





Genres: Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance
Released on December 5, 2017
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
An invitation to return to the world of Ivy Hill was a delightful prospect for me. I might encounter the three lovely childhood friends- Jane, Rachel, and Mercy- who must all make their way in the world independently or any of the other village characters.
Review
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second of the Tales from Ivy Hill series. It flows right out of the first book, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill so does not make a good place to start.
The focus of this book is divided with an ongoing story of Jane who was the central figure of the first book, Mercy whose story is emerging, and Rachel who is the central figure of this book. I liked how the story flowed easily from friend to friend taking the reins of the narrative.
This is a gently paced book that is a series of village encounters for all the main players and their acquaintances. There are several interesting plot threads going on that range from character driven to mysteries to romances. While some threads are introduced and do not finish off in this book, others are tied off nicely.
The first book had more action and immediacy to it with all the work that was being done to save the inn and figure out who was sabotaging the efforts. Though, Ladies of Ivy Cottage is more divided in its focus; there were still some riveting moments when the ladies were faced with big, difficult choices. It took me a bit to get settled into the story and it didn’t read quickly for me. I didn’t mind once I got in sync with the pace that read more like women’s fiction or- an ongoing chronicle which this is.
I enjoyed the interplay between the three friends and also their personal stories that are going on. Jane, Mercy, and Rachel are all so very different and encounter much different issues in their lives though they lean on each other for support and wisdom. Each have their personal low points, but come into their own. Rachel, in true Jane Austen fashion, has her own second chance romance ala Persuasion-style playing out while Mercy is startled by sudden interest in her and Jane has to overcome her fears and grief before she can accept her own romance.
Like in book one when Jane had to do what she could to save her livelihood, Rachel and Mercy are faced with their own obstacles. Rachel’s subscription library has the whole village in a twitter while Mercy’s dreams of having a village charity school are foiled by lack of funds, but also her own parents’ desire to see her in a traditional situation of marriage and home. There is also a child with a secret past that may foil Mercy’s adoption efforts and a friend’s dark family secret that Rachel inadvertently stumbled over. Side characters like Thora, Andrew, and James are also getting their stories and they are just as interesting as the main story paths.
There are inspirational themes laced throughout with the biggest being letting go of improper pride when it comes to getting defensive about the past or relying on help from God and others.
The elements of mystery, personal growth, spiritual growth, and romance along with village life were just the thing. I continue to adore this author’s writing and look forward to what comes next from The Tales from Ivy Hill.
Challenges
New Release #191 Austenesque #47
Recommendations
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I didn’t know about this one but it looks good and it looks like something I could really enjoy as well
I was a latecomer to her books, but really loved her Secret of Pembroke Park so just kept getting her new releases. 🙂
I like the sound of the village, and I am glad you enjoyed it.
She really makes it feel like a busy, happening, but gentle place like a fairy tale village.
Glad to hear this is a good one. I like her writing style too.
It has such a gentle tone that helps me relax. LOL
I’m glad to see you were able to settle into it after a bit. What a pretty cover on this one.
I love the covers, too.
Yeah, it was busy, but in a slow-paced way and distracted me at times until I got in sync with the pace. Worth it.