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English Ivy #2
Wild Heather: English Ivy Series #2
Olivia Hewes has one dream: to make Chatham Manor's wool-producing venture profitable. When she meets Randolph Sherbourne, the heir of her largest competitor, the two are drawn toward a forbidden love that will mean betraying both their families and the centuries-old feud that has separated them. But when the shocking truth about the death of Randolph's father is revealed, their future happiness seems doomed.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Palmer
83 books286 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 18, 2022
While this is a sequel to English Ivy, and does reference some of the same characters, it can be read as a standalone novel.
The Chatham and Thorne estates adjoin each other, but their inhabitants have been sworn enemies for hundreds of years. Olivia Hewes, mistress of Chatham manor, has a very difficult life - her father is dead; her mother drinks heavily, and her younger brother has many disabilities. Olivia is trying with all her might to manage the failing estate with only the help of an elderly steward, whom she is not sure she can completely trust. Although she goes to church, she feels that her earnest prayers only fall on deaf ears.
Randolph Sherborne, Lord Thorne, is an earnest Christian who takes to heart praying for and loving his enemies. And when he meets his enemy, beautiful Olivia Hewes, he is ready to take loving to the next level. But it is almost impossible to overcome hundreds of years of enmity between their two families.
Not only is there enmity between the two leading families of the district, there is a growing rift in the village church between those who believe in the literal interpretation of the scripture and those who believe there is some leeway in interpretation - specifically in the account of creation. The pastor preaches peace and unity, but there are others for whom division furthers a particular agenda. Interestingly, the author penned this novel during a time in her own church family when division was rampant. She makes some great observations about dealing with division in the church. And her novel is not filled with easy, pat answers. Her characters struggle, and see their dreams die and their efforts come to naught before they turn their lives over to God and allow Him to have his way.
The Chatham and Thorne estates adjoin each other, but their inhabitants have been sworn enemies for hundreds of years. Olivia Hewes, mistress of Chatham manor, has a very difficult life - her father is dead; her mother drinks heavily, and her younger brother has many disabilities. Olivia is trying with all her might to manage the failing estate with only the help of an elderly steward, whom she is not sure she can completely trust. Although she goes to church, she feels that her earnest prayers only fall on deaf ears.
Randolph Sherborne, Lord Thorne, is an earnest Christian who takes to heart praying for and loving his enemies. And when he meets his enemy, beautiful Olivia Hewes, he is ready to take loving to the next level. But it is almost impossible to overcome hundreds of years of enmity between their two families.
Not only is there enmity between the two leading families of the district, there is a growing rift in the village church between those who believe in the literal interpretation of the scripture and those who believe there is some leeway in interpretation - specifically in the account of creation. The pastor preaches peace and unity, but there are others for whom division furthers a particular agenda. Interestingly, the author penned this novel during a time in her own church family when division was rampant. She makes some great observations about dealing with division in the church. And her novel is not filled with easy, pat answers. Her characters struggle, and see their dreams die and their efforts come to naught before they turn their lives over to God and allow Him to have his way.
September 13, 2018
A good one with no doubt
April 10, 2019
I appreciated the spiritual truths and reminders conveyed more than the story itself for this second installment in the series.
August 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. However, like so many other stories, I feel like some important themes in the story could have played out a little more. The ending felt somewhat abrupt.
August 5, 2021
Really loved this piece of writing. It was so entertaining along with a beautiful love story. And also the setting of the story was so natural and has a kind of Victorian sense which I love.
August 29, 2013
The story of two feuding families and the the offspring who sought to promote peace through their shared attraction. But, wait, this isn't Verona(and this isn't Shakespeare). Rather, this is a reasonably entertaining read and, if pressed for a more concrete opinion, I shall simply say, "Well, I didn't DISlike it" and quickly change the subject to something about which I have a more decided opinion. This clever diversionary tactic never fails to call attention to one's inability to form an opinion.
One note for prospective readers: there is no need to read book one in this series prior to reading this installment, as there is little to no mention of the characters from the first novel and the chronology is non-evident in the storyline.
One note for prospective readers: there is no need to read book one in this series prior to reading this installment, as there is little to no mention of the characters from the first novel and the chronology is non-evident in the storyline.
August 22, 2014
Two feuding families in England find a need to try to bring peace to their family and town. But is rough going with the town divided, the church divided and the families themselves divided because of the generations of hatred for each other. One man tries to bring peace and love to the mix with disasterous results.
Unusual look at fetal alcohol syndrome during these early years - 1813. Rather realistic look at the difficulty of changing entrenched behaviors and feelings.
Unusual look at fetal alcohol syndrome during these early years - 1813. Rather realistic look at the difficulty of changing entrenched behaviors and feelings.
February 24, 2008
Two people join their estates and lives when all else is against it from a hundred year+ family quarrel. They choose to forgive and love, despite the continued problems from various relatives on bothsides.
December 7, 2015
I loved this book! Read a little over the last half in one night, I just couldn't put it down! I loved the setting & time it was set in. Such a different world than our own! Predictable that Olivia & Randolph would end up together, but there was so much that lead them to that place, a great story!
February 1, 2010
Awful. Just awful. Still looking for a good romance.
May 1, 2010
I loved it! I stayed up all night and finished it. I could not put it down.
July 11, 2010
Was a good book. I enjoyed it. Took place in Ireland. Some day want to visit that country.
November 11, 2010
Historical novel about two families with centuries of feuding between them, combined with controversy in the local church. A bit predictable, but mostly enjoyable. Good holiday read.
July 28, 2014
Book 1 of 3
January 13, 2013
It was a good storyline, an fairly interesting read! Great advise from the Bible~
April 1, 2015
It was a good story. I was a little disappointed by the ending, not that the two main characters ended up together (a given) but the language used was a bit over the top, not so realistic.
Read
September 13, 2015Read this book a few years ago. Nice story.
March 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this, I love historical fiction. Was a good read from start to finish. Great characters.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews