Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen is the first book in the series Tales From Ivy Hill. Isn't the cover gorgeous?! It looks so peaceful and calm. This book reminds me of Cranford so if you like shows like that you will definitely like this story. The story itself is very well done and keeps you guessing who will be with whom and if the characters are good or bad.

Jane Bell has been widowed for a year and is still in shock that her husband left her in charge of the coaching inn, The Bell. Then when she found out that her husband had taken out a loan without ever telling her and they are about to lose the inn, she is propelled into trying to save the place. But they only have three months to come up with a plan to prove to the bank that they can make enough to pay it off. Will they be able to or is all hope lost?

First off, I want to say that it was hard for me to get into this book at first. The story moved differently and you read from several perspectives which has never been my favorite way to read a story. But after the first chapter, I became interested in the characters and really felt for their predicaments. Honestly, this book has become my favorite from this author simply because it had so much depth and mystery and realistic struggles with relationships and life in general. Even if you don't typically read stories from this time period, I highly recommend you try it out. It is just so good from the plot to the characters and to the myriad of problems scattered throughout the story. I was rarely bored or disinterested; instead I was invested in what would happen to the characters and couldn't put the book down.

I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen is my new favorite book of hers. It has all the things I love - the Regency time period, a mystery, realistic characters, a great plot, wonderful writing, and the inability to put the story down. Lately the books I have read have made me wonder where all the great fiction ran off to, but with this story I have hope for more great books again. :-)

When Abigail Foster's family loses most of their money from a bad investment, Abigail decides to give up her dowry so her sister can still have her season in London. As she looks around for a cheaper, smaller house to rent, she begins to doubt they will find one acceptable to everyone. But then a chance comes for a nice estate to rent very cheaply. The only catch is that it hasn't been inhabited for almost twenty years and nobody will say why. When Abigail and her father arrive at Pembrooke Park, they are shocked at the state of the house. Everything is left just as it was twenty years ago even with the dishes still on the tea table. But why?

When Abigail hears the rumors swirling around of a treasure hidden somewhere in Pembrooke Park, she hopes to find it to reimburse her depleted dowry. As she settles in the house by herself, she becomes friends with William, the curate, and his sister, Leah. Abigail starts to hang out with them a lot and begins to admire the curate. But then her first love and best friend, Gilbert, visits her new neighborhood leaving Abigail confused and flustered. Gilbert seems to want to be with her, but what about William?

This story was sooo good! I loved how well everything came together at the end. So many little details you had to pay attention to with multiple stories and mysteries all swirling around the one big mystery. It was a fun read with some holding your breath moments, a little unpredictability, and some rooting for the guy you think she should have. ;-) I really liked Abigail. She is very smart, has a sweet spirit, and a lot of determination to figure out the secrets shrouding the estate. The parson was another great character. He was very giving and caring just how you would want a pastor to be. Thankfully, he wasn't at all like the parson in Pride and Prejudice. haha

If you have never read anything from this author before, definitely try this one! You won't be disappointed. :-)

I was given this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Dancing Master

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen is another well researched Regency novel. I couldn't wait to read her latest book, but I was surprised to find that the main character was actually Alec Valcourt, the dancing master, and not the girl who falls in love with him. I have to say, I really liked reading from the guy's perspective! It was so well-written, and I think this has become my favorite by the author. I didn't really like Julia Midwinter much, but I couldn't help but feel for her and sympathize with her because of Klassen's skill at character development. Even Lady Amelia grew on me the more I read of and about her, and it was refreshing to read Mr. Desmond's thoughts on her. It reminded me how it is in real life - we don't know what everybody else is struggling with so we shouldn't be quick to assume we know and understand why they do the things they do.

Alec Valcourt, a third generation dancing master, has found himself in a predictment. He has arrived in a town that doesn't allow dancing! Finding himself without a means to support his mother and sister, he accepts a job as clerk to Lady Amelia, the very lady who stopped all the dancing in Beaworthy.  Lady Amelia has one request for Mr. Valcourt... Don't talk to her daughter, Julia.

Alec and Julia both wonder what made Lady Amelia stop all the dancing twenty years ago. The mystery slowly unravels when Alec meets John Desmond and becomes closer to Julia.

There are a lot of interesting back stories in this book - Alec, Julia, Lady Amelia, John Desmond. It made the book very interesting, and  my husband can attest to the fact that I couldn't put this story down. haha If you love Regency novels or Jane Austen, you will love this book. It wasn't just a simple story. It had so much dimension and was filled with historical tidbits that I had never heard of before. I found the rough game outlined in the story and the history of the Bryanites fascinating.

I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.