About the Book
Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas
Author: Julie Klassen
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance
Release Date: September, 2020
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 many 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, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?
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My Review
Take me back to Ivy Hill any day, especially a day during the Christmas season where I can roam the quaint streets with old friends. Sharing a history with these authentic, loveable characters draws me to the pages. In my mind I leap onto the well-worn paths and country roads into the familiar homes with ease.
Klassen exposes some delightful Christmas traditions involving baskets filled to overflowing, caroling, giving, and including less fortunate people that spark a yearning to share.
Even while participating in the Christmas glitter and coverings, the characters cannot mask the ever-present problems of finances, work, society, politics, and relationships. Sound familiar? They are part of our lives today. For a needed retreat from the imposed solitude of today, go to the quaint, but far from perfect, life in Ivy Hill. Honestly, I want to return to this place often.
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 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and 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. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
More from Julie
My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.
An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.
In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind. I love a transformation story; don’t you?
If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:
“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.” —Booklist
“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly
And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.
Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”
Happy Christmas!
Blog Stops
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6
Connect in Fiction, December 6
Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Worthy2Read, December 7
Genesis 5020, December 7
Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7
Inklings and notions, December 7
Life of Literature, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Connie’s History Classroom, December 8
Batya’s Bits, December 8
Labor Not in Vain, December 8
Hallie Reads, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Older & Smarter?, December 9
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9
Betti Mace, December 9
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10
Faery Tales Are Real, December 10
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10
Mary Hake, December 10
Daysong Reflections, December 11
Bigreadersite, December 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11
Splashes of Joy, December 11
Vicky Sluiter, December 12
To Everything There Is A Season, December 12
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12
Blossoms and Blessings, December 12
The Write Escape, December 12
A Baker’s Perspective, December 13
Bizwings Blog, December 13
Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, December 13
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
Be sure to leave a comment and enjoy reading what others have to say.
The blurb sounds good. Past mistakes can haunt a person to their grave. Thanks for the chance.
Thank you for sharing. Love Julie’s books.
I would love to read this book.
Oh I love Julie Klassen books! This one sounds so good!
Marguerite’s glowing review of An Ivy Hill Christmas makes me want to take a trip back in time to visit such a place during Christmas. Reading the book will be the next best thing.