Fans of Julie Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hill series will love the latest installment, An Ivy Hill Christmas.
Book Blurb
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?
My Thoughts
I love Klassen’s Tales from Ivy Hills series, so I was excited when I discovered this Christmas novella was coming. The story follows Thomas Brockwell’s younger brother, Richard.
It was fun seeing familiar characters from the series, especially Justina and Nicholas Ashford. Watching Richard’s transformation was the biggest treat, though. Klassen does a great job of contrasting his character with Murray’s, especially when it comes to orphan Jamie. And as Richard changes, so does his relationship with those around him, providing a delightful character arc as well as a romantic storyline.
The story also explores redemption and the transforming love of Christ, an important theme, especially in the Christmas season. At the beginning, Richard is skeptical of God. Instead of characters preaching at him, they show the love of Christ through their actions. And as Richard tries to overcome his past mistakes, Klassen invites you on your own journey to accept Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness.
Overall, An Ivy Hill Christmas is a wonderful read perfect for the holiday season.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
More Information
You can purchase An Ivy Hill Christmas at your favorite bookstore. If you click the image above, you can order it from bookshop.org. This website allows you to order books from your favorite independent bookstores.
For more Julie Klassen, check out her website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
If you haven’t read any of Julie Klassen’s Ivy Hill novels, check out my review for The Bride of Ivy Green. You can also read my review for her novel The Bridge to Belle Island.
