of Ivyhill, Jane, Mercy, and Rachel to name a few. This installment introduces Richard Brockwell who distances himself from his family. He stays in London, working on his novel, but finances send him home for the Christmas season. He doesn’t have fond memories of his family home and this time his mother and her friend are determined to set him up with Arabella Awdry. Arabella has zero intentions of getting married, especially to a man like Richard. There are rumors that surround him and why does he always talking to the nursemaid? However, Christmas has a way of miracles and sparking love in the most unusual places.

If you haven’t read any of the other books in the Ivyhill series, I would highly suggest reading those before picking up this charming Christmas novel. There are many characters, who are connected, and I can see how it would cause confusion for those who are not familiar with the series. Although Richard is not a frequent character in the previous books, it is mentioned why he has difficulty going home. It is pretty obvious from the beginning that his rude and arrogant personality is just a way to push everyone away. It is a little predictable how the plot is set up but that doesn’t make it any less touching.

My favorite aspect is Richard returning to his “adoptive” family. He regrets that he left and forgot about them. Seeing their home falling apart, he does everything he can to help them. As with any Christmas story, forgiveness plays a huge part in the plot. This one is inspiring and filled with hope. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars!

[Amina · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 40 percent

This book was the top 50 for something, I can’t remember.

It felt like a moral lesson—come to find out the author does Christian Lit.

I couldn’t finish without a substantial plot, and preachy tone.

2/5

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wondered what Christmas was like in Regency England, look no farther than An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen. Ms. Klassen fills the story with delightful characters and traditions. It makes me want to visit Ivy Hill. This reads more like a complete novel rather than a novella.
Richard Brockwell is a second son of a wealthy family. He is rather aimless, living only for himself. He struggles with feelings of worthlessness and longs to make his mark in the world.
“I do not deserve forgiveness.”
“My dear boy, none of us deserve 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.”
In this quaint story, we see him change, to reveal his heart for the unfortunate.
Arabella Awdry longs to depart for London to join her aunt in her charity endeavors.
Can Arabella and Richard each realize their dreams and will those dreams converge?
A lesson to take away is that we can find purpose and God’s will right where we are. He provides.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Really just lovely. When an author can take an unlovable character and make him into something wonderful it just does my heart good. This is very much reminiscent of the classic grinch trope. I also loved the themes of forgiveness and Gods grace. This novella made me want to read the rest of the series. My very first Klassen book did not disappoint.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huzzah! I enjoyed this entire series, but this Christmas novella was perfection to me. I loved everything about it. It was Christmasy, had wonderful regency elements, faith elements, and I adored how Klassen penned specific scenes from Pride and Prejudice and Emma into this enchanting romance.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start but a pleasant love story. Very reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. Had some nice faith mentions and forgiveness.

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ivy Hill. The whole series just feels so cozy, and all the characters feel like coming home. So when I picked up An Ivy Hill Christmas, I wasn’t surprised to find I loved it just as much as the other books.

Even though it’s been years since I first read the series, so many of the characters came back to mind. It wasn’t hard to jump back in and reacquaint myself with the intertwining plot lines, either.

And I have such a soft spot for characters like Richard—a man with a broken past, a once-rake and now changed. His arc was so well done!

In short, I adored this story, and I’m only too sad that it took me so long to read it. It is a standalone, so even though it’s not necessary to read the original novels beforehand, it does help to know who everyone is a bit better.

I look forward to revisiting all the tales from Ivy Hill soon!

Well done, Julie!!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An Ivy Hill Christmas” by Julie Klassen is a companion novella to her “Tales from Ivy Hill” trilogy. It can also be read as a standalone. I have absolutely loved her “Tales from Ivy Hill” novels! They remind me of the show “Lark Rise to Candleford” or any show with a small, English village set in the country where all the residents know one another. I became so invested in Ms. Klassen’s characters that I was so delighted to hear I would be able to visit Ivy Hill once more through this novella.

This book is everything a lover of Regency stories would want in a Christmas novella. It includes all the traditions and customs of the time and just has that “olde Christmas” feel to it. I was delighted to once again meet some of my favorite characters and get to know some new ones. My Jane Austen loving heart was excited to pick up hints or nods to “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” throughout Ms. Klassen’s novella. Of course, Ms. Klassen always includes beautiful sentiments and lessons. This story has lessons on forgiveness and on learning that a person is valuable and significant just as they are.

The characters of “An Ivy Hill Christmas” are well done, and I did not feel like the story was too rushed, as is often the case with novellas. I especially love Richard, our main character. I appreciated his transformation from a bit of a “bad boy” bachelor to a sweet and caring man. Of course, there is romance and a bit of a love triangle as well. I honestly went back and forth on who I wanted Richard to end up with.

I invite you to grab some mulled cider, your favorite blanket, start a warm fire and cozy up with this book. You will be transported to an idyllic country village during a 19th century Christmas.

Happy Christmas!

Content: This book is pretty much a clean read. Some examples of the content are: people drink alcohol and smoke pipes; someone curses, but the words aren’t actually written; mention of a woman’s bosom; a man had a mistress; a person has a past of sleeping with women before marriage; a boy is physically abused.

Rating: I give this book 5 Christmas bells.

I want to thank Julie Klassen, Bethany House, NetGalley and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Klassen returns to the charming town of Ivy Hill for this last book in the Ivy Hill series. Richard Brockwell is a rake content to live off his parents' money in London and gamble, chase the ladies, and have a good time. When his widowed mother informs him he will return home or be cut off from his monies, Richard decides he best return home. But will a dog, a young boy, and a lovely lady who has grown up from the pestering girl she was when he lived at home threaten to crack open his hard heart along with helping him find his lost faith?

A warm and comforting Christmas read that is a delight to curl up in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot chocolate and read.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful in every way, positively British, and living in England myself I can be quite rough on American writers. I applaud this author for making me feel festive and happy with this novella. Also, I rather like Richard 😉

[Lily]

Sale alert! $5.00 Paperback on Christianbook!

https://www.christianbook.com/hill-ch...

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella did not feel short at all. I really loved Richard and how he tried to find his way and overcome a bad reputation. It was also great to visit Ivy Hill Again.

I listened to the Audiobook. I will probably listen to it again sometime and might even rate it higher. There was a few times I was a bit distracted and found myself missing a something so will definitely want to either listen to this again or read the novella. I think it was more in the beginning before Richard's character growth where I felt a bit disengaged from the story. But by the end of the book I was definitely engaged and loved the lesson about forgiveness.

The narrator however is a favourite and again produced a great story!

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Tis the season to beginning re-reading some Christmas favourites:

---

I'm bedazzled. Best Christmas story ever. An Ivy Hill Christmas exudes all the warmth and cheer and heart-tugging moments found in all the classic holiday stories...and then some. Ivy Hill fans will be thrilled to get reacquainted with favourite characters from books past and meet some intriguing new ones. No worries, though, if you aren't familiar with the series, this can definitely be read (and enjoyed immensely!) by IH newbies. Just be prepared to be greeted by a barrage of friendly faces in the first few chapters and go with the flow. You'll feel settled in no time at all.

Unlike poor Richard who is decidedly unsettled by his mama's request to...gasp!...come home for Christmas! And his life continues to go all topsy-turvy from there. The social awakening of this spoiled gentleman is at the heart of the story. It's breath-takingly beautiful, and moving and uplifting. Absolutely everything I love to see in a Christmas tale delivered with exquisite precision by a gifted storyteller.

I loved all the historical details of Regency Christmas traditions. From decorating to partying to charitable works....I couldn't help but sigh over the naivete of a simpler time. We could all use this type of hearty Christmas cheer after this pandemic year!

And there's romance!!!! Multiples, in fact, which sent me into a swoony tilt-a-whirl of giddiness. Oh...and Wally, the dapper terrier!!!! He's worth the read alone. :-)

A charming, heartwarming, romantical celebration with the true meaning of Christmas at its very core.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/11/07/a...

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Regency Christmas to Delight Your Heart
Combining excellent characterization, sincere, effective faith elements without becoming preachy, and a story you want to savor, Julie Klassen ensured that my first book of hers will not be my last.

While Regency novels can be tiresomely predictable, not all are. In some ways, this one is no different. However, despite my saying that, there is nothing tiresome about An Ivy Hill Christmas. Instead, we’re treated to a realistic look at Regency nobility–all their faults and virtues.

One of the best things about this book is that despite being a novella, the story has rich layers that provide depth to a story that a weaker writer couldn’t have delivered. Brava! Indeed, characters are multi-faceted and while flawed, not irredeemable. The cast of characters is large without being cumbersome, and the author does credit to each one.

No, really. She does.
Although there were a few small things that I questioned historically, I doubt anyone would notice, and I suspect I am likely wrong. I didn’t look them up. Frankly, the story was so good and they were so minor that I didn’t care.

Thrilled to have been provided a review copy, I toss a delighted five stars like confetti without compulsion of any kind. In fact, I bought my own Kindle copy because it was on sale for just $1.59. Recommended for lovers of Austen, lovers of good historical fiction, and for lovers of fiction that “shows” the truth of Scripture in action instead of yammering on about it.